The Newburgh Free Academy football team was unable to secure another Section 9 Class AA championship this year, but had several key players named Section 9 Class AA all-stars by the Section 9 Coaches Association.

Two-way lineman Fabien Rhoden, a key player on the Goldbacks’ defense since his sophomore year, led a group of four players named to the Class AA team. Running back Tajir Walker, a vital piece of the Goldbacks’ offense for the last three seasons, also was named to the All-Class AA team. Matt Patterson and Brayden Gonseth also were named Class AA all-stars.

Xavier Sill, Jun Rivas, Jose Rivera and Christopher Leggett also were picked to the all-league team.

Middletown won the sectional championship with a win over the Goldbacks on November 11 and swept the top honors: Julani Graham was Back of the Year, Stephan Monchery was Lineman of the Year and Tim Strenfel was named Coach of the Year.

All-Section 9 Class AA
Back of the year: Julani Graham, Middletown
Lineman of the year: Stephan Monchery, Middletown
Coach of the year: Tim Strenfel, Middletown
Section Class AA team: Kingston – Isaiah Thomas; Middletown – Rahmiere Bradley; Bryson Tibbs; Michael Culver; Monroe-Woodbury – Kyle German; Nathaniel Coulanges; Bryce Coulanges; Newburgh Free Academy – Fabian Rhoden; Tajir Walker; Matt Patterson; Brayden Gonseth; Pine Bush – Manny Hannon; Plexico Brooks; Logan Hawley; Valley Central – Aiden White
Additional all-league picks: Kingston – Troy Hajba; Middletown – Mekhi Wilson; Kyle Scott; Kaden Blackman; Zamir Seaberry; Monroe-Woodbury – Nick Montero; Liam Hayes; Jaden Medrano; Newburgh Free Academy – Xavier Still; Jun Rivas; Jose Rivera; Chris Leggett; Pine Bush – Greg Florin; Jake Slovitsky; Valley Central – Ryan Calfe; Julian Montrevil