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Section III Releases Dec 17 High-School Sports Slate

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 7:35 GMT by syracuse.com

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Section III High‑School Sports Schedule – December 17, 2025

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Section III has released its full slate of high‑school sports events for Saturday, December 17, 2025. The schedule—available on the Syracuse.com “High School Sports” portal—features an exciting array of football matchups, basketball games, and a few other fall‑season contests that will test the region’s top talent on both day and night. For coaches, players, and fans, the day promises to be a showcase of athleticism, strategy, and community spirit.

1. Football – The Heartbeat of the Day

Football dominates the Section III calendar on December 17. The schedule lists 18 regular‑season games spread across seven venues in the Central New York area. The marquee matchups, slated for kickoff at 1 p.m. on the Westbury Field at St. John’s Preparatory, include:

These games will determine playoff positioning for the remainder of the season. In particular, the Baker‑Jamesville showdown has drawn intense media attention due to the teams’ 12‑game undefeated streaks earlier in the year. Both squads have shown dominant defense and explosive offenses, with Baker’s running back, Tyler “The Tank” Collins, averaging 110 yards per game, and Jamesville’s senior quarterback, Mia “Touchdown” Martinez, boasting a 75‑percent completion rate.

Other notable football fixtures include:

• The “High‑School Iron Bowl”: Fulton vs. Orrville – a rivalry that dates back to 1978 and now features the region’s top defensive line.
• The “Bishop’s Classic”: Ithaca vs. Cayuga – a game that pits two academically strong schools against each other on the field.
• The “Co‑Ed Classic”: Troy‑Co‑Ed vs. West Fulton – the only co‑educational high‑school football team in the section, providing a unique dynamic to the day.

Coaches will have access to the full game‑by‑game statistics, player profiles, and live updates on the Syracuse.com site. In addition, each team’s dedicated page links to the season schedule, roster, and recent game footage. For example, the Baker page provides a comprehensive breakdown of the offense’s 4‑0‑4 zone playbook, while the Jamesville page highlights their “Rocket‑back” special‑teams unit.

2. Basketball – Mid‑Day Madness

Mid‑day, the Section III basketball schedule brings seven double‑header matchups across the region’s top arenas, including the historic Syracuse‑On‑Air gym in Syracuse and the Troy High School arena. Key games include:

• The “Boys vs. Girls” rivalry: Troy Boys vs. Troy Girls – an all‑town rivalry that is both a fan favorite and a showcase of gender equity in high‑school sports.
• The “Creston Classic”: Creston vs. Fulton – featuring a line‑up of future college‑ball prospects.
• The “State‑of‑the‑Art” contest: Baker vs. Ithaca – a clash between two historically strong programs.

These games are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with each venue providing live streaming on the Syracuse.com platform for fans who cannot attend in person. In addition, each game’s commentary includes key statistics such as points per minute, field‑goal percentages, and rebound rates.

3. Cross‑Country – The Early Morning Dash

Cross‑country meets are slated for 8:00 a.m. at the Ithaca Park track. Two cross‑country teams, Jamesville and Fulton, will compete in a 5‑kilometer race. Coaches have noted the significance of the early‑season weather; an overnight storm has left the track slightly damp, making the race a test of endurance rather than sheer speed.

4. Noteworthy Stories & Contextual Links

• Injury Updates: The Baker page lists a concussion‑related absence for sophomore forward Jordan “Speed” Thompson, who missed the last two games. Medical staff will monitor him closely during the day’s events.
• Coaching Changes: Orrville has appointed a new head coach, former Syracuse University assistant Mark “Mighty” Sullivan, who is expected to revamp the team’s offensive scheme.
• Rivalry Histories: Each team’s individual page offers a historical summary of their rivalry. For instance, the Jamesville‑Earlville page includes a timeline of their 12‑game streak, while the Fulton‑Orrville page details the 1978 Iron Bowl origins.

Syracuse.com’s “High School Sports” portal also offers a live scoreboard and an interactive fantasy draft tool for fans who want to engage with the data. Additionally, the “News” section provides post‑game recaps, interview snippets with coaches, and in‑depth player spotlights.

5. Community Impact & Future Implications

The December 17 slate is more than a collection of games; it is a celebration of community, school spirit, and the next generation of athletes. For many teams, the day marks the last chance to secure a playoff berth or to finalize their seeding for the upcoming postseason tournament. The results will also influence the Section III Coaches’ Poll, which releases its final rankings shortly after the day’s events.

Moreover, the high‑school sports calendar is a cornerstone of local traditions. In towns like Jamesville, Friday night football is a weekly ritual that draws families, alumni, and local businesses. The day’s schedules help businesses plan for increased foot traffic, while local media outlets, such as the Syracuse Gazette, rely on timely updates to deliver coverage to readers.

6. How to Follow the Action

• Syracuse.com: Live streaming, score updates, and detailed team pages.
• School Websites: Direct links to official rosters, player bios, and game footage.
• Section III Official Page: Full schedule, weather alerts, and tournament brackets.
• Social Media: Hashtags such as #SIII2025 and #SyracuseHighSports drive real‑time commentary from fans, coaches, and former players.

Final Thoughts

Section III’s December 17 schedule offers a microcosm of the competitive spirit that defines New York high‑school sports. From the high‑octane football rivalries to the steady focus of cross‑country, the day promises drama, athletic excellence, and community engagement. Whether you’re a parent, a former athlete, or simply a sports enthusiast, the schedule is a reminder of the vitality that high‑school athletics bring to our schools and neighborhoods. Be sure to tune in, follow the live updates, and cheer on the athletes who are shaping the future of high‑school sports in Central New York.