NYSPHSAA semifinals: Newburgh tops CBA, reaches Class AA state final

MIDDLETOWN - Of course, the Newburgh players and their fans wanted this moment badly, but they immediately were turned away. Facing an unwavering unit, the football team was stopped in its tracks.

"Oh, man," senior Deondre Johnson said with an exasperated sigh. "That was upsetting. It would've been amazing if we could've gotten to do that."

Alas.

The Goldbacks were halted by security at Middletown High School, instructed to keep off the track, as they rushed excitedly from the field toward the stands, attempting to celebrate with their supporters.

A mild disappointment for a gleeful bunch, because the actual opponent couldn't stop them when it mattered.

Jayden Sanchez sang melodically on the sideline, "we're going to the Dome," as Newburgh ran off the final seconds of its 31-20 win over Section 2's Christian Brothers Academy in a Class AA state semifinal Saturday evening.

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With a panoply of explosive plays on offense, defense and special teams, the Goldbacks erased an early 10-point deficit and took control in the fourth quarter, earning their first trip to the state final since 2014.

"It means a whole lot," said Johnson, a star receiver committed to Rutgers. "I never thought in a million years we'd be fortunate enough to be in this position. But here we are."

What it means

Newburgh, seeking its first state championship, will face Bennett/Olmstead/Middle Early College of Buffalo in the state final next Sunday, 3 p.m. at Syracuse University's JMA Wireless Dome.

"This is a big accomplishment for us and I'm proud of this team," defensive end Fabian Rhoden said of them rebounding from a blowout loss to Carmel in the state semifinals last fall. "I'm glad we got a second chance and made it count. We have a lot of guys who've been friends since we were little kids. When you do something like this with your best friends, it's more special."

The Goldbacks dealt CBA-Albany its first loss this season, containing an offense that entered averaging 32 points per game. They'll need a similar performance against Bennett, which is coming off a 35-7 win over Cicero-North Syracuse in its semifinal. The Tigers are averaging 36.8 points per game and feature Syracuse-bound lineman Rashard Perry.

"They've got a lot of good athletes and they were in the final last year, so they've got experience," Newburgh coach Bill Bianco said. "But at this point, all the teams left are good, so we believe we've got as good a shot."

Player of the Game

Deondre Johnson proved again to be a nightmare matchup for defenses and his play-making altered the game. The 6-foot-8 receiver had four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown and rushed for a score, and two other long receptions set up touchdowns.

Johnson caught an 11-yard touchdown from Mason Hoover, leaping above two defenders on a fade route, to give Newburgh a 12-10 lead with six seconds left in the first half. He had a 27-yard reception ― thrown by receiver Elijah Bevier on a faked jet sweep ― that preceded his own 4-yard touchdown run.

"Defenses do so many different things against him, we try to find creative ways to get him the ball," Bianco said. "He's the best player I've ever coached. He's different."

Turning point

Joe Alicea's 51-yard punt return touchdown gave Newburgh a 25-13 lead with 11:10 remaining. The senior caught the ball near the left hash and cut across the field, picking up blocks as he dashed untouched.

Jahmir Pitcher trimmed the lead with his 10-yard touchdown run, and CBA threatened to go ahead on its drive in the final minutes. The Brothers converted a fourth-and-23 with a hook and ladder play, but the next pass was intercepted by Matt Patterson and returned 44 yards for a clinching touchdown with 2:20 remaining.

Patterson is one of the smartest students in the school and that aptitude translates to the field, Bianco said. The defensive back played off and baited the quarterback into that throw, then jumped the underneath route.

CBA was without quarterback Donald Jones, who was ejected while on defense for targeting in the second quarter. His violent helmet-to-helmet hit on Newburgh's Jashon Thomas drew the penalty.

"That did benefit us," said Rhoden, who had a sack and two tackles for loss. "The backup (Jack Gialanella) could throw, but he wasn't as much of a runner. It was one less thing to worry about."

By the numbers

Christian Brothers Academy (12-1): Pitcher ran for two touchdowns and Carson Leto made two field goals. Aiden Guzi had a sack.

Newburgh (10-2): Tajir Walker rushed for a touchdown and Darryl Jackson had a sack.

They said it

"We had a great team last year, but we unfortunately had key injuries at the worst time," Bianco said. "For us to rebound from last year, and from the 0-2 start this year, to get here, it's a testament to the kids."

"Full of confidence," Johnson said of their approach to the state final. "We haven't been there before, but we've got enough time to be well-prepared. If you're prepared, you should be confident."

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Football: Johnson, Patterson help Newburgh reach state Class AA final