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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- New Rochelle High travels to upstate Kingston Saturday to face Pine Bush in the New York State Class AA Football regional quarterfinal at Dietz Stadium and the Huguenots defense will lead the team off the bus.
The Huguenots (8-1) come off convincing shutout wins over John Jay and North Rockland in the Section 1 Class AA semifinal and championship games and face a run-first Pine Bush offense in the 7 p.m. start.
New Rochelle's powerful defense, led by linemen Cory Holder, Terrance, Justin Douglas, Ray Ganley and Joe Clarke, has gotten better as the season moved into the playoffs, registering six shutouts in nine games and allowing a meager 3.8 points per game.
Quarterback Khalil Edney leads the offense with running back Jason Ceneus having emerged as the rushing leader. Ceneus is quick as are the New Rochelle receivers, led by Clarke at tight end. Ceneus also poses a threat on kick and punt returns where he has run three back for scores.
Pine Bush (9-1) runs the the ball 90 percent of the time to an average of 350 yards per game with a stable of running backs led by Matty Geisler and Mike Martin, each with 12 touchdowns this year. Martin and Geisler have each gained close to 90 yards per game, so New Rochelle's defense will key t the run.
New Rochelle has the right defense for the Pine Bush offense and the quickness to score points. If the Huguenots hold onto the ball they should advance to next week's state regional semifinal.
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