Shen High School loses Super Bowl after spectacular season
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — In the Section II Class AA Super Bowl, Shenendehowa’s remarkable football season ended with a 28-14 loss to the Christian Brothers Academy (CBA).
In 2021, the Shen Plainsmen had an incredibly productive season. They accumulated a record of 7-3, notching three more wins than during the COVID-shortened season last year. Their most impressive victories came in back-to-back wins against the Schenectady Patriots and Colonie Central Raiders, where Shen scored over 50 points in both games and limited the opposing offenses to a combined seven total points. The Plainsmen received a playoff berth and were ranked fourth in Section 2 AA League.
Shen’s offense was led by versatile senior athlete Michael McElrath, who played multiple offensive positions including running back, wide receiver and even took a few snaps under center as the quarterback. He also played the role of cornerback on defense. He led the Plainsmen in receiving yards (534) and rushing yards (304) for an average of 92.1 yards per game and totaled almost 1,000 yards on the season. He earned Offensive Player of the Game for Shen High School four times.
Shen was also led by the outstanding effort of their defense during the regular season, primarily their strong linebacking corps. Anthony Caprara, a senior outside linebacker, accumulated 80 total tackles, including eight tackles for a loss (TFL), in nine games. Eddie Voska, a junior middle linebacker, registered 68 total tackles and 10 TFL.
Shen’s first playoff game came against the first ranked team in Section II Class AA, the Shaker Bison. The Plainsmen shocked the Bison in a 17-14 upset, powered by McElrath’s 60 rushing yards and Patrick House’s two rushing touchdowns. This earned the Plainsmen an appearance in the Section II Class AA Super Bowl against the CBA Brothers.
Shen was prepared to win their second sectional title in three years, with their latest victory coming in 2019.
“Football in Clifton Park … means a lot to a lot of people,” Shen head coach Brian Clawson said. “To be able to get to the AA championship this year is very meaningful.”
Before the Section II Super Bowl, the Plainsmen were confident that they were going to earn a victory.
“Everybody has to know they’re key,” Shen’s quarterback, Mason Courtney, said. “Everybody has to know what their job is and do their job. We’re just going to come out and show who the better team is.”
“Championship football games are won and lost in the trenches and Friday night will be no different,” Clawson said before the game.
This would prove to be true as Shen registered zero sacks during the Super Bowl while CBA relied on their running game to churn out 21 first downs. This was a disappointing end to Shen’s successful season, but the team hopes to regroup and return to the championship next year.
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