McQuaid gets shut out by New Rochelle in Class AA state football final

SYRACUSE - McQuaid was able to span a 41-year gap in between Section V football titles, but a leap to the team's first high school state championship was a bridge too far.

New Rochelle shut out the Section V champion and went on to defeat McQuaid 28-0 Saturday night during the Class AA state final inside Syracuse University's Carrier Dome. 

"Yes, by far. They were just different than every team we played," McQuaid senior lineman Quinn Bergeron said. "Their strength played to our weaknesses, and we couldn't adjust." 

McQuaid (12-1), a first-time state finalist, fell to last season's state runner-up, a fast, strong-tackling team from Westchester County.

The Huguenots (13-0) not only earned redemption after losing to Aquinas in the 2018 Class AA final, but were without head coach Lou DiRienzo through the state tournament. DiRenzo was "reassigned" by the New Rochelle school board, which caused players, parents and fans to protest on his behalf.

"Our team had to overcome a lot this season," New Rochelle defensive lineman Darren Kabba said. "Loss of our favorite coach, some injuries, but we all managed to come together and do what we had to do to win.

"We're a team. We won as a team." 

Jessie Parson III sprinted past McQuaid defenders during 49- and 60-yard touchdown runs in the second half for the Section I champions, 

New Rochelle was the first to crack what was a defensive standoff in the first half, despite two turnovers. 

A 33-yard punt return by Parson to the McQuaid 21 sent the Huguenots to the game's first touchdown. Gary Phillips III carried into the end zone from the 5-yard line with 2:56 remaining in the second quarter.

Anthony Paul Jr. was the first to add to New Rochelle's lead, taking a short pass 23 yards for a touchdown with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter.

Parson struck for the first of his touchdowns later in the quarter. New Rochelle put the game away when Parson flew past Knights for his 60-yard run with 7:48 remaining.

Player of the Game

Darren Kabba, New Rochelle lineman: The senior listed at 5 feet-10 inches and 205 pounds was named the Most Valuable Player of the Game after he sacked McQuaid quarterback Joe Cairns four times. Kabba had nine unassisted tackles, according to New York State Public Athletic Association statistics.

Play of the game

McQuaid ball, first-and-10 at the New Rochelle 33, 1:23 remaining, 2nd quarter: New Rochelle led 7-0, but McQuaid defensive back James Doerr had recovered a fumble. Cairns dropped back to pass but was sacked. McQuaid's offense continued to go backward and faced a fourth-and-29 on the last play of the first half. 

Key stats

230 - Rushing yards in the second half for the New Rochelle Huguenots. New Rochelle ran for a total of 283 yards. 

21 - Total rushing yards for McQuaid on 35 attempts. 

74 - Total yards of offense for McQuaid

5 - Sacks by New Rochelle defense

177 - Rushing yards for New Rochelle 160-pound senior Jessie Parson III on 12 carries.

Top quotes

"That's gotta be the most athletic and best team we played. The line gave me plenty of time, but I don't know. It is what it is. They were a good defensive line and the coverage helped, for sure, them get to me." — McQuaid junior quarterback Joe Cairns 

"We just had to come out and play ball. We came out focused, but that's a really good team." — McQuaid coach Bobby Bates on the game being moved from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night because the threat of a snowstorm

"They brought a lot of pressure, and we had a tough time picking that up. They could cover on the back end, too." — Bates on the New Rochelle pass rush

JAMESJ@Gannett.com