Semifinal Showdown in Cortland
The afternoon of June 6, 2026, saw the Class A flag football semifinal clash between Half Hollow Hills and Middletown unfold on the fields of Cortland, New York. Both squads entered the game with unbeaten records, and the atmosphere was electric as coaches and players prepared for a battle that would decide who would advance to the state final.
Half Hollow Hills’ star Zoe Franks quickly became the focal point of the action, celebrating each touchdown with her teammates and later returning an interception that shifted momentum. Her agility was on display when she darted through the defense, later reaching for Middletown’s Ava Pryce before sprinting downfield with the ball in hand.
Gabby Williams of Half Hollow Hills faced off against Middletown’s Drew Moore and Nia Roberts, weaving through their attempts to pull the flag and showcasing a quick pass that set up a scoring drive. The defensive pressure from Middletown’s lineup kept the Hills’ offense on its toes, but the Hills’ resilience shone through.
Coach Michael Lupa paced the sidelines, his eyes tracking every play and his voice echoing instructions to Samantha Heyman, who executed a series of precise throws that kept the chains moving. Lupa’s calm demeanor contrasted with the excitement building as the score tightened.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Drew Kesselman found a gap and celebrated with Emma Wilck after a decisive score, while Samantha Heyman and Emma Gould added their own highlights, including a safety that underscored the defensive intensity of the contest.
When the final whistle blew, the Half Hollow Hills players erupted in cheers, hugging one another and waving the victory flag. Zoe Franks lifted the trophy alongside Samantha Heyman, Emma Wilck and the rest of the roster, their faces reflecting the culmination of weeks of preparation.
The victory was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the program’s depth, with contributions from Stella Glazer, Harlow Rivera, Camryn Jassey and the entire supporting cast. The team’s unity was evident as they gathered for a group photo, promising to carry the momentum into the upcoming state final.