Sectional soccer and volleyball playoffs heat up across Central New York
Sectional playoffs are in full swing for soccer and volleyball teams across Central New York, with East Syracuse Minoa, Jamesville-DeWitt, and Marcellus all advancing in their brackets. Local teams are making headlines as they push toward championship rounds.
Sectional playoff action is dominating the Central New York sports scene this week, with boys and girls soccer and volleyball teams from towns like East Syracuse, DeWitt, Marcellus, and Skaneateles advancing to the next rounds, according to Eagle News. The push for state titles is bringing out big crowds and plenty of excitement, especially as fall foliage peaks and local rivalries heat up.
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For Syracuse residents and those in neighboring towns like DeWitt and Marcellus, these playoff runs mean packed schedules and plenty of reasons to check in on local school news. Sectional games are being played at high school fields and gyms across Onondaga County, with teams from East Syracuse Minoa (ESM), Jamesville-DeWitt (J-D), Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), Fayetteville-Manlius (F-M), and more still in the hunt.
Sectional playoffs are a highlight of the fall sports calendar in Central New York. For student-athletes, these games are the culmination of months of hard work and team-building, and for their families and classmates, the playoffs are a chance to rally behind their schools. The energy at these events is palpable, with pep bands, student sections, and local community members filling the stands. Many residents plan their evenings around these games, and local businesses often see a boost as fans gather before and after matches.
By The Numbers
- 8-8: East Syracuse Minoa girls soccer regular season record, per Eagle News.
- 12-3: Skaneateles boys soccer record entering sectionals, per Eagle News.
- 42-7: Bishop Ludden-Grimes/SAS football win over Adirondack in Class C playoffs, per Eagle News.
Sectional soccer: Local teams advance
Jamesville-DeWitt boys soccer, the no. 2 seed in Class A, advanced to the sectional semifinals after a quarterfinal win over Camden, Eagle News reports. East Syracuse Minoa boys also survived their opening rounds, keeping their championship hopes alive. In Class B, Skaneateles, Westhill, and Marcellus all advanced, setting up potential matchups between some of the top-ranked teams in the state. Skaneateles entered the playoffs with a 12-3 record and a no. 9 state ranking, while Westhill, defending its 2025 state title, was the no. 2 seed and ranked no. 14 in New York.
On the girls side, East Syracuse Minoa, Christian Brothers Academy, and Fayetteville-Manlius all reached the Class AA sectional semifinals. ESM, despite an 8-8 regular season, held the top seed in the Class AAA bracket due to a tough schedule. CBA, with a 6-7-2 record, secured the no. 4 seed. Marcellus and Westhill girls, the top two seeds in Class B, are also moving forward after splitting their regular season meetings.
Sectional soccer in Central New York is known for its intensity and unpredictable outcomes. The playoff format is single-elimination, meaning each match could be a team’s last of the season. Coaches spend hours preparing for opponents, analyzing game film, and adjusting tactics to give their teams the best chance to advance. For players, the pressure is high, but so is the sense of camaraderie and pride in representing their school and community. This year’s brackets have featured several close contests and dramatic finishes, with some matches decided by penalty kicks or late goals.
In Class C football, Bishop Ludden-Grimes/SAS remains undefeated after a 42-7 win over Adirondack, according to Eagle News. Four local teams advanced out of the first round, with all 16 teams in the class invited to the playoffs this year.
For residents, the sectional playoffs are more than just games. They are a community tradition, bringing together students, alumni, and fans from across Central New York. The sense of local pride is strong, especially when teams from smaller towns make deep runs against larger schools. The playoff atmosphere is heightened by the autumn weather and the anticipation of possible state tournament berths. Many families travel to away games, and school districts often organize fan buses or spirit events to support their teams.
Volleyball: ESM, Cazenovia, and West Genesee wrap regular season
East Syracuse Minoa boys volleyball pulled out a five-set victory over Living Word Academy, winning the first two sets 25-21 and 25-17 before dropping the next two 25-22 each, Eagle News reports. The Spartans avoided a reverse sweep by taking the final set. Jamesville-DeWitt swept Fayetteville-Manlius in their matchup, keeping momentum heading into the postseason.
On the girls side, Cazenovia volleyball finished the regular season 2-1 in its final week. The team’s longtime head coach, Brian Ellithorpe, is retiring at the end of the season after more than 30 years leading the Lakers, Eagle News reports. West Genesee girls volleyball wrapped up a perfect 15-0 season, while Westhill and Marcellus also picked up big wins.
Volleyball sectionals in Central New York are a showcase for both individual talent and team chemistry. The playoff structure typically includes quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, with higher-seeded teams hosting early rounds. Matches are played in packed gyms, where the noise level can be overwhelming and momentum swings quickly. For graduating seniors, these games are often the last chance to compete alongside longtime teammates, adding to the emotional stakes. Coaches and players alike emphasize fundamentals and mental toughness, knowing that even a brief lapse can end a promising season.
As the volleyball postseason unfolds, teams like ESM, West Genesee, and Marcellus are aiming to capitalize on their regular season momentum. For Cazenovia, the end of the season will mark the close of an era with Coach Ellithorpe’s retirement, and the community is reflecting on his impact on generations of student-athletes. The coming weeks will determine which teams can extend their seasons and possibly advance to regional or state tournaments.
Syracuse University soccer ends losing streak
Syracuse men’s soccer drew 1-1 with Virginia in its final regular-season home match, ending a three-match losing streak, according to the Daily Orange. Substitutes Gabriel Oksanen and Bryson Rodriguez combined for the equalizer in the 41st minute. The Orange now stand at 7-6-2 overall and 1-4-2 in the ACC. The draw gives Syracuse its first ACC point since October 2, and comes after a tough stretch against ranked opponents.
For more on local school sports and playoff schedules, check our Syracuse schools page for updates throughout the week.
What to watch for next
Sectional semifinals and finals for soccer and volleyball will be played over the next two weeks at high school venues across Onondaga County and neighboring towns. Watch for potential matchups between top-seeded teams like Skaneateles, Marcellus, and Westhill in both boys and girls soccer. Volleyball playoffs are also entering their final rounds, with several local teams in contention for sectional titles.
As the playoffs progress, the stakes will only get higher. Teams that advance from sectionals will have the opportunity to compete in regional and state tournaments, facing the best from other parts of New York. For coaches and players, preparing for these high-pressure games involves not only physical training but also film study and scouting of unfamiliar opponents. For fans, the next two weeks promise more dramatic finishes, possible upsets, and the chance to see local athletes rise to the occasion on a bigger stage.
Stay tuned for updates on playoff results, championship matchups, and more CNY sports news as the fall season continues.
How the sectional playoff process works
Sectional playoffs in Central New York are organized by Section III, which oversees high school athletics in Central New York. Teams are seeded based on their regular season records, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results. The playoff brackets are single-elimination, meaning each game is a must-win to advance. Early rounds are typically hosted by higher-seeded teams, while finals are held at neutral sites to accommodate larger crowds and provide a championship atmosphere.
Officials from Section III coordinate scheduling, referees, and logistics to ensure games run smoothly. For athletes, the playoff process is both thrilling and demanding, as games are often scheduled with short turnaround times. School districts and athletic departments work to provide transportation, academic support, and medical coverage for their teams. The playoff experience also includes traditions like senior nights, pep rallies, and community send-offs, all of which contribute to the sense of occasion and school spirit.
Where to check for updates
For the latest scores, playoff brackets, and schedule changes, visit the official Section III athletics website and your local school district’s athletics page. For ongoing coverage, follow CNY Signal and local outlets like Eagle News and the Daily Orange.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , East Syracuse, New York , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Eagle News, ESM boys volleyball, J-D sweep over F-M
- Eagle News, J-D, ESM boys soccer survive, advance to sectional semifinals
- Eagle News, ESM, CBA, F-M girls soccer all reach sectional Class AA semis
- Eagle News, Skaneateles, Marcellus, Westhill advance in boys soccer sectionals
- Eagle News, Marcellus’ Fragnito nets eight goals; Westhill, Ludden-Grimes advance
- Eagle News, Ludden-Grimes, Skaneateles, Solvay, Marcellus advance in sectionals
- Eagle News, Caz boys soccer ousted in playoffs; Chittenango reaches Class A semis
- Eagle News, Cazenovia volleyball goes 2-1 in final week of regular season
- Daily Orange, Ian McIntyre’s substitutes kick-start Syracuse to end 3-match losing streak
