A rematch from last year’s Section II Class AA Championship between the Shenendehowa Plainsmen and the Christian Brothers Academy took place on Friday night at Troy High School.
The Brothers defeated the Plainsmen 18-15 in a nail biting finish that ruined the Plainsmen’s undefeated season.
The Plainsmen previously played the Brothers Oct. 6 and beat them 28-14.
The Plainsmen were missing two key players on both sides of the field. Sophomore Deegan Kalamajka, who sprained his ankle last week against the Scotties and was sidelined this week. Junior Ihsaan Alozie bruised a bone in his ankle very early into the game and never saw any more action.
The Plainsmen’s two touchdowns were run by senior Blake Mello in the 2nd and 4th quarters. In the second quarter, Mello intercepted the ball and ran down to the Brothers’ five yard line. On the second play, Mello rushed one yard into the end zone for his first touchdown to take the lead 7-6.
Heading into the second half CBA was ahead 12-7, then CBA intercepted a throw by quarterback Michael Whatley for a 98 yard return to extend their lead 18-7.
Plainsmen narrowed the score down to 18-15 in the 4th quarter. The Plainsmen got down to the Brothers’ one yard line again and Mello ran the ball in for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Whatley to Mello.
The Plainsmen’s defense let up only twelve points led by junior Nathan Heptig and senior Jason Clawson. Heptig had nine total tackles and one sack. Clawson had nine total tackles as well.
While the Plainsmen lost, they still advanced to the Regionals. They will take on Section I opponent Carmel Rams at Mahopac High School on Saturday at 3pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
