It's not a typo: Saturday, it'll be Christian Brothers Academy vs. Christian Brothers Academy for a New York Class AA state high school football championship.
The NYSPHSAA state championships at the Dome in Syracuse will see the Salt City's CBA try to defend its 2023 state crown against their Albany CBA counterparts. Kickoff of the Class AA title game is 6 p.m.
CBA Albany, the Section II champ, comes in following a 56-7 rout of Corning-Painted Post of Section IV in the semifinals. CBA Syracuse, Section III champs, had a tougher time in the semis, holding off Division V Aquinas 21-14 to reach the Dome.
The teams couldn't be more evenly matched — both come in unbeaten with prolific offenses and stingy defenses. According to MaxPreps statistics, CBA Syracuse is averaging 42.7 points per game, with CBA Albany averaging 42.1. CBA Syracuse is ranked No. 2 in MaxPreps' New York all-division computer rankings, with CBA Albany third.
On the ground, Albany's Brothers typically give the ball to sophomore Thomas Toher. He's averaging a little more than 91 yards rushing per game, and is coming off a 167-yard, two-touchdown performance in the semifinal win over Corning-Painted Post. In the air, CBA usually looks to wideout Lucius Anderson, who's averaged a little more than 100 receiving yards per game. He did not play in the Brothers' semifinal win, but media reports that CBA Albany reposted on social media indicated Anderson will play in the state title game. Junior quarterback Archie Jones has thrown for more than 2,000 yards, according to MaxPreps.
CBA Syracuse continued its success off the field this week, with three players — tight end Daunte Bacheyie, offensive lineman Matt Hawn and wide receiver Darien Williams — sign letters of intent with Syracuse University.
Prior to the tough semifinal win, CBA Syracuse had routed Elmira Southside 63-12 in the regional round. It was the second win for CBA over Southside, following a 40-0 CBA win in October.
CBA's defense has only allowed more than 14 points twice this season, in regular-season wins over West Genesee and Rome Free Academy.