When it comes to high school football rivalries, it doesn’t get much better than CNS vs. Liverpool. There may not be a “Star Wars Cup” on the line anymore, but the bragging rights hold more weight than any trophy.
Back in the spring at C-NS, things got so heated between the two teams that the game was called in the fourth quarter. On Friday night, that intensity could be felt throughout the stands at Liverpool High School.
The student section was full, the fences were lined with fans from both sides and the noise was loud.
The Warriors came out firing on the fifth-ranked team in the state and took a 14-0 lead into half.
In the second, C-NS cut into that lead thanks to a touchdown by Jason Bartlett, and when they got the rock back again, it felt like they were going to tie the game up.
In the third quarter though, the Warriors stopped that momentum in a hurry thanks to a fumble recovery by Laquan Lemon. The ‘Pool took advantage of that turnover, scoring on the drive thanks to a great effort by Dakari Mack.
“It feels good to have all our fans, teammates happy for us. Seeing us beat this team, they haven’t seen us beat them in a little bit so it feels good to get a win for them,” Mack said.
After the 21-14 win, Liverpool coach Dave Mancuso, who is retiring after this season, said he was very proud of his team’s effort.
“When you play a rivalry team, I’m a Cortland guy, we play Ithaca. You can have the worst team, but it’s who comes to play, and our kids came to play today. You hate to have all these people here, ’cause what if we don’t win? But the kids put on a great show tonight. I’m really impressed,” Mancuso said.
With the win, the Warriors improve to 4-2, while the Northstars drop to 3-2.
