The Penfield Patriots have etched their name into Section V history, capturing four league titles and standing as one of the most dominant programs in New York high school flag football.
Chasing a first state championship
Despite their regional success, the Patriots have never hoisted a state trophy. This weekend they have a chance to rewrite that narrative, aiming to follow in the footsteps of the 2024 Bishop Kearney Kings and the 2025 Webster Schroeder Warriors, the most recent Section V teams to win the title.
Their opponent in the Class A semifinal will be Shaker, the Albany‑area powerhouse that enters the game with a 14‑1 record and a No. 4 state ranking. The matchup is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 6 at Homer High School in Cortland, a venue that has hosted the tournament’s championship games for years.
More than a game
Beyond the scoreboard, the contest represents a milestone for the program and the broader Section V community. A victory would not only bring a state title to Penfield but also spotlight the growing popularity of flag football across the state, inspiring more schools to invest in the sport.
The winner will advance to the state final on June 7 at 11 a.m., also at Homer High School, where they will meet the victor of the opposite semifinal featuring Middletown of Section IX and Half Hollow Hills East of Section XI. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Penfield arrives with a 14‑2 overall record and a No. 5 state ranking, while Shaker sits at 14‑1 and No. 4. Both teams bring unbeaten streaks and a deep pool of talent, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.