Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake’s Cole Sisson just couldn’t stop smiling at practice this week.

“It's a blessing just being able to be here still because most teams as you know were done three weeks ago,” said Sisson, a senior defensive lineman for the Spartans. “Us just buying more time, taking it day by day, and having a great time every single day.”

What You Need To Know

  • Burnt Hills comes into this matchup at 8-2, while Averill Park enters at 7-3

  • As Averill Park looks for its first Super Bowl ever, Burnt Hills is seeking their 11th sectional championship

  • The Class A Super Bowl will kickoff 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Spectrum News 1

Having fun is how Sisson and his teammates have been able to turn this season around to win eight consecutive games as Burnt Hills now prepare for their 16th Section 2 Class A Championship game appearance. 

“These guys work their tails off every single time and we've been practicing for them, and they’re really good team. And we're just excited to get out there and get playing,” Sisson said. 

Burnt Hills, the top seed in the Grasso division, is set to battle Averill Park, the top seed in the Capital Division, for the Super Bowl Saturday afternoon at Shenendehowa High School.

“Since I was a kid, that's all we've wanted to do, really," said Shawn Ratigan, a senior wide receiver and defensive back for Averill Park. “And that's what we've been working toward this point.”

The Warriors are making their third straight appearance in the sectional title game, entering with a 7-3 record, and winners of their last four games.

“They've just increased their focus level, their effort level, their practices, their execution,” said Zach Gobel, Averill Park’s head coach. “I know offensively we've held onto the ball better than we did earlier. Not perfect yet, but better than we did early in the season.”

As Averill Park looks for its first Super Bowl ever, Burnt Hills is seeking their 11th sectional championship. This would be their first since 2021, and a first as head coach for Kevin Debonis. 


“They know what they have to do,” said Debonis, who is in his second season as head coach for the Spartans. “They're enjoying it and just really relishing the opportunity to get back to Super Bowl and practicing with the lights on and practicing with other teams that are in states.”

The Class A Super Bowl will kickoff 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Spectrum News 1.