Football

Section 4 Flag Football Teams Fall Short in State Quarterfinal Showdown

Undefeated Section 4 squads from Binghamton, Union-Endicott and Susquehanna Valley see their championship dreams end as they lose to Section 6 opponents

Quarterfinal Results

The 2026 NYSPHSAA Flag Football Championships featured the top Section 4 programs — Binghamton, Union-Endicott and Susquehanna Valley — each entering the state tournament with perfect section records. Their run ended in the quarterfinals, where they faced formidable opponents from Section 6.

Susquehanna Valley coach Mike Ford praised his team’s in‑game adjustments and the value of prior tournament experience, noting that those factors helped the squad compete more effectively despite the final outcome.

Binghamton and Susquehanna Valley were shut out by Section 6 powerhouses Clarence and Pioneer, while Union-Endicott managed to keep last year’s Class A semifinalists Penfield to just 25 points, a defensive effort that highlighted the competitive balance within the bracket.

The next round of matchups will see Pioneer take on Northeastern Clinton at Cortland High School, and the remaining quarterfinal games are slated for June 6 at Homer High School, where Fayetteville‑Manlius will meet Shaker.

Ford’s observations reflect a broader surge in flag football popularity across Section 4, a trend he believes could soon spread statewide, reshaping the sport’s landscape and offering new pathways for student‑athletes.

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