Wolfpack Wins State Title

Dec 7, 20242 min read

Syracuse, NY- They say the strength of the wolf is in the pack. Clymer/Sherman/Panama football is the literal example of that old saying. That’s how the program operates and it’s why it has been one of the most successful teams in the country, let alone New York State.

For the third time in their 10-year history the Wolfpack claimed the New York State Class D Championship, by defeating Burke Catholic (IX) 46-7 at the JMA Wireless Dome.

This one was expected, it wasn’t dramatic, and they didn’t need any trick plays. CSP just needed to be themselves. As they have all season, the Wolfpack took what opposing defenses gave them.

From the start, CSP ran roughshod over the Eagles. Travis Owens capped off the opening drive with 48-yard touchdown run. Tate Catanese hit Carter Brink for a 9-yard touchdown pass on their second, and Catanese plowed into the endzone on their third. That’s how it went. That’s how it’s gone, that’s why today they are all waking up as state champions.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of these boys and this staff then I am right now,” head coach Ty Harper said. “It spreads throughout the community too, we have great support.”

Catanese, the Section VI Class D Player of the Year went 12-of-16 for 178-yards passing and four touchdown passes to go along with his 1st quarter splash. Bryce Hinsdale and Alex Barmore also caught touchdown passes for CSP.

Defensively, the Wolfpack kept Burke Catholic (12-2) to 154-yards of total offense. Heading into the final on Friday, a key piece to the Eagles offense was their running back senior Justin Mazzie. CSP kept Mazzie in check, only allowing a late 4th quarter score with most of the reserves in the game for CSP. Mazzie was averaging over 100-yards per game, he finished with 87-yards on 17 carries. The Wolfpack held him to 23 in the first half.

Leading the way in tackles for CSP was Dalton Richter with 9. Barmore registered two sacks while Brink made an interception and recovered a fumble.

“Just getting out of town was a challenge with all the snow. Our guys didn;t really get to practice much either with all the snow so we faced some adversity this week but the kids were able to channel all of that into the game today, it was a great effort,” Harper said.

Hinsdale capped off the CSP scoring with a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter, he attempted a 41-yarder in the 4th that just missed.

He, along with several other guys will no longer have to ask their older brothers if they can try on their championship rings. Next week they can get sized up for their own.