<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2N9JD3_1H0prahG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2N9JD3_1H0prahG00" width="1091" height="815" ><figcaption>Mason Lintz &amp; Oliver McIntosh, Syracuse Photo from Kirt Manion</figcaption></figure>(Syracuse) -- For the first time since 2008, Syracuse football is set to play in a State Semifinal.The Rockets (9-2) are on the doorstep of Memorial Stadium for just the second time in school history, courtesy of a 22-21 quarterfinal win over Cozad last week.“It's pretty exciting,” said Head Coach Gabe Meints. “The community has been very supportive all year. We had our team meal Sunday night, and we invited the moms of our players because behind the scenes, they do an awful lot for us. And everybody does an awful lot for us. It's all for the kids, though, and making memories. Hopefully, they won't soon forget this. It's been quite a ride for them.”Syracuse is now 19-3 over the last two seasons, thanks in part to a 10-person senior class that includes leading rusher Mason Lintz, leading receiver Charlie Wilhelm and defensive standout Oliver McIntosh, as well as several other key contributors among the upperclassmen.“Last year, we talked a lot about building a foundation and kind of setting the culture and the tone for the future classes and the future generations,” said Meints. “Last year's group helped us out quite a bit. And we have a lot of players on this squad that were a huge part of that last year, like Mason Lintz and Jake Janssen and Logan Jazbec. A few guys like that had the experience of diving in last year and being a part of that and then carrying that through the summer and into this year.”The next test for the Rockets is a matchup with ninth-seeded Adams Central (10-1). The Patriots avenged their lone regular-season loss in the quarterfinals, defeating top-seeded Sidney 14-13.Adams Central has hung its hat on defense this season, allowing 10.3 points per contest. The Patriots have held seven of 11 opponents to single digits and haven't given up more than 26 points in a game.“We need to just be smart and be disciplined on offense,” said Meints. “We had a few mistakes. We had a fumble last week and a couple other penalties at some pretty crucial times. When you're deep in the playoffs, every play matters. This week, we really need to talk about cleaning those things up and moving forward and taking care of the ball and taking care of all those little things we always talk about. Defensively, they are very stout, so we have to be prepared to transition into other things when the time comes.”Offensively, Adams Central has been the epitome of balance, with 51% of its offense coming through the air and 49% on the ground. Quarterback Riley Propp is currently fourth in C1 with 1,396 passing yards.“We have to be disciplined again,” said Meints. “(Propp) has some good targets to throw to. They move well up front, so we've got to really do well in the trenches, moving our feet when we try to run or we try to pass. They have a good rushing attack also.”Follow @ryanmatheny16 on X for updates from the game Friday, and look for a full story at kmaland.com.You can hear the full interview with Meints below.</div></body>

Block Source: kmaland.com

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(Syracuse) -- For the first time since 2008, Syracuse football is set to play in a State Semifinal. The Rockets (9-2) are on the doorstep of Memorial Stadium for just the second time in school history, courtesy of a 22-21 quarterfinal win over Cozad last week. “It's pretty exciting,” said...

Syracuse one win away from first-ever state title game appearance

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(Syracuse) -- For the first time since 2008, Syracuse football is set to play in a State Semifinal. The Rockets (9-2) are on the doorstep of Memorial Stadi

Syracuse one win away from first-ever state title game appearance

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