CENTRAL VALLEY – Valley Central pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Section 9 football history Saturday, knocking off heavily favored Newburgh Free Academy, 16-6, to win the Section 9 Class AA championship at Monroe-Woodbury High School.
The Vikings entered the championship game as significant underdogs, having originally been eliminated by Middletown in a 48-15 semifinal loss last week. But after Middletown was forced to forfeit that victory because of an ineligible player, the Vikings were given another opportunity and made the most of it.
Valley Central (7-4) lost to Newburgh 27-0 only three weeks ago. However, the Vikings can now call themselves Section 9 champions for the first time in school history. The Vikings had never even played for a Section 9 title before Saturday.
Valley Central’s improbable path to the title began with the eligibility controversy that developed following their semifinal loss. Middletown had completed an undefeated regular season and appeared headed for a showdown with its longtime rival Newburgh before Section 9 ruled that the Middies had used an ineligible special teams player.
Middletown challenged the decision through the athletic association and later in Orange County Supreme Court, seeking to reclaim its place in the championship game. But with a judge indicating they would rule against the district, Middletown withdrew its petition Friday, ending the team’s season and officially clearing the way for Valley Central to face Newburgh.
The Vikings seized the opportunity Saturday, turning what had been viewed as a likely Newburgh victory into a win for the ages. Valley Central, who led 13-0 at halftime, moves on to the Class AA state playoffs.
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