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"The offense got going last week in Jersey against North Bergen and continued today," Edney said. "This win was all about the offensive line and how well they blocked all game. They make us a much better offense."
The Huguenots (7-1), whose lone loss came last week in a 21-20 setback at North Bergen, advanced to next Saturday's Class A championship game against North Rockland at Mahopac High School. John Jay fell to 5-3 and was eliminated from the tournament.
Ceneus opened the scoring with a 2-yard dive in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead and Edney hit Clarke for a 28-yard touchdown strike to make it 14-0 in the second quarter. Ceneus, who rushed for 118 yards in the first half and 138 overall, scored again from 23 yards out in the second quarter to open a 21-0 halftime lead.
Backed to its own 5-yard line in the fourth quarter, Edney flipped a pass to Clarke on the right sideline. The big tight end turned, evaded a tackler, stepped over another, and raced 95 yards for a Section 1 record pass play.
"The running game with Jason opens up the pass," Edney said. "We have such a strong defense, so the offense has to do our part. it's coming at the right time."
New Rochelle's defense, which has allowed a scant 13 points in Section 1 play over seven games, shut out John Jay for the second time this season. The Huguenots defeated the Pioneers 13-0 three weeks ago.
Clarke, Ceneus, who had an interception, and linemen Cory Holder, Justin Douglas and Ray Ganley led the defense. Terrance Holden had an interception for New Rochelle and the defense recovered a fumble on its own 1-yard line to stop a John Jay scoring chance.
Clarke, who also kicks off and handles extra point kicks, made three of his four point-after attempts. The lone miss came seconds after running 95 yards with the game's final score.
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