The still unbeaten Section 1 champion Panthers (11-0), who began calling themselves the Black Hats this fall (in reference to the color of their helmets), stonewalled defending state champion Hoosick Falls, which lost its first game of the season and had been averaging 37 points per game.
Rye Neck will play the winner of Section 4’s Chenango Forks and Section 5’s Cleveland Hill on Sunday, Dec. 1, at noon at the Carrier Dome for the state championship.
The Black Hats' defense, which has allowed just 23 points in four postseason games, was the difference from the start of the game as Jakob Calvini returned a Hoosick Falls fumble 52 yards for a touchdown and a quick 7-0 Rye Neck lead.
Jake Sevean's 8-yard run pushed the Black Hats lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter and the lead held at halftime
Chris Richart's interception early in the third quarter stopped another Hoosick Falls drive.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Tarrytown-SleepyHollow and receive free news updates.