New York’s top-10 high school football programs
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (BVM) — As the upcoming high school football season comes into focus, teams within New York look to compete with some of the state’s powerhouse programs. Without a playoff system or state title game last year, teams around New York will be looking to take advantage of a more normal season in 2021.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the state’s most successful football programs throughout the years:
10. Jamestown
With a state title win back in 2014, the Red Raiders have only been able to capture one state championship since dominating Class AA and A throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. Jamestown’s four total state championships put them above many programs in the state and two straight successful regular seasons may have them contending once again.
9. Randolph
The Cardinals did most of their damage early on throughout the past 15 years, picking up four state championships from 2009-2014. The team’s fifth state title came back in 2005 after a run of championship wins in Class D. With some down seasons recently, Randolph will be looking to get back on track in 2021.
8. Rye
The Garnets have experienced recent regular season success as the program continues to search for another state title. Rye picked up three state championships from 2005-2009 but have yet to add another one in recent years. With continued success throughout the regular season, it’s only a matter of time before the Garnets land atop Class B again.
7. Cambridge
Along with Randolph, Cambridge has been a force throughout the decade in Class D. After back-to-back state title wins in 2016 and 2017, the program continues to make itself an annual contender. After a successful season back in 2019, Cambridge has continued to be a factor atop Class D.
6. Dobbs Ferry
The Eagles have seen most of their playoff success come during the early portion of the 2000’s. A title win in 2011 was the last of the team’s state title runs, but it helped Dobbs Ferry collect its fourth state championship. The program has enjoyed recent success throughout the regular season but will look to be atop Class C again.
5. New Rochelle
One of the biggest risers on this top-10 list has to be the Huguenots. After picking up a win in the most recent state championship, New Rochelle has propelled themselves into becoming one of Class AA’s most successful teams. The Huguenots have picked up three state championships since 1993 with two coming this past decade.
4. Troy
After a layoff from their state title wins back in 1996 and 1998, the Flying Horses got back in the record book, collecting back-to-back state title victories in 2016 and 2017. The recent run in Class AA has seen Troy dominate much of its schedule, becoming one of the more successful programs in the state. After an undefeated campaign in the shortened 2020 season, the Flying Horses should continue to be a lock for late season games.
3. Maine-Endwell
The Spartans started off the 2010’s hot, winning four-straight championships from 2011-2014. Maine-Endwell has been a force in both Class A and Class B piling up five total state titles. After a one loss season in the team’s 2020 campaign, the Spartans look ready to challenge the top of Class B.
2. Chenago Forks
Chenango Forks has done damage the past decade racking up four of its six state titles within the time frame. After dominating in Class C, the Blue Devils haven’t skipped a beat, winning a Class B state championship during the 2019 season. After a perfect record in the team’s shortened season last year, Chenango Forks looks primed for another late playoff run.
1. Aquinas
Aquinas has been the poster for success when it comes to their ability on the football field. The Little Irish are a competitor year-in-and-year-out in Class AA, dominating the division throughout the past decade. Head coach Derek Annechino hasn’t let Aquinas miss a beat since taking over, continuing to prove that his team is an annual contender. The Little Irish have won eight state championships since 1993 with their most recent coming in 2018.
