Saranac's Nolan Hamel (5) carries it in and fires the shot in overtime for the game-winner. BEEKMANTON, NY--The top-seeded and No. 10-ranked team in New York State, the Saranac Spartans, are headed to the NYSPHSAA Class B State Tournament after a dramatic 1-0 overtime victory over the second-seeded Northeastern Clinton Cougars in the Section VII Class B Boys Soccer Championship Wednesday night at Beekmantown Central School in Beekmantown, New York. Playing in front of several hundred spectators on a crisp fall evening with temperatures in the upper 40s, the championship match showcased two of Section VII's premier programs in a defensive battle that remained scoreless through regulation. Neither team found a breakthrough in the first half, and the deadlock continued through the second despite several scoring chances. Saranac controlled much of the offensive play, outshooting Northeastern Clinton 10-3, but Cougars goalkeeper Mason Favreau delivered a stellar performance to keep the match level. Favreau was outstanding between the posts, turning aside nine shots and frustrating the Spartans throughout regulation and into overtime. With the score still tied after 80 minutes of regulation, the match moved into overtime. Just six minutes into the extra session, Saranac found its championship moment. In the 86th minute, Henry Napper delivered a pass to Nolan Hamel, who buried the golden goal and sent the Spartans into celebration as the crowd erupted. The Spartans' defense was equally impressive throughout the evening. Goalkeeper Elliot Batty made three saves to secure the shutout while the Saranac back line limited Northeastern Clinton's opportunities and protected the narrow lead once the breakthrough arrived. The victory improves Saranac's record to 13-2-2 and secures the Section VII Class B championship. The Spartans now advance to the NYSPHSAA Class B State Tournament, where they will await the winner of Section II in the state quarterfinal round. Northeastern Clinton finishes with an impressive 11-6 record after a strong run to the sectional championship match. For Saranac, the sectional title is the latest achievement in an outstanding season. Ranked among New York State's best Class B teams, the Spartans will now turn their attention to the state tournament as they pursue an even bigger prize and look to keep their championship run alive. Gallery

Northeastern Clinton's Jason Langlois (14) rises above Saranac's James Lefevre (2) with the header at midfield. Gallery

Plattsburgh (6) with the swipe and steal of the ball on Saranac's (12) as he cut to the middle. The Saranac Spartans picked up a key Champlain Valley Athletic Conference victory Tuesday evening, defeating the Plattsburgh Hornets 2-0 in boys soccer action. Saranac wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Just four minutes into the match, Nolan Hamel found the back of the net to give the Spartans an early 1-0 advantage. The goal set the tone for a strong first-half effort by the visitors, who controlled play and kept creating chances. The Spartans added to their lead in the 35th minute when Hamel delivered a deep strike for his second goal of the game. The tally gave Saranac a comfortable 2-0 cushion heading into halftime. The second half featured solid defending from both sides. While each team generated chances in the attacking third, neither side capitalized as the defenses and goalkeepers stood firm. Saranac successfully protected its lead for the final 40 minutes to secure the shutout victory. With the win, the Spartans improved to 3-2 on the season and will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup on the road against Northeastern Clinton. Plattsburgh fell to 3-2 and will try to rebound Thursday when the Hornets take on crosstown rival Beekmantown. Gallery

Saranac's (17) drives down the sideline and takes to the net for a scoring chance. Gallery

Northeastern Clinton's Jordan Wells (8) and Saranac's Brody McComber (6) battle after the ball inside the 18-yard box as the Spartans look to get back in the game. It would be the Section VII Class B Boy's Soccer championship from the Plattsburgh State Fieldhouse as the #1 Northeastern Clinton Cougars would take on the #2 Saranac Spartans with a berth in the New York state tournament on the line. The Cougars would waste little time in getting the game's opening goal as Evias Carpenter would score in the second minute to give them the early 1-0 lead. The defenses on both sides would stand tall for the rest of the half as neither team would score again in the half. When the teams would return for the second half, the Cougars would give themselves some breathing room in the 66th minute on the goal from Ashton Turner, and from there, the Cougars would hold on for the 2-0 win and be crowned the 2024 Section VII Class B Champions for the second year in a row as they will enter the tournament with an 11-2-4 record ranked 18th in the state and will take on the undefeated and number 4 team in the state Menachicsville in the opening round. As for the Saranac Spartans, their season will end at 9-6-2. Gallery

Saranac's Ryan Pflanz (2) with the sliding save on the ball to keep it in bounds and continue their attack. Gallery