Burke Catholic falls in Class D state football championship game – Mid Hudson News

SYRACUSE – Burke Catholic’s incredible run came to an end on Friday against a state football factory.

The Eagles ran into Buffalo area powerhouse Clymer/Sherman/Panama (CSP) at the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University.  CSP, a merged program made up of players from three tiny schools near the Pennsylvania border in Western New York, raced out to a quick 22-0 first-period lead en route to a 46-7 win in the Class D state championship game.

“It certainly wasn’t the result we were hoping for, but I am so proud of this team. We had a tremendous year,” said Burke coach Aaron Hasbrouck.  “(The JMA Wireless Dome) is the mecca for New York State football and, for a program that has only been around for 21 years, I am very proud.”

It was the third time in the state championship game for CSP, which came into the game ranked #1 in the New York State Sportswriters Association, and the team’s experience showed.  The Wolfpack, who won state championships in 2018 and 2019, scored on their first three possessions, on just 11 total plays, to grab a 22-0 lead just 8:21 into the game.

Burke’s best drive until the game’s final minutes came late in the first period.  A 43-yard kickoff return by Liam Gralton put the ball in CSP territory, and a 21-yard run by Josh Fiorello put the Eagles at the CSP 20-yard line.  Runs by Justin Mazzie and Fiorello moved Burke into the shadow of the CSP goalposts, but three incomplete passes stopped the drive.

A large part of CSP’s success came from its great field possession.  Of the Wolfpack’s first seven scoring drives, only one started from beyond their own 44-yard line.  A Burke fumble, interception, and two short punts gave CSP (11-2) the ball well within Eagles territory, and the Wolfpack made the best use of it.

“We hurt ourselves,” said Hasbrouck.  “But you will never see anyone in a Burke uniform back down.”

Burke (10-2) finally got on the scoreboard with 2:28 left on a three-yard run by Mazzie, and Chris Kliester added the extra point.  The Eagles’ score was set up by a 47-yard run by Mazzie.

For the day, Mazzie led the Eagles with 87 rushing yards, while Fiorello added 72. CSP’s highly touted passing game, behind quarterback all-state quarterback Tate Catanese, accounted for four touchdowns and 178 yards, on 12 of 16 attempts.

CSP’s Bryce Hinsdale, who recently became New York State’s all-time receptions leader, caught three passes, including one for a touchdown, as well as kicking three extra points and a field goal and catching a two-point conversion.