Football: Arlington beats rival John Jay-East Fishkill to reach Section 1 Class AA final
FREEDOM PLAINS - The Arlington fans at one point chanted "That's too easy" in response to a touchdown, as it seemed their football team had pulled away, and was about to do what it had done to all of its previous opponents.
Those words soon were quieted as John Jay-East Fishkill rallied, making it a one-score game with 10 minutes left and offering the Admirals their fiercest competition. But that, the team insisted, was a good thing.
"We needed that punch in the mouth," tight end Joe McGann said Friday. "We've been rolling over everybody the whole year, so to have a team push back and give us a fight was good for us. You want to know if you can turn it up and answer."
Top-seeded Arlington did that, scoring twice in the fourth quarter for a 42-21 win over the rival Patriots in a Section 1 Class AA semifinal.
The Admirals advance to the final for the first time since 2021, hosting two-time defending champion Carmel in the final at 6 p.m. Saturday.
"We're enjoying this right now, but we're not losing sight of the fact that we're not done," Wisconsin-bound right tackle Colin Cubberly said. "We have goals set for ourselves and this is one of them, but this is just another step toward that."
Cubberly anchored an offensive line that dominated against a stout front, buying time and creating openings for Mike Rescigno, who rushed for three touchdowns and threw two others.
"They are dogs!" the quarterback said of his blockers. "They come through every week and open holes for me that most other players don't get. I'm so grateful for them."
What it means
Rescigno has starred, routinely racking up several touchdowns. But the growth of that offensive line — in a figurative and literal sense — has elevated this team from "in the mix" to being an overwhelming title favorite.
That unit includes Ben Segarra, Sean Allen, Jason Finn, Dominick Allen and Mike Lucido, who have overpowered each defense thus far, enabling the Admirals to average 43.5 points and play keep-away late in games.
"The experience and cohesiveness are factors," Arlington coach Michael Morano said. "They've played together for a while and they understand the schemes and adjustments. Plus, they're enormous."
In addition, the 6-foot-5 McGann is an excellent blocker and run-after-the-catch threat. He's among a cadre of game-breaking weapons. That combination helped Arlington throttle Carmel, 55-18, in their September meeting.
Arlington seeks to become the first Dutchess County team to win a Section 1 championship since John Jay beat them in the 2014 final.
"We're in a better position now, knowing that it's someone we beat in the regular season," defensive end Romell Spaulding said, comparing facing Carmel in the final two years ago to now. "There's a lot more confidence."
Turning point
Rescigno's 47-yard touchdown pass to Luke Lavello pushed Arlington's lead to 28-7 in the third quarter, prompting the chants, but John Jay charged back, scoring twice in a minute to open the fourth.
Brady Feliciotto completed a 58-yard pass, setting up his 7-yard scoring run. The Patriots then recovered an onside kick and quickly capped a 48-yard drive with Feliciotto's 4-yard touchdown run, closing within 28-21 with 10:10 remaining.
"They're an excellent program and we expected them to give us a game," Morano said of John Jay, which upset Scarsdale in the quarterfinals. "You need to get in a dog fight to see how you'll respond."
The Admirals responded on their next play from scrimmage, the offensive line sealing the edge and enabling Rescigno to stiff-arm a defender while turning the corner off left tackle and dashing for a spectacular 80-yard touchdown.
"They're a good defensive line, so an emphasis for us was being relentless and finishing blocks," Cubberly said. "It's a huge boost for the O-line, getting (Rescigno) that opening and watching him break it."
By the numbers
John Jay (7-3) ― Noah Croutch caught a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The Patriots stopped Arlington at the 1 as time expired in the first half, going to halftime down 14-7.
Arlington (10-0) ― Rescigno made two tackles for loss and forced and recovered a fumble. Robbie Jordan had a 32-yard touchdown reception. Spaulding had two sacks and McGann had another. The Admirals forced three turnovers on downs.
They said it
“They could’ve easily folded down three scores in the fourth quarter, but they fought and I’m incredibly proud of them,” Patriots coach Jim Cancellari said. “It’s how you respond to challenges that mark your character, and you hope those life lessons stick with the kids.”
"We're gonna get the best from any opponent," Rescigno said. "We've gotta keep level heads and continue doing what we've been doing."
"It feels like it's our time," McGann said. "We've been waiting for this for a long time and we couldn't be happier. We can't waste this opportunity."
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Arlington football in Section 1 final with Mike Rescigno, O-line
