I covered a couple of High School Championship Football games over the weekend. These championships were for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Section III which represents 105 school districts in central upstate New York. It is a big deal to the athletes to hoist a Sectional banner in their gyms or stadiums.

The first game was between two undefeated and state ranked teams. Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) and Cicero-North Syracuse Northstars have been on a collision course all season. Fittingly, the game was tied 14-14 going into the fourth quarter until…

Christian Brothers Academy Avion Othman (6) catches the ball for a touchdown over Cicero-North Syracuse Northstars defender Nate Geloff (15) in Section III Class AA Football Championship action at Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, November 5, 2016.
Nikon D500/70-200VRII, 1/1000s, f/3.5, ISO 4500, EV +0.6, 70mm (105mm DX) Focal Length.

Photo Gallery: CBA and Cicero-North Syracuse Section III Football Championship Game

The throw by CBA game MVP Quarterback SirVocea Dennis to Avion Othman turned out to be the winning touchdown as the Brothers went on to win the Sectional title for Class AA schools, 27-14.

The second game featured much smaller schools in the Cazenovia Lakers, defending Section III Champs for Class B, against the Homer Trojans.  The Lakers showed early and often why they are past champions.

Cazenovia Lakers Nate Morgan (10) tackles Homer Trojans Dante Yacavone (81) in Section III Class B Football Championship action at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Sunday, November 6, 2016.
Nikon D500/80-400VR, 1/800s, f/5, ISO 6400, EV +0.6, 180mm (270mm DX) Focal Length.

Photo Gallery: Cazenovia and Homer Section III Championship Game

After taking a 24-0 lead into halftime, Cazenovia Lakers cruised to a 31-7 successful defense of their Section III title.

In both photos, I was in the right spot at the right time. This is a skill all sports photographers learn by studying the games they cover, learning from other photographers and through trial and error. I missed other photos as well but feel I got enough to satisfy my client.