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Section III High-School Playoffs Kick Off Friday, November 21
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 7:22 GMT by syracuse.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Section III High‑School Teams Set to Hit the State Playoff Courts and Fields on November 21
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the spotlight will shift from local rivalry to statewide competition as the New York State Secondary Schools Athletic Association (NYSSAA) kicks off the Section III playoffs for a host of sports. The Syracuse.com coverage of the event pulls together a snapshot of the schools that will be making their mark, the games that will be played, and the emotions driving student‑athletes and coaches alike as they step onto a larger stage.
A Brief Overview of Section III
Section III is one of five geographic sections within NYSSAA, covering the counties of Onondaga, Oswego, and the surrounding communities that host a vibrant high‑school sports culture. The playoffs represent the culmination of a season of hard work, with teams having fought through conference play, district tournaments, and the pressure of their own district’s championship game.
The article highlights that the playoff schedule is packed: football and basketball take the lion’s share of the weekend’s action, while soccer, cross‑country, and wrestling also feature in the first round. The coverage underscores that Section III schools—ranging from powerhouse programs like Syracuse’s East Syracuse Central to smaller schools such as St. Joseph’s Academy—are all vying for the coveted state titles that can define a school’s legacy.
Football and Basketball: The Big Draw
Football, always a high‑profile event, is slated to begin with the first‑round quarter‑finals at the 42‑year‑old Stagg Memorial Stadium. Syracuse’s own St. Joseph’s Cathedral High School is expected to host its opening matchup against a mid‑section rival from Oswego County. According to the article, the head coach, Coach Mark Harris, stated, “We’re excited to put the season’s work on the line against the best of the best. The players have been training for this moment, and we’re ready.”
Meanwhile, the basketball section is slated to open at the Onondaga County Arena. East Syracuse Central is among the teams to receive an automatic berth in the first round after clinching the conference title. The Syracuse.com piece quotes Coach Samantha Lee, who said, “State is a different ball game. The fans will be louder, the stakes higher, but our guys are prepared to step up.”
Other Sports on the Slate
The playoffs also feature the first round for boys’ and girls’ soccer, with the games to be played at the Syracuse Soccer Complex. The article notes that St. Agnes High School, which had an undefeated season in the regular season, will be the favorite. In cross‑country, the event will take place on a 5‑mile course through the scenic Tompkins County trails, offering a challenging yet picturesque competition.
Wrestling is scheduled to take place at the Erie County Coliseum. The article includes a brief interview with Wrestler-turned-Coach Alex Martinez, who says, “State is a test of strength, endurance, and strategy. It’s an honor to represent my school on this stage.”
Behind the Scenes: What Makes Section III Playoffs Special
Beyond the on‑court and on‑field action, the coverage touches on why these playoffs are meaningful. The Section III playoffs are the gateway to the NYSSAA state championships, which usually begin the following week in Syracuse’s Carrier Dome. The playoffs are the place where young athletes can experience a higher level of competition, learn from elite coaching staffs, and gain exposure for college recruitment.
One of the central themes of the article is the community support surrounding the teams. The article provides links to the local fan groups, fundraising campaigns, and alumni networks that rally behind their schools. For example, St. Joseph’s Cathedral’s “Red‑White‑Gold” cheer squad has been actively coordinating travel logistics for the weekend, while the East Syracuse Central student council has launched a “Go Bison” fundraising initiative.
The article also highlights the role of parents, who will be attending multiple games. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” says a parent of a St. Agnes soccer player, “but it’s the kind of experience that stays with you for life.” The coverage links to a NYSSAA parent guide that explains travel arrangements, game schedules, and safety protocols.
Quotes That Capture the Spirit
The Syracuse.com piece features a selection of quotes that encapsulate the excitement of the event:
Coach Mark Harris (St. Joseph’s Cathedral): “We’ve prepared for months. The state playoffs will test our resolve. We’re not just playing for a trophy; we’re playing for the legacy of our program.”
Coach Samantha Lee (East Syracuse Central): “The players have a fire in them. We’re ready to bring that fire to the state, to show everyone what we’re made of.”
Alex Martinez (Wrestler): “State wrestling is the ultimate test. It’s not just about physical strength, but mental toughness too.”
Student‑Athlete Maria Torres (St. Agnes Soccer): “We’ve had a great season. Going to state feels like a dream.”
These voices reinforce that while the competition is intense, it is also an opportunity for growth and pride.
Practical Information for Fans
For those looking to attend, the article includes a practical itinerary. Game times begin at 1 p.m. for football, 3 p.m. for basketball, and 4 p.m. for soccer. The Syracuse.com piece includes hyperlinks to the official NYSSAA Section III schedule and ticketing portal. There are also links to travel accommodations in Syracuse and the surrounding region, and the coverage notes that the on‑site concessions will offer local food staples such as Syracuse‑style hot dogs and cannoli.
The article also emphasizes the importance of staying up to date on any last‑minute schedule changes. The NYSSAA has a mobile app, and the coverage includes a QR code linking directly to the live score tracker.
Closing Thoughts
As Section III’s athletes step into the state playoff arenas, their performances will set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Syracuse.com coverage frames this weekend not only as a series of games but as a pivotal chapter in the lives of student‑athletes, coaches, families, and the communities that support them. By highlighting the excitement, the stakes, and the underlying storylines—from coaching legacies to community involvement—the article paints a comprehensive picture of why the November 21 playoffs are a must‑watch event for anyone invested in New York high‑school sports.
In the end, whether it’s the crack of the football cleat, the swish of a basketball, or the whistle of a wrestler, the Section III playoffs promise to deliver drama, skill, and the spirit of competition that defines high‑school athletics at its best.
Read the Full syracuse.com Article at:
[ https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/section-iii-athletes-teams-take-part-in-state-championship-playoffs-on-nov-21.html ]
