Corning, Horseheads, Waverly, and Thomas A. Edison didn’t just win their Section 4 football semifinal contests this past weekend, they absolutely dominated, earning their tickets to next week’s championship games. Leading the charge, Corning put on a clinic against Ithaca, fresh off the news that their star, John Graham, was named the section’s Class AA Player of the Year by the Section 4 Football Coaches Association. They straight up rolled, with a 43-14 final score that truly tells the story.
Graham’s Electric Start Ignites The Hawks’ Championship Hopes
Talk about making a statement! Hours after the announcement that he was the Section 4 Class AA Player of the Year, Corning’s John Graham returned the opening kickoff a ridiculous 85 yards for a touchdown. Yeah, that’s how you set the tone, right from the jump. Corning head coach Mike Johnston Jr. was hyped, saying, “When we’re clicking on all three sides of the ball, we’re pretty good and we’re tough to beat.” He added, “To open the game up with the kickoff return was huge. He shows why he’s the Section 4 Class AA Player of the Year and continues to make big plays for us.” Graham wasn’t done, either. He tacked on two more touchdown runs, a 5-yarder and a 1-yarder, finishing the night with 96 yards on 13 rushes. The Hawks were up 30-7 by halftime, and honestly, Ithaca had no answer.
Collective Power and A Resounding Statement
While Graham was doing his thing, this was absolutely a team effort, just like Coach Johnston said. “It wasn’t like somebody ran for 200 yards, it was a collective effort by our team. A lot of the credit goes to our line. We were able to throw the ball tonight as well, and our defense was pretty solid as well. Just an all-around great effort by everybody.” Ten different Corning players ran the ball, showing off that depth! Fellow wingback Keegan Kelly piled up 86 yards on eight rushes and even snagged an interception on defense. Fullback Keegan VanCise added 78 yards on 14 carries, including his own 1-yard touchdown. And let’s not forget Ashton Neally, who snagged a 19-yard touchdown reception from Nate Bretch and later punched in a 4-yard run, putting Corning up 44-7 early in the fourth quarter. This win against Ithaca marked their second lopsided victory over them this season, continuing a streak where Corning has never lost to Ithaca since the program combined back in 2010.
This dominant performance was a massive bounce-back for Corning after a tough 33-7 loss to Union-Endicott last week, a game riddled with over 200 penalty yards, a dropped touchdown, and injuries to key players. Coach Johnston believes they “turned the corner” with this game, and that’s exactly what you want to see heading into the biggest game of the season. For Ithaca, Jasmir Robbins had a 36-yard TD run and 72 yards on eight carries before getting shaken up and sitting out the second half. Leo Fiorello connected with Shy’von Williams for a 29-yard score late in the game, but by then, Corning had sealed the deal.
So, what’s next? Corning, now 6-4, is heading to the championship game to face off against Elmira (6-3). Elmira gets the advantage of a bye week, but if Corning keeps playing like this, with Graham leading the charge and a collective effort like they showed, it’s going to be an absolute battle. Mark your calendars: Friday, November 13, at 6 p.m., at Elmira’s Thomas J. Hurley Athletic Complex. This is what it all comes down to!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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