FROM THE PRESS BOX: WEEK 16 PICKS — IT'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND (December 5, 2025)
This is it. The weekend every program strives to reach, but very few ever do. It's state championship weekend.
Tioga will play for its fifth state title this afternoon, while Southern Columbia also takes the field today seeking its 15th PIAA title. On Saturday afternoon, Chenango Forks seeks its eighth title.
The VSR Prognosticators were solid last week with The Mick, Little Red and I at 4-1, and Country Bob at 3-2.
The season title has been wrapped up by The Mick, who has a 124-28 record, while I am at 120-32, Country Bob is 116-35, and Little Red is 114-38.
Without further ado, the VSR Pigskin Pickers make their picks for Week 16 (Week 15 in Pa. and Week 13 in N.Y.):
New York State Playoffs
Class D Championships
Tioga (12-1) vs. Tuckahoe (10-1): The Tioga Tigers advanced to the finals with a 20-16 win over previously-unbeaten Newfane, while the Tuckahoe Tigers topped previously-unbeaten Greenwich, 13-7.
These game are usually determined in the trenches, and will be again today to an extent, but with both teams being strong up front this game will likely come down to field position and which teams take better care of the ball.
Tuckahoe is much like Newfane in its offensive approach with its QB being a dual threat, but it also has a 1,000-yard running back.
Prediction: I picked against Tioga last week, and it bit me. Can the Tioga Tigers finish this unexpected run to a state title? It's not going to be easy. ...
TUCKAHOE 20, TIOGA 18.
The Mick: Tioga 28, Tuckahoe 24. ... Country Bob: Tioga 28, Tuckahoe 27. ... Little Red: Tuckahoe 34, Tioga 32.
Class C Championship
Chenango Forks (13-0) vs. Bronxville (11-0): The Blue Devils
beat Chatauqua Lake, 34-7, in the state semis, while the Broncos beat defending state champion Schuylerville, 49-16.
Prediction:
Neither team has had a real close game down the stretch, so it will be
interesting to see how the team that falls behind early reacts. Forks
has been here before, and will hang up another banner. ... FORKS 28, BRONXVILLE 20.
The Mick: Forks 16, Bronxville 15. ... Country Bob: Forks 28, Bronxville 14. ... Little Red: Bronxville 35, Forks 31.
PIAA Playoffs
Class AA Championship
Southern Columbia (14-1) vs. Farrell (13-2): The Tigers beat Landsdale Catholic 24-7 in state semis, while the Steelers topped Seton LaSalle, 40-19.
Prediction: I said from the start of the season, Southern Columbia was on a mission after its big loss to Troy last year in the District 4 finals. Coach Jim Roth will hang banner 15. ...
SOUTHERN 27, FARRELL 14.
The Mick: Farrell 21, Southern 16. ...
Country Bob: Southern 35, Farrell 7. ...
Little Red: Farrell 28, Southern 14.
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