Updated: Cardinals bring home the state title

 

The Newark Valley Cardinals brought home the state title on Friday when they defeated Ogdensburg at the Carrier Dome, 39-34, and rounded out their 13-0 undefeated record this year to become the NYSPHSAA Class C State Champions.

The Class C Championship at the Carrier Dome was the first in the school’s history for the Cardinals. But the Cardinals entered the Carrier Dome Friday night looking to capture their first state football championship.

According to Trentyn Rupert, a sophomore from Newark Valley whose position is tackle on both the offensive and defensive side, the team was confident going in.

“We were undefeated this season, so we were really confident,” said Rupert.

According to accounts from their title win, the Cardinals started the scoring with a touchdown run from Brett Stewart, and after the first half they led by 16 at the break.

Ogdensburg Free Academy, who carried a season record of 10-2, came back strong in the second half, but Newark Valley was able to hold off the Blue Devils to win the Class C State Championship, 39-34. 

At the conclusion of the game, Brett Stewart, Running Back for the Cardinal’s, was named MVP as he walked away with 13 carries, 139 yards, 1 reception, 62 yards, and a total of three touchdowns.

Stewart, following their championship win, humbly stated, “It was a total team effort, and I was honored to be a part of a great group of hardworking players and coaches.” 

Rupert resounded these words, stating that the team’s win on Friday was what he called “hard work” by all.

“The school worked hard to get the Cardinals up in the ranks,” said Rupert. He also talked about one particular play, or move, that helped keep up the momentum during the game.

Rupert talked about a play they call “the pitch”. “I’m a lead blocker in front of Brett,” said Rupert, “and we run that play every game. It paid off this time.”

But he also spoke of the challenges going into the game on Friday.

“The challenge was to control the game, and control the front line,” said Rupert.

Ryan Benjamin, who plays a supportive role behind the Cardinal games, stated that the team went into the game with confidence.

“The team’s confidence came from knowing how hard they worked, every day, on and off the field,” said Benjamin, adding, “The football program couldn’t be much more unified. The team has grown together, they eat together, and spend most of their waking hours of each day with each other.”

During the game, Benjamin described the emotions as high as the clock ran down with seconds left. Then, he explained, there were tears of happiness, smiles all around, and literally jumping for joy.

Rupert described his emotions, personally, as a team member.

“I was happy, and I was also sad as this was the last game with some of our team members,” said Rupert. Sixteen seniors, he explained, will be moving on.

On the bus ride home, Rupert explained, it was quiet, at first, and then there was music playing and every one was talking about the game.

Scott Wandell, offensive coordinator and quarterback and running back coach, described the title win as a “great experience for our little town.”

Wandell, who has lived in the area his entire life, except for his four years in the Marine Corps, has never seen the town so excited, and so proud.

“The community support was truly amazing,” said Wandell, adding, “This team was truly an honor to coach. They are the epitome of what the word ‘team’ stands for. They are a group of brothers who compete like no team I have ever seen before.”

“Not only are they champions on the field,” added Wandell, “they are champions off the field as well.”

As for returning to school on Monday, Rupert said, “It will be a crazy day.”

Ryan Benjamin added to this, stating, “The State championship is a great achievement for the football team.”

Benjamin added, “Newark Valley has a great athletic program, and this win will pave the future of football here in Newark Valley. From this point on, the team will be known as one time state champs, and never overlooked.”

As for the community of Newark Valley, the win is a big deal.

To celebrate, the championship team will participate in the Holiday Magic event’s celebration parade planned for Dec. 10, and beginning at 4 p.m. The parade will go through the village with activities following at the Newark Valley Depot, Post Office Building Noble Room and the Newark Valley Library.

“One thing this town has is Unity,” concluded Benjamin. “We are the Cardinal Nation – #OneTeamOneDream.”