Mythical NY State Champions

The NYSSWA began a state ranking system in 1969 and the number one ranked team was considered the state champion. It wasn't untl the 1993 season that the NYSPHSAA began the state tournament.

As stated before, its hard to determine a champion in the early years of highschool football. However it is this writer's belief that if you finished the season undefeated in the early years you can be considered a state champion. The 1931 and 1937 Aquinas teams finished undefeated. In 1935 and 1936 they lost only to a Niagara College frosh team.

The 1947 thru 1951 teams have been discussed for their success against the top prep and highschool teams across the nation. The 1947 and 1948 teams had a record of 14-1-1 while 1949 thru 1951 had a record of 21-3. In 1948 and 1950 the national press had proclaimed Aquinas football the best in the country. So I truly believe that any one of these teams should be considered state champions.

In 1960 and 1966 Aquinas beat all New York competition and only fell short against North Catholic of Pittsburgh, Cathedral Prep of Erie and St Joe's of Cleveland. I again would consider these teams state champions, since they finished undefeated against in-state teams.

The idea of a mythical state champion has been around since 1969 so its nothing new and its definitely opinion based. (For that matter even the local coach's poll in the 60's and 70's was a matter of opinion) I'm glad the sectional and state tournaments finally started so there is no room for debate about a true champion. However, it is my belief that the following eleven Aquinas teams should be considered state champions.