“It’s been a while. Let’s play some football.”

Boy, did the young men from the Empire State do just that.

Maddox Isaac (Salamanca) ran for one score and threw for two more — one to Bretton Blecha (Franklinville) from 49 yards and the other a 37-yard strike to Connor Braley (Randolph) on the final play of the first half — to highlight New York’s 56-0 victory over Pennsylvania before a packed house at Bradford High School.

Isaac Towne (Franklinville) added two rushing TDs; Braley and Domanik Clark (Randolph) also ran for touchdowns; and Logan Fleischman (Pioneer) booted a 35-yard field goal to help send the young men from north of the border to their second straight victory in the longstanding rivalry.

After catching a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, New York’s Connor Braley, left, celebrates with teammate Cory Holleran during the 52nd annual Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic at Parkway Field at Bradford (Pa.) High School on Saturday. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

“The goal was to be sound and disciplined,” said Bartoszek, who guided Salamanca to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C title game last December. ” … But we were not producing during practice. Now I kind of know why, because our defense was just fantastic. … I was a little skeptical coming in. … The formula is there. You still need to run the ball, you still need to formation. Man, it helps when you can go up top to kids like Blecha, Cory (Holleran of Salamanca), and that wheel route (to Braley). It’s fun for the fans to have a game like that.”

Pennsylvania’s best scoring opportunity came in the first half when it drove to New York’s 21-yard line, but a fumbled snap on fourth-and-1 turned the ball over on downs. Six plays later, Isaac scored on a 2-yard keeper. Armed with a 14-0 lead inside the final minute of the first quarter, New York was in complete control.

“He’s still calm, still collected, still makes the big throws,” Bartoszek said of Isaac. “I love seeing him have fun.”

By halftime, New York’s advantage grew to 36-0, leaving little doubt about the game’s outcome.

“When football is played at that level, it’s just a beautiful thing,” Bartoszek said.

New York’s Zach Trietley tackles Pennsylvania’s Hunter App during the 52nd annual Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic at Parkway Field at Bradford (Pa.) High School on Saturday. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

New York now has a two-game winning streak. In 2024, it defeated Pennsylvania 39-18 for its first victory since 2015.

In the end, however, the final score isn’t what matters most, according to Brian South, president of the Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic.

“Each year, this event represents far more than just football,” he said in his welcome message found in the game program. “It is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the incredible spirit of our communities. Tonight, we proudly recognize the players, cheerleaders, band members, queens and coaches who have devoted countless hours to earn their place in this tradition. Their commitment and teamwork embody the very best of our region.”

NOTES: New York had two potential first-half scoring drives end with turnovers. Pennsylvania recovered fumbles at its 28-yard line in the first quarter and at its 6-yard line in the second period. … New York was credited with a safety when quarterback Colby Barr (Sheffield) — under heavy pressure — stepped out of the back of the end zone in the third quarter. … Fleischman made all four of his point-after kicks, while Gavin Straub (Allegany-Limestone) made his lone attempt. … Kyle Lecceardone (Salamanca) caught a 2-point conversion pass from Holleran.

New York 14 22 5 15 — 56

Pennsylvania 0 0 0 0 — 0

NY–Towne 5 run (Fleischman kick)

NY–Isaac 2 run (Fleischman kick)

NY–Blecha 49 pass from Isaac (Fleischman kick)

NY–Towne 9 run (Fleischman kick)

NY–Braley 37 pass from Isaac (Lecceardone pass from Holleran)

NY–Safety (Colby Barr stepped out of the end zone)

NY–Fleischman 35 FG

NY–Clark 20 run (Straub kick)

NY–Braley 20 run (Holleran run)