Dome-ward bound: Crusaders going back to Syracuse

Monroe-Woodbury dispatches Christian Brothers Academy 21-0, By Russ Crespolini Central Valley - Up and down Route 17, local businesses have signs up in support of the Crusader football team. Marquees and placards tout the pride of the area in a way appropriate for the heroes under Friday night lights. But despite the 12-0 record, the Crusaders have not had an easy go of it this season. “The pressure of repeating as state champions is the difference between this season and seasons past. Living up to the expectations of the fans, our community, and most importantly ourselves has added to that pressure,” said co-captain Eric Thorsen. “But it has kept our focus sharp and has been our driving force to defend our title as state champions.” The Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders earned a return trip to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse by beating Christian Brothers Academy 21-0 in the state Class AA semifinals. Monroe-Woodbury has won 24 straight games, the longest active streak in New York. The Crusaders will try to become only the third Section 9 football team to win a state title. Monroe-Woodbury got on the board late in the first half, after Crusader John Flannery picked off a pass near midfield. A few plays later, quarterback Greg Sullivan broke for a 31-yard touchdown run. Sullivan was at it again in the third quarter, extending the lead to 14-0 and then plunged in three yards to cap the victory. The Crusaders will link up with a dangerous Auburn squad, who outlasted Marshall last Saturday 19-18, the difference in the game being a first quarter extra point kick. Auburn (8-3), the Syracuse-area champion, destroyed Albany-area winner Union-Endicott 39-7 in the quarterfinals to earn their fourth-straight victory. Being a part of the winning tradition in Monroe-Woodbury is not something that Thorsen or his teammates take for granted. “It is a great honor to be part of the winning tradition of Monroe-Woodbury football. It has been an awesome experience defined by many great moments,” the senior said. “To play under a great coach like Coach D’Aliso has not only taught me about the game of football but also that of teamwork and dedication to a common goal.” A common sentiment among the Crusaders is an overwhelming amount of respect for their coaches. “Coach D’Aliso, Coach Connolly, Coach Hintze and Coach Sirico play a major role in the lives of my teammates and me both on and off the field,” Thorsen said. “They put us in the best position to win football games each week. They prepare us so well that we know if we go out on the field and execute we can get the job done and accomplish our goal.” But it is beyond the game preparation that means the most to the Monroe-Woodbury players. “They make themselves available during free periods during the school day to go over anything we have questions on or to break down film for the upcoming game. They watch over us and take an interest in us not only as football players, but also as students and citizens of the community as well,” the co-captain said. “They are the definition of what our football program is all about.” Russ Crespolini is the Online Editor for Straus Newspapers. He can be reached at 845.782.4000 or at webmaster@strausnews.com. An extended version of this story appears online at www.photo-news.com.