Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York large school football team features 36 players chosen by syracuse.com reporters.
The finalists for player of the year are: Connor McDonald of Whitesboro; Miy’Jon McDowell Reid of Cicero-North Syracuse; John Sindoni of Liverpool and Tre’ Williams of Christian Brothers Academy.
The winner will be revealed at syracuse.com‘s | The Post Standard’s annual All-CNY Sports Awards presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. The show is set for June 23, 2026, inside the Liverpool High School Auditorium. More details can be found here.
Here are the 2025 All-CNY large school football all-stars.
Liverpool’s Daxton Archer is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Daxton Archer
School: Liverpool
Class: Junior
Position: Wide Receiver
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I plan to play football in college. I’m currently playing varsity basketball.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is my father. He played sports at both the high school and college level and pushes me to be the best player I can be.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Beating C-NS in the sectional semifinals and making the sectional championship. We set that goal at the start of last season, worked hard and made it happen.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Superhuman strength so I could gain an athletic advantage and protect myself.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? NFL wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, because he’s an incredible player and lives an amazing life.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Austin Ariola is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Austin Ariola
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Junior
Position: Running back
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Track.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? People who keep learning and growing even after they mess up. That mindset shows resilience and accountability.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning the state championship and celebrating after the game. There’s nothing better than winning.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Whatever Spider‑Man has. It would be fun to shoot webs, climb walls and have spider sense.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? MrBeast. He’s rich and a kind dude.
Christian Brothers Adacemy’s Juelz Burgos is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Juelz Burgos
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Junior
Position: OL/DL
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Go to college and be able to play football. I’m playing basketball in the winter.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My older brother Nasier. He always shows the right path and inspires me to keep working hard.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning the state championship. The happiness and excitement the team had showed the hard work we put in over the summer paid off.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis, being able to fix and move things effortlessly.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? My mom. I would like to see through her eyes for a day.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Riley Clemons-Butenko is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Riley Clemons‑Butenko
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Senior
Position: Linebacker
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Attending Wesleyan University as a football and baseball player, playing baseball in the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My parents, because of the way they carry themselves through life.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning the state championship my senior year. It was my last shot, and I was blessed to make it all the way with my brothers.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To speak to the dead so I can talk to those important people in my life who have passed.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? My coach, Brian Bruno. I would love to see what he has accomplished as the great businessman he is.
Fowler’s Jayden Cotton is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Jayden Cotton
School: PSLA @ Fowler
Class: Senior
Position: QB/WR/DB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I plan on going to college to play football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? A’Nyan Williams, who is no longer with us, because he always told me to chase my dreams — and that’s what he was doing.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? When we played Nottingham and got the win, and I also reached 1,000+ rushing yards.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed so I can be the fastest on Earth.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? My mom, to see how hard she works.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Gradyn Dixon is an All0CNY large school football player.
dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Gradyn Dixon
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Junior
Position: Quarterback
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I am part of the basketball team currently. In the future, I want to study business in college.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My family. They always push me to be my best and are always by my side.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? The state championship game. Going back on the field with my brothers and winning a third straight state championship was special.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Mind reading. It would be helpful to always know what someone is thinking.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Lamar Jackson. I would want to know what it’s like to be the best quarterback in the NFL.
West Genesee’s Evan Dufford is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Evan Dufford
School: West Genesee
Class: Senior
Position: Wide Receiver
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Going to college and playing football. I also play basketball and lacrosse.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My parents, because they have done so much for me throughout my whole life.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? When we beat B’Ville in our first game. Everyone was happy, hyped and confident about the season.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super intelligence, so I could create anything I need.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Josh Allen, to know how it feels to be in the NFL.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Javon Edenfield is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Javon Edenfield
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Junior
Position: Wide receiver
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Running track in the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad, because he taught me how to push through adversity.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? The locker room after our state championship win. I’ll always cherish that moment because we all came together with the seniors one last time.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Being able to fly so it’s easier to travel the world.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Will Smith, because being in big movies seems cool.
Central Square’s Ryan Fleischmann is an All-CNY large school football player. Provided photo
Ryan Fleischmann
School: Central Square
Class: Senior
Position: OL/DL
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? SUNY Cortland to major in psychology and play football, then pursue a career in law enforcement. Winter: wrestling (just got my 100th career win). Spring: track and field (shot put and discus).
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My older brothers, Bryce and Richard, both had great high school careers and then played in college. They pushed me, and I have always worked very hard to be as good as them and take it a step further.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Preseason doubles when we were all hanging out together and growing as a team.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The power to have any superpower ready to go whenever I need it.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Cael Sanderson at his fourth trip to the NCAA finals, to feel the accomplishment and energy of being 159‑0.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Jhadon Gary is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Jhadon Gary
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Junior
Position: Linebacker
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? College football is my future. Track and field in the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My mother — and my dedication to the game pushes me to strive for more greatness every day.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? The bye week during Halloween. Our entire team bonded right before our playoff run.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Invincibility so I can go invisible to rush the QB.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Dre Greenlaw, because he played alongside the best linebacker in the NFL and is on a top defense for a playoff contender.
Whitesboro’s Kevin George is an All-CNY large school football player. Provided photo
Kevin George
School: Whitesboro
Class: Senior
Position: Offensive and defensive line
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I am going to Colgate University to play football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Jason Kelce. He had a rough start as an undersized lineman and became a Hall of Famer.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning the sectional championship. It secured our three‑peat.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed, so I could play tight end.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Neil Armstrong, so I could step on the moon.
Liverpool’s Amari Gunn is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Amari Gunn
School: Liverpool
Class: Junior
Position: WR/K
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I want to go to college. I play lacrosse.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My Clay Panthers coach, Mike Brown. He always pushes, challenges and encourages me to be better than the day before — on the field and off it.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Our team dinners the day before a game — all kinds of food and time together.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flight, so I could get places fast.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Malik Nabers so I could play on my favorite NFL team.
Liverpool’s Cole Henning is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Cole Henning
School: Liverpool
Class: Senior
Position: Offensive Line
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I plan to attend and play football in college and major in business. No winter or spring sports.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My grandpa, because whatever adversity comes his way, he overcomes it.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? The first game of the season vs. C-NS. We had a lot of juice, and I won’t forget it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Teleportation, so I can be anywhere at any time.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Will Campbell, because he was drafted fourth overall by the New England Patriots — my favorite team.
Carthage’s Conor Hickey is an All-CNY large school football player.Provided photo
Conor Hickey
School: Carthage
Class: Senior
Position: Linebacker
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I plan on attending Nazareth University to play lacrosse in the fall of 2026. I am currently wrestling.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My grandpa.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Beating Indian River on their home turf. A really fun game.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flight, to get over my fear of heights.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Drake or someone like that with a lot of money.
Whitesboro’s Michael Hill is an All-CNY large school football player.dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Michael Hill
School: Whitesboro
Class: Senior
Position: WR/QB/OLB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Going to Colgate to play football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My parents, who have provided every opportunity for me. I want to make them proud.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning in the Dome.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Teleportation, so I could go wherever I want, whenever I want.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Elon Musk, to spend money on whatever I wanted.
Baldwinsville Aaron Holcomb is an All-CNY large school football player.Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Aaron Holcomb
School: Baldwinsville
Class: Senior
Position: TE, DL
Whitesboro’s Simon Kichuk is an All-CNY large school football player.N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
Simon Kichuk
School: Whitesboro
Class: Senior
Position: Defensive end
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Trade school (electrician).
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Jesus Christ, because He’s always led me toward the light.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Securing the Section III three‑peat.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed, so I can travel anywhere I want.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Elon Musk — and transfer money to myself.
Carthage’sJacob Kilbourn is an All-CNY large school football player..dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Jacob Kilbourn
School: Carthage
Class: Senior
Position: RB/LB
Whitesboro’s Matthew Kiszelewski is an All-CNY large school football player..dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Matthew Kiszelewski
School: Whitesboro
Class: Senior
Position: Left tackle
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? College football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My father, who has always pushed me to be my very best.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning the Section III championship. Those memories will stick with me for the rest of my life.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The ability to fly, because I could go anywhere whenever I want.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Dion Dawkins. He’s living the dream — playing in the NFL as a left tackle.
Liverpool’s Jake Knapp is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Jake Knapp
School: Liverpool
Class: Senior
Position: Center/defensive end
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Plan to attend college; currently swimming and rowing in the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My coaches and family. They support me and continue to push me to be better.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? When Cole Henning was playing defensive tackle against Proctor and got a pick. He didn’t go anywhere with the ball, but everyone went crazy.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The power to fly, so I could go wherever I want, whenever I want.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Either of my parents, to learn from their experiences and understand what they’ve been through.
East Syracuse Minoa’s K’Mari Jones is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
K’Mari Jones
School: East Syracuse Minoa
Class: Senior
Position: LB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? College football, indoor and outdoor track.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? No one.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Snow practices when everyone was throwing snowballs at each other.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super intelligence.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? LeBron James, because he’s the GOAT.
Corcoran’s Pablo Joseph is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Pablo Joseph
School: Corcoran
Class: Junior
Position: running back
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? To come back next year and have a Dome run. I’m starting to look at colleges for after next year. Indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad and Coach Mathis. They keep me humble and grounded and remind me the work is not done.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? When the whole team was locked in during Weeks 1, 3 and 7. It felt like we were all one sound, one beat.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Time travel, so I can jump to the upcoming fall season.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Pablo Joseph. I’ve heard he’s a great guy.
All-Central New York football all-star Flynn Malgieri of Fayetteville-Manlius at the 2025 fall All-CNY photo shoot at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse, N.Y. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.comdennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Flynn Malgieri
School: Fayetteville‑Manlius
Class: Senior
Position: Offensive Line
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Division I football at Brown University.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My brother. He taught me how to be a great player and person. He’s a kind person and a captain at Brockport for football.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Upsetting then‑No. 1 Carthage. It put us in a good playoff position after a hard‑fought game, and celebrating afterward was so fun.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super strength — makes lifting so much easier.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Josh Allen, probably. He’s the best player in the league, and I want to know what it’s like to be in his shoes.
Whitesboro’s Connor McDonald is an All-CNY large school football player..N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
Connor McDonald
School: Whitesboro
Class: Junior
Position: WR
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? To play football at the Division I level.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad. He got me into football.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning our third straight section championship.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The ability to fly, because of how versatile it could be.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Any college athlete, to see what the next level is like.
Cicero-North Syracuse’s Miy’Jon McDowell Reid is an All-CNY large school football player.N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
Miy’Jon McDowell Reid
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: RB/DB
East Syracuse Minoa’s Jay-Neil McDuffie is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Jay‑Neil McDuffie
School: East Syracuse Minoa
Class: Senior
Position: DB, WR/RB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Indoor and outdoor track, and eventually sports in college.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad. He’s my key factor for confidence on the field and keeps me focused on what I need to do.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Making it to the Dome for my senior season and experiencing it together.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Mind-reading because I always wonder what people’s true intentions are.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Usain Bolt, just to be the fastest man alive for once.
Liverpool’s Isaiah Morris is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Isaiah Morris
School: Liverpool
Class: Junior
Position: LB/RB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Train in the offseason, get ready for my senior year and go on to college football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad, because he has pushed me since a young age and helped me love the game.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Our first practice in the snow when we made the playoffs. I’d never been that far, and I loved having one more week with my team.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Regeneration, so I can heal myself and also help people around me.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? A chess grandmaster, because chess players are very smart and it would help with football by knowing people’s next moves.
Carthage’s Zach Pettitt is an All-CNY large school football player.dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Zachary Pettitt
School: Carthage
Class: Senior
Position: Defensive end
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I will be playing Division I football at the University at Buffalo.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My best friend Brock Hoffman. He introduced me to football and gets me angry a lot, which helps push me to a higher standard on the field and in the weight room. Thanks, Brock.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Beating Indian River in overtime and watching them cry. Our seniors got a good ending to our rivalry, and our underclassmen saw the standard from now on.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Whatever superpower Jack‑Jack from “The Incredibles” has. That would be sick.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? No one. I like being me.
Utica Proctor’s Walter Phillips is an All-CNY larges school football player. Provided photo
Walter Phillips
School: Utica Proctor
Class: Senior
Position: wide receiver
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Prepping for college football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Josh Allen, because it shows you can go from nothing to something.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? The bus rides to games with my friends.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Teleportation, so I could get places faster.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Jeremiah Smith, because he’s just that guy.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Khalen Reese is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Khalen Reese
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Sophomore
Position: Running back and linebacker
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Running indoor track.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My grandpa, because he shows me how to persevere and keep moving, no matter the obstacle.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Winning states. We three‑peated, and not many teams can say that.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed, because no one would ever be able to tackle me.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? DeAndre Swift, because I like the Bears and would love to see life as a professional football player.
Liverpool’s Alejandro Rivero is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Alle Rivera
School: Liverpool
Class: Senior
Cicero-North Syracuse’s Alexander Salloum is an All-CNY large school football player. Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Alex Salloum
School: Cicero‑North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Wide receiver
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? College football and studying business.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My dad. Since I started playing at age 5, he never misses a game and always supports me, especially through my two‑year hip injury.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Our first home game against Elmira. I scored my first two receiving touchdowns on my first two catches of the season, and the game was in honor of my kindergarten friend Griffin, who passed away.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed. Being that fast would make football a whole lot easier.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Adam Sandler, because he’s got swag.
Auburn’s Matthew Smith is an All-CNY large school football player. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Matthew Smith
School: Auburn
Class: Senior
Position: QB
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Playing Division I lacrosse at Hobart.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? God. My faith is the reason I’m able to play this game and will always be there in good times and bad. Football taught me to rely on my faith.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Running out onto the field with my team to a huge student section on 9/11 while carrying the American flag — one of my favorite moments of my career.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Time travel. I’d love to relive moments and also see how my future plays out at times.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Tim Tebow during the 2008 national championship game.
Liverpool’s John Sindoni is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
John Sindoni
School: Liverpool
Class: Senior
Position: Quarterback
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? I plan on going to Saint John Fisher University in the fall to play football. In the spring, I plan to play baseball.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Both of my parents. My dad has pushed me to be the best I can be and taught me the ins and outs of football. My mom has supported me through hard times and is a positive light in my life.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Playing C‑NS in our first game and winning. A great start that built momentum.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The ability to heal people so I can save others from suffering and sickness.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? An NFL quarterback, to play in front of fans across the country and show their ability.
Christian Brothers Academy’s Christopher Tre Williams is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Christopher Tre Williams
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: Senior
Position: Safety
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Playing lacrosse at the University of Scranton.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My mom, because she pushes me to get better every day.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Going to dinner after every pregame practice.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To fly, to get places faster.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Jeff Bezos — unlimited money for a day.
Cicero-North Syracuse’s Lacuzio Wright is an All-CNY large school football player. Marisa Pankow
Lacuzio Wright
School: Cicero‑North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Safety
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports? Prep school before college.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My mom. No matter the circumstances, she pulls through and does whatever needs to be done.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season? Summer workouts, when everyone was working the hardest.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Invisibility, so I can move around freely without anyone knowing.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? Someone who perfected their craft to the point that pressure is nothing, to experience calm confidence.
Coach of the Year
Christian Brothers Academy’s Casey Brown is the All-CNY large school football coach of the year. dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Casey Brown
Sport: Football
School: CBA
No. of years coaching? 30 years overall / 11 years head coach
Who inspires you to coach in your sport? First, I want to acknowledge the coaches and leaders who inspired me long before I was able to lead my own position group or team. I was fortunate to be mentored by men who believed football was a classroom. They taught me discipline, accountability, and how to lead young men with both toughness and compassion. They showed me that preparation matters, details matter, and relationships matter most. Some of those coaches are no longer with us, but their voices still echo in my head every time I plan a practice, address a team or face adversity. I also learned from leaders outside of football who modeled integrity, servant leadership and the importance of doing things the right way, even when no one is watching.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the current coaching staff at CBA. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me. These coaches have poured countless hours into our athletes, demanding excellence while caring deeply about who they become as young men. The coaches spend countless hours away from home, dedicating their time watching film, implementing off-season/in-season plans, as well as developing the personal relationships needed to earn trust within the team. They challenge me daily, bring energy, loyalty and expertise, and they believe wholeheartedly in our mission. Our success is a direct reflection of their commitment to our players, our program, and each other. I’m proud to stand beside them and call them colleagues and Brothers.
Most importantly, I need to finish with my family. None of this is possible without their sacrifice. They’ve given up evenings, weekends and quiet moments so I can do what I love. They support me through long seasons and they keep me grounded when football feels overwhelming. They remind me who I’m coaching for and why it matters. Their love, patience and belief in me mean more than any award ever could. And then there is my father and grandparents, who are no longer with us. Although they passed away before the recent success we have seen, I know that they are still with us, supporting and cheering us on every week.
What is your favorite sports memory from this season? My favorite sports memory from this season is the build of the season. It’s the journey that this team has taken that makes me appreciate this season. It started long before our game days. It began in the weight room, the classroom and on the field, working together. The late nights and early mornings were the days we created the foundation and expectations for this team. Where habits were built, accountability was demanded and standards became non-negotiable. Watching this team commit to doing things the right way — showing up on time, pushing through tough workouts, competing with purpose and showing perfect effort — helped set the tone for everything that followed.
They didn’t just train their bodies; they trained the standard. That mindset carried over to the practice field, where growth was visible every week. Players bought into their roles, leaders emerged, and the team learned how to handle adversity without flinching. The culture became player-driven, the chemistry became real and the belief became unshakable. You could feel that this group was different — not because of talent alone, but because of trust, toughness and togetherness. The end result — 13 straight wins and another NYS Class AA Championship was special. But what made it unforgettable was knowing how it was earned. Every rep in the weight room, every moment of focus in the classroom, every hard practice and every sacrifice along the way showed up when it mattered most. That’s why this season will always stand out. It wasn’t just about winning a championship — it was about building something the right way, together, and watching it reach its highest possible level.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? No, I would not trade places with anyone. I’m proud of who I am and the journey that brought me here. Every experience — successes, failures, lessons learned — has shaped my character and strengthened my perspective. My growth as a person and a professional didn’t happen by accident; it came from hard work, accountability and a willingness to keep learning and improving.
I’m especially proud of my family. They ground me, challenge me and remind me daily of what truly matters. Their support and love are constants that no other life could replace. Just as important are the people I choose to surround myself with — mentors, colleagues, friends and coaches who push me to be better and hold me to a high standard. They reflect my values and reinforce the standard I strive to maintain. So while there are plenty of people to admire and learn from, I wouldn’t trade my identity for anyone else’s. This life, these relationships, and this growth are mine and that’s something I take great pride in.
What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? My favorite quote comes from the movie “Miracle” — “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” This quote resonates because it re-frames the concept of pressure as a privilege. In the movie, coach Herb Brooks isn’t promising victory — he’s reminding his team that moments don’t magically appear. They are earned, created by preparation, sacrifice and belief long before the spotlight turns on.
What makes the quote timeless is its honesty. Not everyone will seize the opportunity, but everyone is given one. The difference between ordinary and unforgettable is the willingness to rise when the moment demands it. For athletes — and especially for teams — it’s a reminder that the work you put in when no one is watching is what allows you to stand tall. This quote lives far beyond the world of hockey. It applies to any locker room, classroom, or moment in life when the stakes are high and the opportunity is real.
Second team
Anthony Mancuso, Auburn
Johntae Smith, Auburn
Brock Hoffman, Carthage
Carter Achuff, Christian Brothers Academy
Cody Cloutier, Christian Brothers Academy
Isaiah Coleman, Christian Brothers Academy
Khalil Cox, Christian Brothers Academy
Arthur Jones IV, Christian Brothers Academy
LaMeik Torrence, Christian Brothers Academy
Adrian Weather, Christian Brothers Academy
Dom D’Avirro, Cicero-North Syracuse
Da’Vonte Brown Corcoran
Freddy Castro, Corcoran
Nate King, Corcoran
Jesse Rodriguez, Corcoran
Dwele Taylor, East Syracuse Minoa
Jaden Radel, East Syracuse Minoa
Philip Moore, East Syracuse Minoa
Zachary Henderson, Fayetteville-Manlius
Josh Hester, Liverpool
Rodney Jones, Liverpool
Nico Leone, Liverpool
Braylon Otis, Liverpool
Landon Ross, Liverpool
Jaylen Barnett-Hunter, Nottingham
Jeff Petties, Nottingham
George Garrett Jr., Utica Proctor
Jack Converse, Watertown
Brody Knox, West Genesee
Alej Molina, West Genesee
Joe Dare, Whitesboro
Frank Zupancic, Whitesboro