The last three seasons for Tioga have all ended in the state semis, all three in losses to Randolph.  The Tigers are once again in the state semis, but the Cardinals are not.  While no game is easy this late in the season, mentally it's a sigh of relief for the Tigers to not have to face the team that's caused to many problems the last few years.

"I think it might a little bit, losing to them three straight times and not playing them this year will be a little different," said Jesse Manuel.  "I don't think the guys will be worrying as much going into the game and I think it'll help us out a lot."

"You get to this point in the season and everyone's good," said Head Coach Nick Aiello.  "It really comes down to how you play and execute.  If we've learned anything in the last four years that's what it boils down to.  You have to execute in big games, you have to block and tackle.  You're playing against top notch competition and you have to take that mentality into the week, and your preparation and your focus and we have to get after it next Friday."

Tioga plays Bishop Kearney Friday at 5:00 at Cicero-North Syracuse.