Christian Brothers Academy and Shenendehowa football teams have put on quite the show for fans in their battles over the last three years.

“The kids all know the importance level of this game, and it didn't take a lot to motivate them this week to to be focused on details and preparation,” said Bob Burns, CBA head coach.

What You Need To Know

  • Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Shenendehowa High School 

  • It's a rematch of the last two Class AA Section 2 championship games

  • The CBA defense has yet to allow a score so far this season

Since taking over as head coach at CBA in 2021, Burns has produced a 5-1 record against Shen, which includes beating them for the Section 2 championship three consecutive years.

The two Class AA titans are set to clash once again in this crucial regular season matchup at Shenendehowa High School on Spectrum News 1.

“We got to make explosive plays,” Burns said. “That's kind of the difference in the game, is turnovers and explosive plays. We got some kids that are really good with the ball in their hands, and we're going to try to get them in situations where they can do that.”

Burns and the Brothers will head up to Clifton Park Friday night with a 3-0 record on the line, against a Shen team has won two in a row after falling to Shaker to begin the year.

“We adjusted some things, practice, structure-wise, and it really helped our program, gave us a new sense of focus and direction,” said Brian Clawson, Shen head coach.

He said he is pleased with the resilience his players have shown after starting the year 0-1, by stacking good practices over the last three weeks.

“The players just put it into practice, and we've worked really hard. They're very diligent football players, and then it carried over to Friday nights,” Clawson said.

“The intensity is there,” said Matt Thompson, a senior offensive and defensive lineman for Shen. “Now we're practicing hard. Everyone's practicing hard. Everyone wants it, they all want it. So it's good.”

The Shen offense will be going up against a CBA defense that has yet to allow a score so far this season. It’s a big test for both teams to see if they are title contenders once again.

“It’s a dogfight every time we play them. It's whoever wants it more and stuff like that,” said Jake Marra, a senior running back and linebacker for CBA. “It's going to be a challenge. And I think our guys are going to come out on top on that one.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.