The four teams that secured spots in the Section 2 Class AA football playoffs this season have been the most formidable programs within the classification over the last ten years. Each of these teams has achieved at least one championship in that period.
Semifinal action kicks off this Friday night, with this year’s Super Bowl set to occur on Nov. 14 at Colonie High School. Three of the four teams competing in this year’s sectional tournament are ranked in the state.
Below is an overview of the 2026 Class AA playoff bracket.
Semifinal matchups
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No. 4 Shenendehowa (6-3) at No. 1 Christian Brothers Academy (9-0), this Friday at 7 p.m.
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No. 3 Shaker (7-2) at No. 2 Saratoga Springs (8-1), this Friday at 7 p.m.
Key information
CBA is aiming to reach the Super Bowl for the sixth consecutive year under coach Bobby Burns. The Brothers (9-0), ranked No. 3 in the state, achieved a significant 61-14 victory on Sept. 25 against Shenendehowa. … Saratoga Springs, which broke a decade-long title drought in 2025, secured a 42-20 win at home on Oct. 2 against Shaker. … Last autumn, Shaker did not qualify for the Class AA playoffs for the first time since Greg Sheeler took the reins as head coach in 2010. The Blue Bison captured sectional championships in both 2012 and 2018.
Player to monitor
Senior quarterback Bobby Morris has emerged as the offensive driving force for Saratoga Springs this season. He has completed 79 of 123 passes for 1,267 yards and 16 touchdowns. Morris also leads the rushing game for the second-seeded Blue Streaks. This marks his third season as the starting quarterback, having previously guided Saratoga Springs to the sectional title in 2025.
How did James Allen fare?
Time for predictions
We are all familiar with the events of 2025 when Saratoga Springs halted CBA’s pursuit of a fifth straight title, edging them out 14-13 at Colonie High School. Could the Blue Streaks achieve victory again this season? Definitely. Saratoga Springs was awarded the No. 2 seed after positioning as No. 3 last autumn. The Blue Streaks also provided CBA its toughest challenge this season, narrowly losing 21-14 on the road during Week 2. CBA has outscored its rivals 491-64, achieving more than 60 points in six of their games. The Brothers have been eagerly awaiting almost a year to return to the playoffs with the goal of reclaiming their dominant position in the classification and chasing their program’s first state championship. While there are capable competitors, I am convinced CBA will seize its fifth sectional title since 2021.
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This article was initially published under the title Breaking down the 2026 Section 2 Class AA football playoffs.
