New Hartford’s star receiver breaks 2-decades-old state record, but team’s comeback thwarted by late field goal in B regionals

Nothing captures football resilience like a late postseason comeback — and New Hartford delivered one in Saturday’s state regionals contest against Owego at Vestal High School.

But the River Hawks had the final word, drilling a go-ahead field goal in the closing seconds to end the Spartans’ historic run in a heartbreaking 36-34 finish.

11/22 - 3:00 PM Football Final Owego 36 New Hartford 34

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“Today was a demonstration of the character and fight of our kids and our program,” New Hartford coach Jim Kramer said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Owego jumped out to an early lead and applied constant pressure throughout the first half. New Hartford trailed by as many as 19 points before a late second-quarter score trimmed the deficit to 26-13 at halftime.

Howeve