Burke Catholic Battles Hard in State Playoff Matchup Against Tuckahoe  

     Burke Catholic head coach Aaron Hasbrouck had a clear message heading into Saturday’s class D opening-round state playoff game: Tuckahoe is the real deal.  “They are really good,” Hasbrouck said earlier in the week, and Tuckahoe proved exactly that on the field. The Westchester powerhouse exploded to a 32–0 halftime lead and eventually handed the Eagles a 46-16 loss at Faller Field in Middletown. 
     Despite the score, Hasbrouck said he came away, encouraged by the team‘s attitude and effort.  “We are a young team and I think this was a good experience for us,” he said. I am proud of them because they never gave up. Tuckahoe’s quarterback was explosive and could score on any given play. I think they have a legitimate shot to go all the way.”  Burke Catholic put together some strong moments in the second half. Quarterback Lucas Rodriguez-Lopez threw two touchdown passes to Marco Langley, finishing with 217 passing yards, including 132 yards to Langley alone. On defense,
​     Danny Benzinger was named Defensive Player-of-the-Game thanks to seven tackles and a sack, helping keep the Eagles fighting through all four quarters.  This season was unique for Burke Catholic, as the Eagles were the only class D team in Section 9, earning an automatic bid into the playoffs. Saturday’s matchup also highlighted just how young this squad is; the Eagles started only three seniors and will return 22 players next season, giving the program a strong foundation moving forward. Burke Catholic made a deep postseason run last year, reaching the Class D State championship game before falling to Clymer/Sherman/Panama. Even though this year‘s team finishes at 5–6, the growth and experience gained by a young roster sets the stage for a promising 2026 season.
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By Matthew Cocco
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Burke Catholic Girls Soccer Plays Final Game in State Semi-Finals

       Although the girls varsity soccer team lost their final game in the state semi-finals against Stillwater, they held their heads high and played hard until the final whistle. Burke’s talent could not be tampered by the cold conditions or heavy rain. The game was delayed several times due to weather and they were finally able to continue under the lights at 7:15 p.m. The final score was 1-2 in a nail-biting overtime battle. Earlier in the game, senior Gabriella Filosa scored Burke’s first and only goal that pulled the Eagles ahead for the majority of the second half. The Burke defense was stellar as well, and the entire line had several amazing saves. Sarah Roberson, junior goalie for the eagles, had spectacular blocks that did not make it an easy game for Stillwater. Although Burke lost, the girls did not walk off the field in defeat. This small school made it to the state finals for its second year in a row, and next year, they are planning to hit the field hard with more experience and determination than before.

​-Maeve Conlon

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BANGGER 2025 SEASON

The John S Burke Catholic High School girls varsity soccer team had a banger 2025 season. They dominated section 9 class C proving they are a top program with top tier coaching staff. From the beginning of their season the Eagles set the tone for the season, winning games, controlling possessions, and locking down the back. The eagles dominated in section play scoring over 100 goals. This led to the girls winning their section and continuing into regional semi and finals games. These games proved not only the team's talent but their hard work and team chemistry. Different players stepped up to make a big impact on the field offensively and defensively. This led them to continue into the state semifinals game located in Cortland. While the eagles did not take home the win they know they are the real winners and if they rematch the eagles would destroy them. This was the second year in a row Burke catholic girls varsity soccer team made it to the state championship game.  This is a huge accomplishment for the program and shows how much it has grown. The Burke Catholic Eagles say their success did not only come from their talent but from team chemistry and ability to work together as a team. Next year Burke Catholic girls soccer program will be moving up to class B and the program is expecting to make a big impact. 

- Keira Laurice

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