Scenes from Wednesday’s volleyball game between Pawling and Haldane.

Class AA

Ossining 3, North Rockland 0: At No. 1 Ossining, Mychael Vernon had 24 kills in a 25-21, 25-8, 25-19 win. The Pride will play No. 2 Ursuline in the section final Friday at Hendrick Hudson High School at 5 p.m.

Ursuline 3, New Rochelle 0: At No. 2 Ursuline, Katie McLoughlin (15 kills), Maura McGlynn (14 kills), and Charlotte Stivala (12 kills) paced the offense in a 25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 25-19 win. The Koalas will play No. 1 Ossining in the section final Friday at Hendrick Hudson High School at 5 p.m.

GAME STORY: Ursuline advances to third section final in six years

Class C

Pawling 3, Haldane 0: At No. 1 Pawling, Jaclyn Smith had 18 kills in a 27-25, 25-20, 25-16 win. The Tigers will play at No. 2 Dobbs Ferry in the section final Friday at Hendrick Hudson High School at 7:30 p.m.

POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL: Pawling heads into Class C final not speaking of record

Dobbs Ferry 3, Keio 0: At No. 2 Dobbs Ferry, Lauren Demitrovic had 15 kills and 14 digs in a 23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-5 win. The Eagles will play at No. 1 Pawling in the section final Friday at Hendrick Hudson High School at 7:30 p.m.

Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud

HIGH SCHOOL

LH Logo: Varsity Scores And Schedules

Wednesday’s results

Boys soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional semifinals

At Lakeland

Class A: Somers 3, Vestal 0

Class AA: New Rochelle 3, Ithaca 0

At Middletown

Class B: Hastings 2, Fallsburg 1

Field hockey

NYSAIS tournament

Holy Child 5, Masters 0

Rye Country Day 6, Brearley 1

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Semifinals

Class AA

Ossining 3, North Rockland 0

Ursuline 3, New Rochelle 1

Class C

Pawling 3, Haldane 0

Dobbs Ferry 3, Keio 1

Swimming

Section 1 championships: Individual & Relay trials at Felix Festa MS

Thursday’s events

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Semifinals

Class A

No. 4 Hen Hud at No. 1 Panas

No. 7 Rye at No. 3 Pelham

Class B

No. 4 Valhalla at No. 1 Lourdes

No. 3 Ardsley at No. 2 Westlake

Swimming

Section 1 championships: Individual & Relay finals at Felix Festa MS, 5 p.m.

Friday’s events

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Finals at Hen Hud

Class AA: No. 2 Ursuline vs. No. 1 Ossining, 5 p.m.

Class C: No. 2 Dobbs Ferry vs. No. 1 Pawling, 7:30 p.m.

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Scarsdale High School football coach Andy Verboys watches his team practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

SCARSDALE – Their coach has made it a habit of reminding them, but the Scarsdale players aren’t all that interested in discussing what occurred on their home field back in September against New Rochelle.

“It’s far in the past. We’re a new team,” senior quarterback Barry Klein said. “And it’s just not a great thought to think about.”

The Raiders were run over in that meeting, losing 34-0 on a night that seemed to suggest they weren’t ready to contend for a Section 1 title. But, less than two months later, here they are, poised for a rematch against a Class AA juggernaut in the program’s first title game ever.

SCHEDULE: Section 1 playoff results and schedule

CLASS B PREVIEW: Pleasantville driven to prove win was no fluke

CLASS C PREVIEW: Rematch a whole new game for Woodlands, Dobbs Ferry

CLASS D PREVIEW: Tuckahoe, Haldane thankful for second season

Is flipping the outcome of what coach Andy Verboys has dubbed “a thumping” even possible?

“I think we know we can win,” senior running back Nick Leone said. “We know we’re a completely different team. I think if we come out and play our kind of football, we have a shot.”

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale’s brand of football has become more defined in recent weeks and has spurred the team to rip off three straight postseason wins, including two on the road against John Jay-East Fishkill and Arlington, which were 14-1 combined. The surge has centered around the return of Klein from a broken bone in his left wrist. He has kept the option offense humming with big runs and quick decisions and learned new techniques to take snaps and pitch the ball because of a protective brace.

It hasn’t slowed him down. If anything, Klein has played his best football ever.

“Barry has really developed as an option quarterback,” Verboys said. “He’s such a student of the game. He’s a perfectionist.”

Scarsdale’s optimism for its rematch with New Rochelle doesn’t hinge on Klein alone. He has helped the Raiders play with more speed and tempo, but so have other personnel changes.

Since that loss back on Sept. 16, Leone, who leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, has shifted from halfback to fullback. Alex Miller replaced him on the wing and has blossomed as a runner and receiver.

CLASS AA SEMIFINAL: Even New Rochelle shutout leaves DiRienzo wanting more

The defense has been buoyed by the decision to move two-way starter Robert Keith to linebacker, among other tweaks.

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We were trying to find the right position for kids — where did they fit best,” Verboys said. “That’s why there’s been a lot of changes since Week 3, so we’re a different team. They’re a different team, too. But New Rochelle is New Rochelle. They’re the best of the best. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

No one on Scarsdale will dispute that the Huguenots are the favorite. In fact, the Raiders admit they felt a sense of accomplishment just making it to Mahopac, where the teams will meet Saturday at noon.

Still, with its identity fully formed and its confidence soaring, Scarsdale has pinned its focus on accomplishing the unthinkable.

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The bus ride back from Arlington was pretty exciting. After that, we had to focus on New Rochelle,” Klein said. “We had a goal in mind to win the section championship. We’re getting closer to that goal. We just need to keep playing our game.”

And have a short memory.

Twitter:  @lohudinsider

Scarsdale High School football player Nick Leone at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scouting report

Class AA championship

No. 2 New Rochelle (9-0) vs. No. 5 Scarsdale (7-2)

When: Saturday, 12 p.m.

Where: Mahopac High School

Last meeting: Sept. 16, New Rochelle d. Scarsdale, 34-0

Leaders: New Rochelle — Passing: Jonathan Saddler (698 yards); Rushing: Romeo Holden (679); Receiving: Holden (351); Touchdowns: Holden (14). Scarsdale — Passing: Barry Klein (395); Rushing: Nick Leone (682); Receiving: Robert Keith (242); Touchdowns: Leone (10).

Keep an eye on: Holden and running back Jared Baron have been slowed by ankle injuries — Holden in particular. He is the Huguenots’ game-breaker, averaging 14.7 yards on his 70 touches this season. Scarsdale has its own batch of playmakers, led by Leone, who is a threat as a runner, receiver and especially as a kick returned. Also watch Klein’s ability to take shots downfield, specifically to big targets Robert Keith and Thomas Jacobson.

Prediction: New Rochelle 20, Scarsdale 7. The Huguenots may not be their sharpest offensively, but they just aren’t an easy team to score against. They will be well-schooled on how to stop the option and will force Scarsdale to make plays through the air.

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein and running back Nick Leone run some drills during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein and running back Nick Leone run some drills during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein and running back Nick Leone run some drills during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Members of the Scarsdale High School football team practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football quarterback Barry Klein during practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football player Barry Klein at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football coach Andy Verboys watches his team practice at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Scarsdale High School football player Nick Leone at the school on Nov. 2, 2016.

Hendrick Hudson lost to Owego in five games during the Class B regional final at John Jay High School in Cross River, Nov. 14, 2015.

At least Wednesday was uneventful, right?

Four teams punched their tickets into the Section 1 volleyball finals and the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title in 108 years. What a time to be alive. The remaining four spots in the section finals will be determined tonight, with the Class A and Class B semifinals on tap. I’ll be covering the Class B final between No. 3 Ardsley at No. 2 Westlake. Be sure to follow along on Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram for updates from the match.

My Snapchat story from the New Rochelle-Ursuline semifinal Wednesday will be up until 4:30 p.m. All social media handles are @zacchio_lohud. I’ve attached some related links below, for your convenience:

VOLLEYBALL: Ursuline advances to third section final in six years

VOLLEYBALL: Section 1 Class AA, C semifinal results, recaps

VOLLEYBALL: Section 1 Class A, B quarterfinal results, recaps

Here’s the schedule for Thursday, Nov. 3:

Section 1 tournament

Semifinals

Class A

No. 4 Hen Hud at No. 1 Panas, 4:30 p.m.

No. 7 Rye at No. 3 Pelham, 4:30 p.m.

Class B

No. 4 Valhalla vs. No. 1 Lourdes at Arlington High School, 4:30 p.m.

No. 3 Ardsley at No. 2 Westlake, 4:30 p.m. — live coverage

Zacchio’s prediction record last night: 4-0

Zacchio’s prediction record for the tournament: 38-7

Click here to see the complete list of Zacketology predictions

All four Section 1 champions will have an opportunity to win regional titles in the next couple of days, which would be an impressive feat. The games will continue to get tougher as each team moves through the bracket, so give you an idea of what to expect, here’s the information that I’ve been able to gather on their opponents.

Before the games begin, be sure to listen to our latest #lohudsoccer podcast, which features my interviews with New Ro coach Jarohan Garcia and Somers coach Brian Lanzetta.

New Rochelle and Ithaca in the boys soccer regional semifinal at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak Nov. 2, 2016

Class AA regional final

New Rochelle (11-4-4) vs. Section 9’s Newburgh Free Academy (12-6)

When: Saturday at 3 p.m.

Where: Middletown HS

Key players: NR— Harwan Alzuabidi, Sr., F; Omar Espinoza, Jr., MF; Omar Tejeda, Sr., MF; Felipe Tobon, Jr., D; Cristian Valencia, Sr., D. NFA — Jose Alvarez, Sr., F; Steven Beleno, Sr., MF; Jakob Myrtja, Sr., GK; Jeaneste Pierre, Sr., D; Mateo Russo, Sr., MF.

Outlook: From 2008-11, Newburgh Free Academy was considered a New York powerhouse, with the high-point coming when the Goldbacks won the Class AA state title in ’09. In more recent times, they’ve struggled to make it out of Section 9, but that changed with Monday’s 1-0 win over Monroe-Woodbury for the sectional championship. Now, NFA is back on the big stage, thanks in large part to the play of Russo. The senior netted the winning goal with 2:03 to play in the final and leads the team with 19 from the midfield position. NFA coach Matt Iorlano called him “a go-to guy” and “a dangerous dude,” so the Huguenots would be wise to keep a close eye on him. Alvarez is another All-Section player for the Goldbacks who they’ll try to run their offense through up top. It will be more difficult for NFA to hone in on one or two of New Ro’s players because the Huguenots are getting contributions from all over. Every game, it seems like a different guy is stepping up and chipping in a goal. In Wednesday’s regional semifinal win over Section 4 champ Ithaca, it was Alzuabidi, Leo Vargas and Oscar Espinoza. In the sectional final, it was Valencia with two goals to seal the win over defending champion Arlington. That depth and unpredictability is what has led to this newfound success for the Huguenots. And after winning their last two games by a combined score of 6-0, New Ro’s confidence is at an all-time high. The Goldbacks should be a tougher test than Ithaca, but there’s a lot to like about the way that the Huguenots are playing.

Coach speak: “At this point in the season, every team left is a balanced team. We need to make sure we stick to the elements of our game that have been working for us. 1. Live in the moment and understand that when your number gets called, you must work to the best of your potential. And 2. Play our game, especially when aspects of the game aren’t going our way.” — New Rochelle coach Jarohan Garcia

Up next: The winner will play the Long Island champion at Middletown High in the state semifinals at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 12.

Somers defeated Vestal in the boys soccer regional semifinal at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak Nov. 2, 2016

Class A regional final

Somers (17-2-2) vs. Section 9’s Goshen (14-3-2)

When: Friday at noon

Where: Middletown HS

Key players: Som — Luke Bugoni, Sr., D; Evan Keiltyka, Sr., MF/D; Kenny Kurtz, Sr., GK; Jack Maher, Sr., MF; Jon Riina, So., F. Gos — Alex Alejo, Sr., MF; Michael Glick, Sr., GK; Michael Grald, Sr., D; Brendan Hughes, Sr., D; Tom Stickley, Jr., F.

Outlook: After losing to Section 9 foe Cornwall twice during the regular season, it’s probably fair to say that Goshen wasn’t expected to be here. In fact, it was Cornwall which eliminated the Gladitors in the playoffs each of the previous two years. All of that recent history made Goshen’s 1-0 overtime upset on Monday that much more shocking, and now this is the team that is standing between Somers and a trip to the state final four. I actually had a chance to see the Gladiators play at the Section 1 vs. Section 9 Challenge on Oct. 11, where they beat Valhalla 1-0 in OT. The fact that Goshen played such a close game against a Class B team that didn’t make it out of the Section 1 quarterfinals is probably a good sign for the Tuskers, but clearly the Gladiators are playing well of late. Their coach, Mike Kelly, is well-respected around the state and should be able to do some interesting things tactically. It doesn’t seem like Goshen puts up a lot of goals, and with the way the Somers’ defense has been playing (two goals allowed in five playoff games), I’m not expecting a shootout here. It was encouraging to see the Tuskers’ breakout offensively in their 3-0 regional semifinal win over Section 4 champ Vestal. Their young talent, like Riina, Lucas Fecci, Max Grell and Drew Lasher, seems to grow more comfortable with each passing round. I like Somers’ chances to move on, but first-year coach Brian Lanzetta is guarding against overconfidence.

Coach speak: “We’re looking forward to just being in the regional final. It’s an experience of a lifetime. The future can’t tell us if we’ll ever be back here. We are prepared and ready to play and give it everything that we’ve got.” — Somers coach Brian Lanzetta 

Up next: The winner will play the Long Island champion at Middletown High in the state semifinals at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 12.

Hastings defeated Fallsburg 2-1 in the Class B boys soccer semifinal at Middletown High School Nov. 2, 2016.

Class B regional final

Hastings (18-1-1) vs. Section 8’s Carle Place (10-5-2)

When: Saturday at 4 p.m.

Where: Mitchell Field in Garden City

Key players: RN — Hs — Alex Bourgeois, Jr., D; Nate Constantine, Sr., D; Oscar Pereira, Sr., D; Andrea Russo, Sr., MF; Jackson Silverstein, Sr., F. CP — Tommy Browne, Sr., F; Marc Chiappone, So., MF; Jon Flecker, Sr., MF; Stephen Padilla, Jr., MF; Chris Ruscillo, Sr., GK.

Outlook: The Class B field in Long Island, as usual, was very competitive this season. When the dust settled, it was Carle Place advancing past Section 11 champ Center Moriches on penalty kicks to get to this point. The Frogs tackled a tough schedule with many AA and A opponents and should be one of the best teams that Hastings has seen all year. They rely heavily on Browne, who led the team with 16 goals. No one else had more than five for Carle Place, so expect Browne to receive some extra attention from Bourgeois, Pereira and Co. The Yellow Jackets’ attack is a bit more balanced, but Silverstein was the man in the regional semifinal win over Section 9 champ Fallsburg. He scored both goals, including the winner with three minutes to play, all while dealing with a deep cut in his eyebrow which would require seven stitches after the game. The senior striker has been cleared by the doctor to play on Saturday and he should have plenty of help. Pereira leads the team with 15 goals and 10 assists, while others such as Russo, Willem Bos and Diego Rodriguez are more than capable of chipping in. We’ve seen their offense firing on all cylinders earlier this season, but coach Fred Sandhop didn’t seem overly pleased with how they’ve played in the last few games. Hastings keeps finding ways to win, but Sandhop believes they’ll need to put forth a better effort to get by a team like the Frogs. Look for the Jackets to try and get back to their style of possession and using their speed on the wings.

Coach speak: “Carle Place is currently ranked fourth in Class B for New York State and Hastings is ranked third. Big deal. Rankings and talent with mean nothing for 80 minutes. Which team will show up with heart, determination and execute that near-perfect game? Long Island teams are proven workhorses. Carle Place will be smart, quick and well-coached – not to mention, we’ll be playing in their backyard.” — Hastings coach Fred Sandhop

Up next: The winner will play the winner between Ichabod Crane (Section 2) and Ogdensburg Free Academy (Section 10) at Middletown High in the state semifinals at 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 12.

—

Class C regional final

North Salem (13-5) vs. Section 9’s S.S. Seward (14-2-2)

When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Byram Hills HS

Key players: NS — Michael Bossi, So., MF; Michael Dutt, Sr., MF; Jake Leicht, Sr., D; John Martabano, Sr., MF; Mike Selzer, Sr., F. SS — Nick Codi, Sr., MF; Jack Gardiner, Jr., F; Kris Richner, Sr., MF; Joe Villani, Sr., D; Logan Wood, Sr., MF.

Outlook: Seward is coming off of a dramatic finish and an unforgettable upset in the regional semifinals against Section 11 champ Pierson. The Spartans were on the verge of being eliminated when Gardiner equalized on a free kick with just six seconds remaining in regulation. In overtime, Wood completed the win with a header goal to send Seward to Saturday’s meeting against North Salem. It’s not too often a Section 9 team knocks off the Long Island champ, which tells me that the Tigers are in for a fight. They’ve had plenty of time to rest recently, with only one game in the nine days leading up to the regional final. If they had any nagging injuries, the recovery time will surely be beneficial. But there is also something to be said about being sharp and in rhythm. It’s a delicate balance, and we’ll see if North Salem is able to find it. The Tigers dominated possession against Haldane in the Section 1 final, out-shooting the Blue Devils 29-5, but it took almost 110 minutes for them to find the back of the net. Getting an early goal would be a huge relief this time around, but Seward seems to have some weapons of its own, led by leading-scorer Gardiner. I’m expecting this to be a very close match that could go either way.

Coach speak: “Despite dominating the play and shot count (against Haldane), we came away scoreless. Consequently, our boys were fiercely-determined. I am very proud of the effort that each of them put into the game.” — North Salem coach Ron Hendrie

Up next: The winner will play the winner between Maple Hill (Section 2) and Potsdam (Section 10) at the Middletown High in the state semifinals at 9:15 a.m. on Nov. 12.

Twitter: @vzmercogliano

Ossining’s Aubrey Griffin drives to the net during a Section 1 Class AA girls basketball semifinal with New Rochelle at the Westchester County Center Feb. 25, 2016.

Aubrey Griffin’s highly anticipated sophomore season has ended before it started.

The Ossining forward phenom tore her ACL during a fall league game this past weekend, meaning she will miss the upcoming season. Pride head coach Dan Ricci confirmed the news to The Journal News/lohud Wednesday night. Griffin garnered first-team all-state honors last year after helping the Pride to their fourth consecutive Class AA NYSPHSAA championship and first Federation title in program history.

ALL-STATE: 2016 girls basketball all-state teams announced

FEDERATION: Ossining girls get comeback Federation title win

FOUR IN A ROW: Ossining wins unprecedented fourth straight ‘AA’ state title

Griffin, a lanky 6-foot forward who has already picked up offers from Seton Hall, Louisville, and Miami, was going to a key cog in the Pride’s quest to become the first team to ever win five consecutive NYSPHSAA titles. Ossining is already armed with UConn-committed senior Andra Espinoza-Hunter, and Division I sophomore prospects Kailah Harris and Jaida Strippoli in its starting lineup.

“It’s a shame because this team has the possibility of being the most talented team we have had here,” Ricci said. “Nobody has worked harder on their game in the offseason in my 25 years here than Aubrey and it kills me that she can’t be out there with her teammates.”

Ossining will open its Section 1 schedule on Dec. 7, when it hosts Scarsdale at 4:15 p.m.

Twitter:  @Zacchio_LoHud, @LoHudGirlsHoops

Ossining defeated Long Island Lutheran 64-54 in the girls Class A final of the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions at the Times Union Center in Albany March 19, 2016.

Ossining defeated Long Island Lutheran 64-54 in the girls Class A final of the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions at the Times Union Center in Albany March 19, 2016.

Ossining’s Aubrey Griffin (44) goes up for a shot in front of Long Island Lutheran’s Grace Stone (10) during the girls Class A final of the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions at the Times Union Center in Albany March 18, 2016.

Ossining defeated Monroe Woodbury 59-44 in the girls Class AA regional final at Orange Community College in Middletown March 4, 2016.

Ossining’s Aubrey Griffin (44) brings the ball up the court against Monroe Woodbury during first half action in the girls Class AA regional final at Orange Community College in Middletown March 4, 2016. Ossining won the game 59-44.

Ossining freshmen Jaida Strippoli, left, and Aubrey Griffin during the Class AA final at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2016.

Ossining’s Aubrey Griffin drives the ball around Our Lady of Lourdes’ Katie Clarke during their game in Ossining, Feb. 20, 2016. Ossining beat Lourdes, 90-27.

Yorktown sophomore Caitlyn Ferrante poses after winning the New York state girls tennis tournament singles’ title on Monday, Oct. 31st, 2016.

Caitlyn Ferrante accomplished a bit of history for Yorktown on Monday.

Despite losing in the Section 1 tournament final to Briarcliff’s Rebecca Lim, Ferrante was able to clinch a spot at the state tournament this past weekend at Sound Shore Indoor Tennis in Port Chester, becoming the first girl from Yorktown’s program to do so.

The sophomore took it a step further, marching all the way to the final, which included a revenge win over Lim in the quarterfinals, and on the morning of Halloween, defeated Our Lady of Mercy’s Julia Andreach 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to claim the state’s singles title.

Ferrante spoke with The Journal News/lohud on Tuesday about how she was able to come back in that final match, as well as how she got into the sport.

When your final game was at match point, how did it feel when you won?

I was just so excited and so happy that I was able to finish. I knew I could do it, but it was surreal that I actually won. It was so crazy.

How realistic did you think winning states was at the start of the year?

When I made it to states, I actually said to my coach after I lost the sectional final, I said to him “I’m going to do it. I’m going to win states,” so now that happened, it’s actually crazy. I was actually joking with him when I said that, but that it actually happened was pretty crazy.

Yorktown’s Caitlyn Ferrante, pictured during the second day of New York State girls tennis tournament at Sound Shore Indoor Tennis in Port Chester on Sunday, Oct. 30th, 2016.

You lost your first set 6-1, what do you think was going wrong and how were you able to turn it around?

I was a little nervous at the beginning and very tense, and Julia came out playing so well, she was hitting really good serves. The second set, I won the first game and got some momentum and I just started playing to her weaknesses. Her forehand started to break down a little bit, and I just kept playing the way I was and it was working, so I kept at it. After I won that set, I knew I could do it.

Now that some time has passed, does winning the title still feel surreal?

Yeah, it is still. I’m the first girl to have ever won states at my school, or even qualify for states. Everyone is just congratulating me, it feels like it’s not even real, but it is. It’s crazy. I’m just really proud of the way I played.

GIRLS TENNIS: 2016 regular season all-stars

GIRLS TENNIS: Ursuline wins Section, tops final rankings

How did you get into tennis?

My brother, Rob, he started playing, he’s 27 now, I basically grew up watching him play at tournaments, I traveled with him. He’s a really good player and everything, I kind of fell into that, and that’s how I started. I started playing when I was around five. I just loved it, and I still do.

Between you and Rob, who’s the better tennis player?

Well, he only made it to the quarterfinals at states, so I beat him that. He’s so happy for me though, and he was there watching.

Yorktown’s Caitlyn Ferrante, pictured during the second day of New York State girls tennis tournament at Sound Shore Indoor Tennis in Port Chester on Sunday, Oct. 30th, 2016.

What do you think you’ll have to do to defend your title?

I just have to work really hard and have the same mindset that I came into states with. I’m just going to do my best and try my hardest the whole season and try to make it to states, and then if I make it, just keep going like I did this year.

After the tournament, were you able to celebrate Halloween?

No, it was kind of annoying, it’s my favorite holiday but I had to miss it. I’m going to go to dinner this weekend, but I had so much work to do because I missed (Monday) and I didn’t do homework over the weekend, so I have to do that.

I assume missing Halloween was worth it, though?

Oh yeah, definitely!

Twitter:  @Szkolar_Lohud

Yorktown’s Caitlyn Ferrante, pictured during the second day of New York State girls tennis tournament at Sound Shore Indoor Tennis in Port Chester on Sunday, Oct. 30th, 2016.

From left, Somers seniors Matt Pires and Messiah Horne will be facing Yorktown on Saturday night in the class A championship game at Mahopac High School.

LINCOLNDALE – Six or so decades ago, Tony DeMatteo went to a Rye football game with a girlfriend from Eastchester. It left an impression, to say the least.

“They were good back then, too, and they were killing somebody,” the Somers coach said. “They’ve always been good. I don’t think anyone has ever scored 66 points on Rye, so what Yorktown did got my attention. It was scary.”

SCHEDULE: Section 1 playoff results and schedule

CLASS AA PREVIEW: Scarsdale believes it brings different team into rematch

CLASS B PREVIEW: Pleasantville driven to prove win was no fluke

CLASS C PREVIEW: Rematch a whole new game for Woodlands, Dobbs Ferry

CLASS D PREVIEW: Tuckahoe, Haldane thankful for second season

With their depth and explosiveness, the Huskers can have that effect on people. They will enter Saturday night’s much-anticipated Class A championship as the favorite and not just because of last week’s 66-42 semifinal wipeout, which, indeed, was the most points ever allowed by Rye.

Yorktown’s sparkling resumé also includes a 34-13 defeat of Somers that sent a clear message to its rival. The Tuskers have improved since then, winning six straight. Now they will learn the extent of that improvement.

“We’re making many fewer mistakes than we did in the past,” DeMatteo said. “We are better. Are we good enough to beat Yorktown? We’re going to find out.”

Like the Huskers, Somers has high-impact playmakers capable of changing a game. Senior running back Messiah Horne has rushed for 1,456 yards and 20 touchdowns, including 1,186 yards during the six-game winning streak.

Horne’s load has been lightened since the Yorktown loss. The coaching staff replaced him at defensive back with Andrew Cassin to keep Horne fresh on offense.

Horne, one of The Journal News’ Super 11 this preseason, has also benefited from Matt Pires’ return. He has averaged 33.0 yards per catch and scored 16 touchdowns. Then, in last week’s semifinal win over Brewster, Pires kicked in six carries for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He had another called back due to a penalty.

CLASS A SEMIFINAL: Somers hangs on to win wild one over Brewster

CLASS A SEMIFINAL: Yorktown rocks Rye 66-42 to secure spot in ‘A’ final

“Matt’s a great player. He’s really exciting to watch,” Horne said. “It does take a lot of weight of my back to have another player who can make those kind of plays.”

Pires burned Yorktown for two touchdowns back in September. They vaulted his team ahead 13-12 heading into the fourth quarter, but the lead was fleeting.

“Personally, I just feel like we gave up,” Pires said. “Ever since that loss, we said, ‘OK, we’re not going to be able to kick everybody’s you-know-what’s every game.’ That brought us back to earth and has made us a much better team.”

Somers believes it has made great strides up front, which could allow the offense to open more running lanes for Horne and provide more time for 1,000-yard passer Kevin Olifiers. The defense has been bolstered by the emergence of linebacker Antonio Vieira, who had a hand in a remarkable 23 tackles last week.

Even with a handful of true game-breakers, Somers knows it will need contributions from more than just a handful of players. A few long touchdowns probably won’t be enough to beat a team as talented as Yorktown.

“That’s not the way we want to win this game,” Pires said. “We want to have long drives, pushing down the field, and be able to run the ball, throw the ball. We want to get the ball to different people. We don’t want to decide to have Messiah and I try and win this game.”

“This is a great opportunity for our team,” Horne said. “We obviously want revenge to get them back. We’re just going to have a great week of practice and try to keep it going.”

Twitter:  @lohudinsider

From left, Somers seniors Messiah Horne and Matt Pires will be facing Yorktown on Saturday night in the class A championship game at Mahopac High School.

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Scouting report

Class A championship

No. 1 Yorktown (9-0) vs. No. 3 Somers (8-1)

When: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Mahopac High School

Last meeting: Sept. 16, Yorktown d. Somers, 34-13

Leaders: Yorktown — Passing: Jose Boyer (1,155 yards); Rushing: Brett Makar (1,172); Receiving: Brandon Meyreles (289); Touchdowns: Makar (21). Somers — Passing: Kevin Olifiers (1,202); Rushing: Messiah Horne (1,456); Receiving: Matt Pires (660); Touchdowns: Horne (20).

Keep an eye on: Both sides boast several explosive offensive players. Horne and Pires have combined for 36 touchdowns. Pires is dangerous as a receiver who averages over 30 yards per catch and now as a runner. The Huskers might have more depth and balance, but stars Boyer (Notre Dame) and Makar (Maryland) are Division I lacrosse commits with the athleticism to flip the momentum in a flash. Yorktown took the first meeting by controlling the line of scrimmage, so Somers will have to be stronger up front to win. It will also need to get Pires more involved after he had just three touches in the first meeting.

Prediction: Yorktown 38, Somers 21

From left, Somers seniors Matt Pires and Messiah Horne will be facing Yorktown on Saturday night in the class A championship game at Mahopac High School.

Westlake’s Caleigh Carr (29) celebrates with her teammate after winning a point against Ardsley during Section 1 Class B girls volleyball semifinal at Westlake High School in Thornwood Nov. 3, 2016.

THORNWOOD – As the Westlake football team entered the Westlake High School gymnasium moments before the start of a winner-take-all fifth set in the Section 1 Class B semifinal Thursday, scoreboard operator Carolyn Kaufman acknowledged what she saw as a positive omen for the Wildcats.

“Our seventh man just showed up,” she said.

Westlake opened the decisive set with a seven-point run, prompting a timeout call from Ardsley head coach Dave Ponterio, before running away with a 25-14 win. Wildcats players stormed the court in celebration, many of whom were overcome with emotion.

Sophomore Sydney Roell wrapped her legs around a teammate’s back after jumping into her arms. Junior Antonia Perino ran into her mother’s arms after hearing her screams echo throughout the gym. Senior captain Kelly Martin was in tears.

The middle blocker wrote about the team’s section final loss from two years ago in her college essay, and will now get the chance to avenge the loss when second-seeded Westlake takes on top-seeded Lourdes on Saturday at John Jay-Cross River High School — the same site as the 2014 final.

“The past two years, I’ve wanted to get back there so badly because I know we could’ve won that game,” she said, her voice cracking between octaves. “It was such a motivator. I just want to leave a good mark on Westlake volleyball.”

VOLLEYBALL: 2016 Section 1 tournament preseason predictions

RANKINGS: Westlake cracks Top 10 in final regular season rankings

COLUMN: Volleyball’s chants, cheers, choreography

SCOREBOARD:  Class A, Class B semifinal results​

POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL:  With spirit, Lourdes volleyball reaches section final

Third-seeded Ardsley led during the entirety of the opening set, and did not fall behind to the Wildcats until a 6-5 deficit in the second set. Senior Briana Toledo played well beyond her 5-foot-2 stature as a hitter, serving as a terrific alternate option to her hard-hitting classmate Marie McNerney.

The Panthers’ relentless play, plus the 50 or so student fans that made the trip from Ardsley, got to the Westlake players at times. The Wildcats had difficulty serving throughout the first two sets, particularly senior Allie Iannucci.

Iannucci, who kicked off the afternoon with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, walked off to the side to compose herself following a serve that went under the net to give Ardsley set point in the fourth.

“Volleyball, honestly, brings out all of my emotions,” Iannucci said. “I’m not an emotional person outside of the game, and volleyball brings out all of the emotions, whether it’s crying, whether it’s anger, happiness — it’s amazing.”

Wildcats head coach Carmen Bates, who was otherwise speechless after the match, said she was most proud of her team’s ability to close out a five-set match.

“They came out to play,” she said.

Twitter:  @Zacchio_LoHud

Ardsley’s Kruti Sutaria (10) and Christina Chu (4) block Westlake’s Sydney Roell (8) shot during Section 1 Class B girls volleyball semifinal against Ardsley at Westlake High School in Thornwood Nov. 3, 2016.

Westlake’s Kelli Kinlen (18) and Caleigh Carr (29) celebrates with their teammates after winning a point against Ardsley during Section 1 Class B girls volleyball semifinal at Westlake High School in Thornwood Nov. 3, 2016.

Westlake’s Kelli Kinlen (18) dives for the ball during Section 1 Class B girls volleyball semifinal at Westlake High School in Thornwood Nov. 3, 2016.

LH Logo: Varsity Scores And Schedules

HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday’s results

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Semifinals

Class A

No. 1 Panas 3, No. 4 Hen Hud 1

No. 3 Pelham 3, No. 7 Rye 1

Class B

No. 1 Lourdes 3, No. 4 Valhalla

No. 2 Westlake 3, No. 3 Ardsley 2

Friday’s events

Boys soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional Finals

At Middletown

Class A: Somers vs. Goshen (Section 9), noon

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Finals at Hen Hud

Class AA: No. 2 Ursuline vs. No. 1 Ossining, 5 p.m.

Class C: No. 2 Dobbs Ferry vs. No. 1 Pawling, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s events

Boys soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional Finals

At Byram Hills

Class C: SS Seward (Section 9) vs. North Salem, 1:30 p.m.

At Middletown

Class AA: New Rochelle vs. Newburgh Free Academy (Section 9), 3 p.m.

At Diamond in the Pines, Long Island

Class B: Hastings vs. Carle Place (Section 8), 2:30 p.m.

Girls soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional finals

At Middletown

Class A: Pearl River vs. Goshen (Section 9), 11 a.m.

At Yorktown

Class C: Port Jefferson (Section 11) vs. Haldane, 11:30 a.m.

Field hockey

NYSPHSAA Regional finals

At Valhalla

Class A: Kingston (Section 9) vs. Scarsdale, 3 p.m.

Class B: Red Hook (Section 9) vs. Lakeland, 11 a.m.

Class C: Rondout Valley (Section 9) vs. Bronxville, 1 p.m.

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Finals at Hendrick Hudson High School

Class B final, 2 p.m.

Class A final, 4:30 p.m.

Panas takes on Yorktown at the Vikings Volleyball Tournament at Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Class A

Panas 3, Hen Hud 1: At No. 1 Panas, Yvette Burcescu had 26 kills, four aces, and 15 digs in a 16-25, 25-13, 25-18, 26-24 win. The top-seeded Panthers will play No. 3 Pelham in the section final Saturday at John Jay-Cross River at 4:30 p.m.

Pelham 3, Rye 1: At No. 3 Pelham, Sydney Shotkoski had 25 assists and three aces in a 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23 win. The Pelicans will play No. 1 Panas in the section final Saturday at John Jay-Cross River at 4:30 p.m.

Class B

Lourdes 3, Valhalla 0: At Arlington High School, Jessica D’Auria added 12 kills, seven digs, four aces and two blocks for No. 1 Lourdes in a 25-18, 25-16, 26-24 win over No. 4 Valhalla. The Warriors will play No. 2 Westlake in the section final Saturday at John Jay-Cross River at 2 p.m.

POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL: With spirit, Lourdes reaches section final

Westlake 3, Ardsley 2: At No. 2 Westlake, Sydney Roell had 12 kills in a 25-19, 25-17, 25-15 win. The Wildcats will play No. 1 Lourdes in the section final Saturday at John Jay-Cross River at 2 p.m.

GAME STORY: Westlake outlasts Ardsley in five-set Class B semifinal

Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud

New Rochelle’s Cristian Valencia (7) celebrates with teammate Stevenson Dievdonne (9) after his second goal of the first half against Arlington in the boys soccer Section 1 Class AA championship game at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak High School Oct. 29, 2016. New Rochelle won the game 3-0.

Every year around this time, I reach out to all of the coaches who made it to the quarterfinals or further in the Section 1 tournament and ask for their nominations for the #lohudsoccer All-Tournament team. I add up those votes, factor in my own opinions and those of others who follow the game, and come up with the lists you’ll find below. It goes without saying that the further your team went, the more spots they earned.

I break it down into three classes and try to list the players by position, though I do take the occasional liberty to move a guy around. We run an unconventional 3-4-3 formation because it’s the fairest way to spread it around — and because we like goals around here. The teams are based exclusively on those who played their best in the playoffs. The regular season means nothing here, but we’ll get to the full-season honors soon enough.

A LOOK BACK: The 2015 #lohudsoccer All-Tournament team

Class AA

Tourney MVP: Cristian Valencia, New Rochelle — There are a handful of Huguenots that could have been considered for this honor, but the versatile senior excelled in more ways than one. Valencia often plays a defensive role, but he also showed his ability to push up and contribute on offense with two goals and an assist in the playoffs. Both of his goals came in the sectional final against Arlington, which was the standout performance of the postseason and helped bring New Ro its first title in 20 years.

F — Harwan Alzuabidi, Sr., New Rochelle
F — Joey Landicino, Sr., Yorktown
F — Nolan Lenaghan, Fr., Ossining
MF — Tristan Battistoni, Jr., Arlington
MF — Omar Espinoza, Jr., New Rochelle
MF — Ryan Lynch, So., Ossining
MF — Cameron Richards, Sr., Mamaroneck
D — Zac Lloyd, Sr., Suffern
D — Fayez Merchant, Jr., Scarsdale 
D — Cristian Valencia, Sr., New Rochelle
GK — Kyle Koslowsky, Sr., Scarsdale 
GK — Jimmy Martin, Sr., Arlington

Somers’ goalie Kenny Kurtz looks for a play during their win over Byram Hills in the class A semifinal at Byram Hills High School in North Castle on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.

Class A

Tourney MVP: Kenny Kurtz, Somers — There were three players for the Tuskers who received a lot of love from opposing coaches – Kurtz, Jack Maher and Evan Kieltyka – and any of those three would have been a good choice here. Picking one was like splitting hairs, but a hot goalkeeper is about as valuable as it comes in the playoffs. Kurtz was a standout in each round, allowing just two goals in four games, including a shutout of defending champion Pearl River in the final. And I haven’t even haven’t even mentioned these two massive saves in the PK round against Byram in the semis.

F — Carl Friedrich, Jr., Rye 
F — Craig MacDonald, Sr., Pearl River
F — Kyle Shalvey, So., Tappan Zee
MF — Jack Beer, Sr., Byram Hills
MF — Kevin Doorley, Sr., Pearl River
MF — Jack Maher, Sr., Somers
MF — Matias Prando, Sr., Lakeland
D —Tyler Harp, So., Byram Hills
D — Evan Kieltyka, Sr., Somers
D — Christian Madigan, Sr., Pearl River 
GK — Kenny Kurtz, Sr., Somers
GK — Dan O’Sullivan, Sr., Nanuet

Hastings defeated Rye Neck 1-0 in the boys soccer Section 1 Class B championship game at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak High School Oct. 29, 2016.

Class B/C

Tourney MVP: Alex Bourgeois, Hastings — I don’t believe this has ever happened in any sport that I’ve covered, but we have a repeat MVP in Class B. As a sophomore last season, Bourgeois had a coming out party in the playoffs to lead the Yellow Jackets to the title. This year as a known commodity, he picked up right where he left off. He had two huge goals – the eventual winner in the section final and the equalizer in the quarters – and was an enforcer on D throughout Hastings’ run to a repeat.

F — Michael Dutt, Sr., North Salem
F — Jon Kyriakidis, Sr., Pleasantville
F — Jackson Silverstein, Sr., Hastings
MF — Pierre Klur, Sr., Rye Neck 
MF — Devyn Sheth, Jr., North Salem
MF — Joao Souza, Sr., Blind Brook
MF — Will Vranka, Sr., Bronxville
D — Alex Bourgeois, Jr., Hastings 
D — Luis Galeano, Sr., Rye Neck
D — Oscar Pereira, Sr., Hastings
GK — Blaine Fitzgerald, Sr., Haldane
GK — Eliot Hamill, Jr., Edgemont

Twitter: @vzmercogliano

Somers goal keeper Kenny Kurtz (1) makes a save as Vestal’s John Scott (10) and Somers Evan Kieltyka (25) collide during the boys soccer regional semifinal at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak Nov. 2, 2016. Somers won the game 3-0.

From left, Lakeland’s Matias Prando (9) and Somers’ Alex Elconin (12) battle for ball control during soccer action at Somers High School Sept. 28, 2016. Lakeland won the game 2-1 in overtime.

In a new addition to the end of the Section 1 boys soccer season, an all-star game will be played on Saturday at Saunders High. Organized by Gorton coach Chris Ball in an attempt to showcase the best players that the city of Yonkers has to offer, the event known as the Yonkers Mayor’s Cup Challenge will feature two games.

Starting at 1 p.m., there will be an all-Yonkers matchup, with teams split into East vs. West. Immediately following that game, the two Yonkers squads will combine and take on a team of all-stars from elsewhere in the Hudson Valley. The rosters were filled out on a first-come, first-served basis. Every coach in Section 1 had an opportunity to sign up players.

“The kids are very excited,” Ball said. “I have been coaching in Yonkers about a decade and I always wondered how a collection of talented soccer players from around Yonkers would do against a collection of all-stars from around the Hudson Valley. After Saturday, I will have my answer.”

The entrance fee will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Here are the full rosters for each team:

Hudson Valley All-Stars

Alex Leahy, Jr. MF, Briarcliff    

Alessandro Battaglia, Sr. MF, White Plains

Andrew McKeown, Sr. GK, Dobbs Ferry

Bryan Rosales, Sr. MF, Clarkstown South

Carl Friedrich, Sr. MF, Rye

Conor McKeown, Sr. F, Dobbs Ferry

Cristian Ishoo, Sr. GK, Irvington

Cyrus Vahabzadeh, Sr. MF, Rye

Diego Arias, Sr. F, Sleepy Hollow

Eric Koenig, Sr. MF, Briarcliff

Erick Ramos, Jr. D, Spring Valley

George Weiss, Sr. MF, Mahopac

Harry Plaut, Sr. MF, Irvington

Jordan Fein, Sr. D, Lakeland

Jorge Perez, Sr. D, White Plains

Kevin Fernandez, Jr. D, Spring Valley

Liam Perrine, Sr. MF, Pleasantville

Lorenzo Luciano, Sr. GK, Valhalla

Matias Aranda, Sr. F, Valhalla

Matias Prando, Sr. MF, Lakeland    

Luca Fava, Sr. F, Eastchester

Miguel Marra, Sr. F, Ossining

Nicholas Bellantoni, Sr. F, Tuckahoe

Nick Foci, Sr. MF, Lakeland

Noah Barnett, Jr. MF/D, Dobbs Ferry

Omar Saleh, Sr. MF/F, Briarcliff

Oswald Annang, Sr. F, Peekskill

Pedro Marshal, Sr. D, White Plains

Ricky Thomas, Sr. MF, Valhalla

Sergio Hernandez, Sr. GK, Ossining

Stefanos Ballas, Jr. MF, Edgemont

Yonkers West All-Stars

Mustafa Alawadi, Jr. GK, Gorton

Angel Archundia, Sr. MF/D, Gorton

Jorge Aquino, Jr. D, Gorton

John Beltran, So. MF/D, Gorton

Rushawn Cunningham, Sr. F, Gorton

Edson Dominguez, Sr. MF/F, Gorton

Pablo Ernesto Flores, So. MF, Gorton

Edwin Martinez, Sr. D, Gorton

Nezar Alamargi, Sr. D, Lincoln

Ivan Bryk, Sr. GK, Lincoln 

Jose Canales, Jr. D, Lincoln

Gabriel DeJesus, Jr. MF, Lincoln

Jason Gomes, Jr. MF, Lincoln

Irvin Marin, So. MF, Lincoln

Leonardo Escamilla Tovar, Jr. D, Lincoln

Jabari Williams, Jr. F, Lincoln

Amado Balbuena, Sr. MF, Riverside

Richard Gomes, Sr. D, Riverside

Albert Jiminez, Sr. GK, Riverside

Rodrigo Luna, Sr. D, Riverside

Esad Mackic, Jr. F, Riverside

Christian Salazar, Sr. D, Riverside

Jose Tovar, Jr. MF/F, Riverside

Matthew Uparela, Jr. MF, Riverside

Yonkers East All-Stars

Ariel Brea, Sr. F, Early College

Hernan Cortes, Jr. MF, Early College

Devonte Dawson, Jr. D, Early College

Juan Morales, Jr. D, Early College

Eduardo Victorio-Moran, Sr. MF/F, Early College

Christoper Xolocotzi, So. D, Early College

Robert Alverenga, Jr. F, Saunders

Kevin Avila, Sr. D, Saunders

Sierra Bastien, Sr. D, Saunders

Alan Flores, So. MF, Saunders

Jairo Palacios, Jr. MF, Saunders

Melvin Ponce, Sr. GK, Saunders

Griffin O’Keefe, Jr. D, Saunders

Steven Ruiz, So. MF, Saunders

Miguel Bernadino, Sr. F, Yonkers

Alex Castro, Sr. D, Yonkers

Elmer Castro Aria, Jr. MF, Yonkers

Victor Cruz, Sr. F, Yonkers

Ariel Flores Pina, Jr. F, Yonkers

Raul Peralta Zuninga, Jr. MF, Yonkers

Byron Villa, Jr. F, Yonkers

Lindon Gjonbalaj, So. MF/F, YMA

Shane Hennesey, Sr. MF/F, YMA

Marjan Lala, Sr. F, YMA

Alexis Tapia, So. MF, YMA

Leo Vaquero, Sr. D, YMA

Twitter: @vzmercogliano

Name: Winston Britton

Hackley wide receiver Winston Britton is the Con Edison Athlete of the Week

School: Hackley

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Athletic accomplishments: In six games this season, Britton has ran the ball 14 times for 256 yards, scoring twice. He has 23 receptions for 460 yards and six TDs. He is also 1 for 1 passing for 20 yards. Defensively, Britton has five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. He’s the captain of the football team. Britton will be a 3X4 award winner, which is an award for a three-sport athlete all four years. He was selected as a Super 11 football player. He was all-state as a junior. He’s been named Offensive MVP and Rookie of the Year, and received the Coach’s Award for all-around ability and leadership. Britton’s a member of the basketball team and a member of the track and field team.

Academic accomplishments: Britton has a B+ average. He has offers to play football in college and is looking to double major in economics and political science with the hope of becoming an agent. He’s taking an advanced biology class this year as well as Spanish III and British Literature. He’s also taken English 12, History of Media & Culture, Statistics & Probability and Advanced Forest Ecology and Research. He helps mentor students in the middle school once a month. Britton’s volunteered with Midnight Run and is a leader of the team. He’s worked with the Hornets school community service project at P.S. 81 in Brooklyn. He’s worked with little kids in sports, arts and crafts, music and dance.

Getting to know Winston Britton

The Journal News: You live in Rockland County. Why did you decide to attend the Hackley School?

Winston Britton: It’s like a 35- to 40-minute drive with the traffic on the Tappan Zee Bridge. I always intended to leave the East Ramapo Central School District, it was just between a few Catholic schools in New Jersey or Hackley. The main reason is the education I would receive and did at Hackley was phenomenal and I’m really proud of my decision.

TJN: Of the three sports you play at Hackley  – football, basketball, track and field – which is your first love and why?

WB: My first love is football. I’ve been playing since I was 5 – youth flag football. It’s always been a part of me. It taught me serious life lessons, in my opinion, like being a leader, being a good teammate, time management and community service. The sport ingrained important aspects in my life that continue to show. Football is definitely the most important sport to me.

TJN: When you were 5, why did you start playing football?

WB: My father played football for Union College. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2013 and he’s been an important role model in my life. I think I wanted to be just like him and the love of the game was derived from my dad. Once I started playing, I couldn’t stop. I love football. My dad was a wide receiver for Union College.

TJN: What position do you play?

WB: Wide receiver and cornerback.

TJN: Did you always want to follow in dad’s footsteps and play college ball or was it more of a recent development?

WB: It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play at the next level, whether it is Division I or not, but lucky for me it’s looking like I might be playing Division I ball. My parents, especially my mother, have put the importance on education. I’ve never prioritized sports over my education. Coming into Hackley, it’s the same deal – the education comes first. But I’ve always wanted to play ball at the next level.

TJN: What do you want to study next year?

WB: I would like to double major in economics and political science because I would love to be a sports agent or an agent for any kind of talent.

TJN: When you’ve volunteered with Midnight Run, what have you enjoyed about your time as a leader for Hackley?

WB: That experience was unforgettable. The laughter you share, the smiles you give — the ability to give those who are not as fortunate as I am the things that will allow them to have food, shelter and the necessities that most of us take for granted, it was heartwarming.

The Con Edison Athlete of the Week recognizes students in Westchester and Putnam schools who excel athletically. Academic achievements, leadership, citizenship, and school and community activities are also factors. The winner is selected each week by a panel of athletic directors and coaches who review ballots submitted by each athlete’s athletic director or coach.

Debbie Schechter

Twitter: @LoHud_Debbie

MONTROSE – Twelve years ago, RA Vernon sat in the stands and watched as his daughter Patricia led Ossining to the Section 1 Class AA title. Friday night, he watched his daughter Mychael put down the kill that ended the Pride’s title drought.

Mychael Vernon, the team’s star freshman, was dominating in the team’s 25-16, 25-22, 26-24 sweep of Ursuline, registering 29 kills in the win at Hendrick Hudson High School. Her play was so electric that the hoards of Ossining fans in the bleachers rose to their feet in anticipation whenever she attacked the ball.

Ossining celebrates after beating Ursuline for the Section 1 Class AA volleyball championship at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose on Friday.

“We wanted to prove everyone wrong, and we did,” Vernon said, clutching to the championship plaque. “We kept on beating people we never thought we’d beat before, so we just told ourselves, ‘We gotta go out. We want it. We gotta come out with a bang and let them know that this is Ossining volleyball.’ ”

PREVIEW: Ossining vs. Ursuline in Class AA final

VOLLEYBALL: Yorktown tops locals at Breast Cancer Awareness tournament

ZACKETOLOGY: 2016 Section 1 volleyball tournament picks

Ossining (20-1) will play in the Class AA state regional semifinals on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at SUNY Ulster against an opponent to be determined.

The win Friday capped a five-year rebuilding process started by head coach Lauren Riccardi when she took over in 2012, and gave a glimpse into what is to come from Ossining over the next couple of years. The Pride will graduate just three seniors, only one of whom saw significant playing time this season.

“All season long, you don’t even dream about this moment,” Riccardi said. “You just dream about games, you dream about having a good season, you dream about winning the league, and then when playoffs finally came, that was the first time we even thought about this.

Ursuline’s Katie McLoughlin goes up for a block on a kill by Ossining’s Mychael Vernon during the Section 1 Class AA volleyball final at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose on Friday.

“When it became a reality, this right here, this feeling is the best feeling in the world.”

The Pride (20-1) rallied from a 24-22 deficit in the third set to take the final four points and the match. Senior Molly Haag served Ossining to the title, a high point in a three-year varsity career.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever be satisfied,” Haag said. “You can always push yourself even harder. We’ve achieved so much this year, and I’m sure that next year they’re going to want to achieve even more, and I’m sure they’ll be able to.”

Ursuline head coach Gigi Kemp said the team never really got comfortable throughout the match, but that she was proud of the team’s accomplishments this year.

“Of course it’s emotional when you lose, but you have to look at the perspective — we made it to the finals, and they had a really great season,” she said. “It just didn’t happen today.”

Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud

Ossining’s Mycheal Vernon (6) celebrates with her team their win over Ursuline School during Section 1 girls volleyball Class AA finals at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose Nov. 4, 2016.

Ossining celebrates their win over Ursuline School during Section 1 girls volleyball Class AA finals at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose Nov. 4, 2016.

lh logo: volleyball

Name: Jessica Minker

North Rockland first tennis player’s Jessica Minker is this week’s Journal News Rockland Scholar-Athlete of the Week

School: North Rockland High School

Class: Senior

Sport: Girls tennis

Athletic accomplishments: Minker was 6-5 for North Rockland tennis in the first-doubles slot with Carly Kapusinsky, the duo reaching the conference tournament. She’s the captain of the tennis team. She’s been named all-county and all-league. Minker’s a member of the girls golf team.

Academic accomplishments: Minker has a 101.3 GPA. She’s wants to study environmental science. She’s looking at Brown, UC Berkeley and Michigan. She’s taking all college courses this year and taking special courses through the Academy of Engineering.

School and community involvement: Minker is a member of the Crochet Club and is the Crew Rep of the drama society

Getting to know Jessica Minker

The Journal News: How did you do this season in tennis?

Jessica Minker: I think I did pretty well. I played with my doubles partner, Carly Kapusinsky, for first doubles. We were defintely in every match and in every point trying to play one point at a time. We played some pretty tough schools. We were able to challege ourselves. It was fun.

TJN: Why did you decide to play tennis?

JM: My whole family played tennis. My sister Jackie was on the high school team (in eighth grade). She had Jen (Labier) as her coach. Sometimes I’d go to practice and Jen would always be so encouraging. She’d want me to hit with the team even though I was so young. I knew it was a fun, encouraging sport. I looked up to my sister.

TJN: Are you going to continue playing sports in college, whether it be tennis or golf?

JM: I’d love to continue playing in college. I’d probably just play as a club sport because I kind of want to focus on my academics. I definitely wouldn’t ever want to stop playing tennis and golf because I think it’s a good physical and mental release. It’s a great way to meet people

TJN: With your top three schools as Brown, UC Berkeley and Michigan, did you not want to keep yourself limited by location?

JM: What attracted me to those schools, besides the academics, were the areas. I like exploring and seeing new things. I hope I won’t get too homesick wherever I am. I’m open to new ideas and I want to experience a new place. I just figured I’d try for one in each major city that seems interesting and hope it works out.

TJN: Do you know what you want to major in?

JM: Right now, I’m thinking generally environmental science. Depending on the school, some of them have ecology programs, which sounds interesting to me, or conservation biology. Basically, my end goal would be to work outside mostly, I guess doing field work or something along those lines.

TJN: Where you always environmentally conscious?

JM: As a kid, I don’t think it was something I ever consciously thought about but my mom was always recycling so I always had that notion to do that. I guess as I got older I became exposed; my brother and I are always going on hikes into the nature around us, not just in our backyard. This year, I’m taking environmental science and I absolutely love it. My teacher is great and I’m just passionate about the things we are learning about. I guess it kicked in the past couple of years.

TJN: What’s the most memorable community service work you’ve done?

JM: I volunteer at Camp Venture, specifically with the therapeutic riding program. It gives horseback riding lessons to anyone with disabilities. I’ve been volunteering there since the seventh grade regularly, so it’s become a part of my life. I go there four hours a week and everyone I work with is so great and friendly. We do great things and I’m going to always remember (it).

The Journal News Rockland Scholar-Athlete of the Week program honors students for their academic, athletic and community achievements. Each week a winner is selected from nominees submitted by athletic directors. Only seniors can be nominated, and the award can be won only once. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Monday. The presenting sponsor for The Journal News Rockland Scholar-Athlete program is Gary Goldberg Financial Services.

Debbie Schechter

Twitter: @LoHud_Debbie

If Sunday’s rematch of last year’s New York State Association of Independent Schools field hockey final is half the game last year’s was admission should be charged – and high-priced admission, at that.

Defending champion Hackley edged Holy Child 1-0 Friday to earn a return trip to the finale.

Rye Country Day, which won the NYSAIS championship 2011-14 but fell to the Hornets last year 2-1 in a shootout following two overtime periods, routed Riverdale 6-0 Friday.

Defending champ Hackley, which is the No. 3 seed, and last year’s runner-up, Rye Country Day, the No. 1 seed, will meet at Manhattanville College Sunday in the NYSAIS field hockey championship game.

A game between Hackley and RCDS earlier this season wasn’t quite as dramatic as last year’s final but perhaps showed how evenly matched the two teams remain. RCDS won 3-2.

But Hackley coach Jenny Leffler is hopeful her team will play with the poise it showed during Friday’s win.

“I think mostly we have to come out and play our game,” Leffler said. “I think the girls were pretty nervous the last time we played them. I think if they come out and have fun that will be a big difference for us.

“I do think they had a great time today. They were in the right frame of mind today from the time they got on the bus and even before that. I’m hoping they’ll just ride on the excitement they had today.”

Neither team, of course, wants another nerveracking shootout, Rye Country Day coach Georgette Summers, saying, “Oh, my gosh, yes, absolutely,” of avoiding that.

She believes the Wildcats’ games last week against Millbrook School from Dutchess (an overtime win) and Canterbury School of Connecticut (a loss), two very strong teams, will help ready her team for Sunday’s rematch

“For us to win on Sunday we need to execute, particularly corners, and most of all we need to connect as a team, which we have been doing,” Summers said. “I really feel like our team is in a good position.”

Recaps of Friday’s semifinals follow:

Hackley 1, Holy Child 0: In the NYSAIS semifinals at No. 2 Holy Child, Jenny Canoni stopped 11 shots for the shutout and Karina Bridger scored the game’s only goal off a Jessica Feldman assist with fewer than 20 minutes left in the game.

Charlotte Wertimer had seven saves for the Gryphons.

No. 3 seed Hackley will play No. 1 seed Rye Country Day for the NYSAIS championship Sunday at noon at Manhattanville College.

Rye Country Day 6, Riverdale 0:  In a NYSAIS semifinal played at Rye Country Day Friday, Oliva Friedberg had a goal and three assists and Elizabeth Friedberg had a goal and an assist to lead the No. 1 seed Wildcats.

Cate Mollerus, Natalie Alpert, Cristina Johnson, Katherine Holtby and Marisa Kim also scored and Annabelle Lui added an assist.

Sophia Moore had nine saves for No. 4 Riverdale.

Ruth Reynolds had seven saves and Genny Kortick three saves for the Wildcats, who will attempt to regain the NYSAIS crown from Hackley Sunday at noon at Manhattanville College.

Twitter: @HaggertyNancy

MAHOPAC – There is undoubtedly another pile of homework coming.

Nobody is complaining, though.

Haldane spent three hours a day on the practice field this week, preparing for a Section 1 Class D championship rematch with Tuckahoe.

Each of the Blue Devils took some work home.

“We knew every play they run,” Haldane quarterback Brandon Twoguns said. “We knew every player, his position, his number, what he could do. We knew everything about them. We watched hours and hours of film. We even had to do homework. Every player had a sheet to do on our own.”

The Blue Devils took full advantage of early scoring chances, then kept pushing on toward a 26-6 win.

It was the program’s first sectional title in five seasons.

Haldane’s Joe DiGregorio picks up yardage during the Blue Devils’ 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship game at Mahopac High School on Friday.

The Tigers opened the season with a 36-16 win over Haldane, but were unable to move the ball with any kind of consistency.

“We had more heart in this game,” Haldane linebacker Sam Giachinta said.

More options, too.

The Blue Devils (2-6) had three players with more than 100 yards rushing and were up 12-0 after Twoguns landed in the end zone twice in the opening half.

“I think getting the lead was a big confidence booster for our guys,” Haldane coach Ryan McConville said. “We knew that we could move the ball on them, it was more about making sure each time we had an opportunity inside the 20 we punched the ball in.”

Tuckahoe (1-7) was fired up and thinking comeback when the second half got under way. The defense came up with a couple of quick stops for short yardage, but Twoguns got loose for a key third-down conversion, then capped a 64-yard march with a 13-yard touchdown run.

He connected with Liam Irwin on a conversion pass to make it 20-0.

Joe DeGregorio got loose for a 54-yard TD run with 8:22 remaining to put the Tigers in an even deeper hole.

Haldane will play at 3 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Dietz Stadium in the state quarterfinals against Section 9’s Roscoe/Livingston Manor/Downsville, which was an automatic qualifier. It’s the second meeting of the season between the programs. The Blue Devils won the first 28-14.

Player of the game: Twoguns was everywhere, rushing for 126 yards and three touchdowns and picking off two passes.

Turning point: After the Blue Devils ran into a fired-up defense and were stopped for short gains on the first two plays of the second half, Twoguns pulled the ball back from DeGregorio and scampered for 10 yards to keep the drive moving forward. Four plays later, he ran the same play and went 13 yards for a touchdown.

Stat line: Tuckahoe managed onlyh two plays longer than 10 yards in the first half and managed just 159 yards of total offense. … The Tigers’ lone score came on a 10-yard pass from Matt Annunziata to Alex Williams. … Giachinta finished with 130 yards rushing, all in the first half. … DeGregorio ran for 166 yards.

Quotable: “It gave us the feeling that we could really do this,” Twoguns said of the scoring drive to start the second half. “We were moving the ball on offense, shutting them down on defense and that just gave us the feeling that we were going to win this game.”

Twitter: @hoopsmbd

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Sam Giachinta (44) hands off to Joe Digregorio (28) during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) breaks a Tuckahoe tackle for touchdown during their 26-6 win in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) hands off to Sam Giachinta (44) during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) looks for a pass during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane celebrates their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane defeats Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) breaks a Tuckahoe tackle for touchdown during their 26-6 win in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) looks for a pass during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe 26-6 in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane celebrates their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Sam Giachinta (44) hands off to Joe Digregorio (28) during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Joe Digregorio (28) runs outside during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Haldane’s Luke Junjulas (11) hands off to Sam Giachinta (44) during their 26-6 win over Tuckahoe in the Section 1 Class D championship football game at Mahopac High School on Friday, November 4, 2016.

HIGH SCHOOL

LH Logo: Varsity Scores And Schedules

Friday’s results

Boys soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional Finals

At Middletown

Class A: Somers 2, Goshen 0

Field hockey

NYSAIS semifinals

Rye Country Day 6, Riversdale 0

Hackley 1, Holy Child 0

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Finals at Hen Hud

Class AA: Ossining 3, Ursuline 0

Class C: Pawling 3, Dobbs Ferry 1

Saturday’s events

Boys soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional Finals

At Byram Hills

Class C: SS Seward (Section 9) vs. North Salem, 1:30 p.m.

At Middletown

Class AA: New Rochelle vs. Newburgh Free Academy (Section 9), 3 p.m.

At Diamond in the Pines, Long Island

Class B: Hastings vs. Carle Place (Section 8), 2:30 p.m.

Girls soccer

NYSPHSAA Regional finals

At Middletown

Class A: Pearl River vs. Goshen (Section 9), 11 a.m.

At Yorktown

Class C: Port Jefferson (Section 11) vs. Haldane, 11:30 a.m.

Field hockey

NYSPHSAA Regional finals

At Valhalla

Class A: Kingston (Section 9) vs. Scarsdale, 3 p.m.

Class B: Red Hook (Section 9) vs. Lakeland, 11 a.m.

Class C: Rondout Valley (Section 9) vs. Bronxville, 1 p.m.

Volleyball

Section 1 tournament

Finals at John Jay

Class B: No. 2 Westlake vs. No. 1 Lourdes, 2 p.m.

Class A: No. 3 Pelham vs. No. 1 Panas, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday’s events

Field hockey

NYSAIS Finals

At Manhattanville

Rye Country Day vs. Hackley, noon

HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL

lh logo: football

Friday’s results

Section 1 tournament

Finals

At Mahopac

Class D: Haldane 26, Tuckahoe 6

Class C: Dobbs Ferry 21, Woodlands 14

Saturday’s events

Section 1 tournament

Finals

At Mahopac

Class AA: No. 5 Scarsdale vs. No. 2 New Rochelle, noon

Class B: No. 2 Westlake vs. No. 1 Pleasantville, 3:30 p.m.

Class A: No. 3 Somers vs. No. 1 Yorktown, 7 p.m.