The Schuylerville High School varsity football team was named the 2024 NYSPHSAA Class C champion, after defeating the top-ranked Salamanca Warriors 26-20! The exhilarating win for the Black Horses is the first state title in program history.
The game, played Dec. 7 at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, is an experience Schuylerville has been part of before, with three previous state championship bids in 2015, 2019, and 2021. The 2024 championship was clinched under Head Coach John Bowen, who was honored in the fall for his 100th Schuylerville win. During Coach Bowen’s tenure, the Black Horses have won four sectional championships, including three in a row from 2019-2021. A state title has now been added to the program’s illustrious accomplishments.
“As the Athletic Director, it is my hope that our ability to finally turn this corner will instill a belief across our athletic landscape that this is possible and achievable for any of our teams,” said Bowen. “I am unbelievably proud of our players and our coaches and am thankful for the amazing support from the community.”
“This incredible victory is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of our players, coaches, support staff, families, and community,” added Schuylerville High School Principal James Ducharme. “From the first day of workouts, to the final play at the JMA Wireless Dome, our team has shown what it means to be true champions. Thank you to everyone who has supported our student-athletes throughout the season.”
Following the win, the varsity football team was welcomed home with a celebratory caravan led by local and state public safety vehicles, with hundreds of community members cheering. In January, the athletes will be invited to the NYS Capitol in Albany to be honored by Senator Jim Tedisco in the Chamber with a resolution.