SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: CORNING AND ELMIRA MEET FOR SECTIONAL TITLE (2024-11-15)

Southern Tier Sports Report
CORNING — It’s a rematch of last year as the Corning Hawks host the Elmira Express in the Section IV, Class AA Championship game.

A year ago Elmira won the sectional title, while Corning won the regular season matchup this year and hosts this year’s title game.

“Focused on the task at hand,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said of the feeling this week.

Corning had the bye last week and were able to rest up for the game.

“Gave us some time to prepare our gameplay and get some players healthier,” Johnston Jr. said.

Elmira had a dominant defensive effort last week holding Ithaca to negative yards. The Express have dealt with some injuries in recent weeks, but they know at this time of year you play with what you have.

“It doesn’t matter what our roster looks like at this point,” Elmira coach Jimmy McCauley said. “But, I like the players we have.”

For Corning hosting the game is special.

“Proud of the team for earning the right to host the Class AA sectional finals,” Johnston Jr. said.

Both teams are excited for the chance to play for a title.

“This is why we do everything we do,” McCauley said. “Our goal from day one is to win the sectional title.”

Both teams know they face a tough test.

“Have a really good bunch of athletes that can make plays and a line that is big and strong,” Johnston Jr. said of Elmira. “Execution, alignment and assignment on all three sides of the ball. It all comes down to effort, blocking and tackling.”

“Corning is a great team,” McCauley said. “We will have to be disciplined and execute in all three phases of the game.”
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STSR FILE PHOTOS.


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