Chazy girls, boys return to state final four

The Chazy girls and boys soccer programs are headed back to the NYSPHSAA Class D semifinals after posting regional victories Saturday, Nov. 8, to continue their postseason runs. Howell's OT heroics lift Eagles past Chateaugay POTSDAM | Emma Howell scored twice, including the golden goal in overtime, as Chazy edged Section X champion Chateaugay 2-1 in a regional thriller at Potsdam High School. After a scoreless first half, the Eagles broke through at 20:01 of the second when Howell converted a feed from Marin Juneau. The Bulldogs answered just 14 seconds later on a direct kick from 30 yards by Irelynn LaPlante, sending the contest to extra time tied 1-1. Howell then delivered the winner 7:40 into overtime, again assisted by Juneau, to send the Section VII champions back to the state semifinals. Chazy will face Section II's Fort Ann, a 2-0 winner over Section IX's Eldred, at noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at Homer High School. "Whenever we play Chateaugay, we know we are in for a great game," Chazy head coach John Tregan said. "Jason LaPlante does a great job with his crew, and in many ways, they are a mirror image of us. It's hard for me to call it a rivalry when both teams have this much respect for the other. Both teams just play — no nonsense out there — and leave it out on the field." Tregan credited Juneau's perseverance and playmaking for both goals. "Marin faced two girls trailing her all game and, as was the case most of the year, just was asked to find ways to create chances for us," Tregan said. "I feel badly for her because we ask so much out of that kid, but she never complains and finds a way to impact the game. Emma did a great job of finishing both chances, but Marin and her ability to get to the end line created those chances." Chazy's defense and goalkeeper Calleigh Clark, who made eight saves, helped contain a potent Chateaugay attack. "Our back four of Stephanie, Avery, Aubrey and Kariana did a great job today maintaining their talented players up front," Tregan said. "Chateaugay has a high-powered offense and they, along with Calleigh, did what was needed to keep them in check. All year, we have asked a lot of them because we really don't score much. They have the pressure of playing near perfect every game and time and time again show up in big spots." The win marked a milestone for a young roster. "We only have two players on this team who were on the final four team a handful of years ago, so to get back to Cortland with this group, especially after how the season started, really feels like a big accomplishment," Tregan said. Eagles avenge last year's semifinal loss PLATTSBURGH | At SUNY Plattsburgh, the Chazy boys secured a measure of revenge against the team that ended their 2024 season, defeating Section II champion Northville 2-0 to return to the state semifinals. Zeke McLennan opened the scoring just 7:52 into the match off a pass from Jack McAuliffe, and Landon Duprey added an insurance tally at 31:38 from Jack Rovers. The Eagles controlled play with a 14-6 edge in shots and 10-5 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Henry Kapp recorded six saves for the shutout as Chazy improved to 19-1. Northville, which had defeated Chazy in overtime in last year's state semifinal, finished its season 17-3. The Eagles advanced to meet Section III's Hamilton, a 4-2 winner over Riverhead Charter School, at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Faller Field in Middletown. Chazy will try to slow down Hamilton junior standout Gavin Hames, who has 39 goals, 24 assists and 102 points this season, with 243 career points overall.

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Chazy girls, boys return to state final four

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