TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Eldred’s Kevin Prunka (44) finds a hole behind a block from teammate Tom Compasso (32) in the early going. Prunka scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Haldane scored with 22 seconds left to eke out the win.

NYS Class D Quarterfinals

Shattered dreams

Eldred’s road to the Dome ends in tumultuous final-seconds loss to Haldane in regional final

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MAHOPAC, NY—Pain is an integral part of football. In the days following games, players feel the after effects of blows sustained in the hard-hitting contact of the fray. Being physically nicked up is something players accept and shake off, especially when they are abetted by winning’s healing tonic as they steel themselves for the next big game.

In Eldred’s case, that next big game was supposed to be at Dietz Stadium on November 16 in a New York State Class D semifinal. A win there would have sent them into the nirvana of a New York State championship game at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. A win against Haldane in the regional final on November 10 would have ended a Section Nine Class D drought that dates back to 1989.

click for story

My View

The winning perspective

By RICHARD A. ROSS

KINGSTON, NY—Perhaps temporarily overshadowed by its 33-0 loss to defending state champion Dobbs Ferry in the Class C regional final, a team that chalked up its 22nd consecutive victory, likely enroute to another state title, is the enormous victory of the Tri-Valley football program, coaches and players.

click for story

NYSPHSAA Cross-Country Championships

Devine takes second in state in Class A; Seidl is seventh in C

By RICHARD A. ROSS

NORFOLK, NY—If one were to chart Brendan Devine’s progress this season, the trend would show a steady rise in his times and places garnered in big races. After coming in second in the OCIAA league race to Cornwall’s Colin Anderson, Devine beat his rival for the Section Nine Class A title at Bear Mountain a week later.

click for story