Broome County, NY – Ahead of Sunday’s high school football championship game, elected officials representing each school district waged a friendly bet on which team will come out victorious.

The Maine-Endwell (M-E) Spartans are set to go head-to-head against the Rye Garnets this Sunday, December 3^rd at noon at the JMA Dome in Syracuse, NY. The winning team will take home the NYSPHSAA Class B State Football Championship title. If victorious, this will be the third consecutive State Championship win for the Spartans after placing first in 2021 and 2022, and their eighth win overall. M-E heads into the game on a 34 game-winning streak.

To celebrate the occasion, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and Senator Lea Webb accepted the friendly challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Assemblyman Steven Otis, and Senator Shelley Mayer. At stake is a gift basket filled with locally sourced products from each team’s respective county.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “I’m thrilled to see our seven-time state champion Maine-Endwell Spartan football team heading to the dome on Sunday and I’m confident they will take home their eighth state championship. Any fan of football knows that you don’t ever bet against Maine-Endwell!”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “The game between the Maine-Endwell Spartans and the Rye Garnets should be a great matchup between two excellent teams. They’ve worked hard to get to this point. This friendly wager between friends reflects the pride we feel in our local teams and I wish them both the best of luck on Sunday. Of course, I'll be rooting for our local Spartans- they'll be a tough team to beat!"

Senator Lea Webb said, “Congratulations to both of these teams for a great season. Your dedication and hard work have paid off! I wish the Maine-Endwell Spartans and the Rye Garnets the very best in their State Championship matchup. Go Spartans!

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "In the spirit of friendly competition, may the best team emerge victorious in this championship clash. I will, of course, be cheering for the Rye Garnets, but both teams Rye and Maine-Endwell are a celebration of sportsmanship and accomplishment. Go Garnets!"

Assemblyman Steven Otis said, “Congratulations to the Rye and Maine-Endwell Varsity football teams for their outstanding seasons.To advance to the title game in Syracuse is an accomplishment rooted in dedication, hard work, and skill for which every player deserves recognition. My colleague Donna Lupardo and I are both wagering on an exciting and memorable championship game.”

Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am excited to see Rye take on Maine-Endwell this Sunday during the State Championship Game. Each young man playing has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to their love of the game. I wish both teams luck, but especially Maine-Endwell, as our Garnets will be tough to beat.”