Back-to-back-to back!!!
They did it again!! The CBA football team captured their third straight Class AA Title on Saturday, defeating Section 2 Saratoga Springs 41-12 at the JMA Wireless Dome.
With the win, the Brothers capped off another undefeated season (13-0) and secured the school’s fifth state championship in football. In addition to last year’s title, CBA won the Class AA State Title in 2023, the Class A title in 2021, and the Class AA Crown in 2004. The Brothers are the first team ever in Section III to win three consecutive State Titles in Class AA, the highest class in the State. The team is also riding a 41-game winning streak, besting the previous longest streak of wins which was in place for 70 years. CBA has now won 41 of its last 42 games.
“We don’t talk about streaks,” head coach Casey Brown shared. “We just talk about going 1-0 every day, and this is what you get.”
Led by the 12th man, loud and proud Brothers Nations, the Dome lit up in purple following the win, was a sea of purple and gold. The Brothers raced out to a 21-0 halftime lead, thanks to three touchdown strikes from Gradyn Dixon to Isaiah Coleman, 29 yards, Javon Edenfield, 34 yards, and Braydon Johnson, 22 yards.
Saratoga Springs scored twice in the third quarter to cut the lead to 21-12, but then it was all purple in the fourth quarter, as Khalen Reese powered his way to paydirt on a five-yard run, followed by a one-yard TD from Coleman in the final minute of play. Tre Williams put the exclamation point on the win, picking off a 42-yard interception for a touchdown.
After winning the league title and earning a first round bye, CBA was the No. 1 seed heading into Sectionals. The Brothers defeated West Genesee 55-7 in the semifinals, before prevailing over Liverpool 27-6 for their third straight Sectional Championship.
The first stop on the road to the State Title was a trip to Vestal, where the Brothers routed Elmira Southside, 42-7 for a State Regional victory. The following week, on a blustery night at CNS High School, CBA punched their ticket to the Dome and the big dance by beating Bennet 34-14.
Asked what he’s learned from each championship win?
“You need to embrace it,” Brown said.” You don’t know if you are ever coming back again. I enjoy any time I can step onto this field. Playing in December in the Dome is really something special.”
Winning a State Championship three years in a row is too!
