Champions Week: Niskayuna

NISKAYUNA, NY (NEWS10) -- The Niskayuna football team won back to back titles in Class A. But this season brings a whole new challenge: a jump up to Class AA to compete with the biggest and best programs in Section 2.

"We understand it's a challenge, but we're built for it," said senior quarterback Ethan Gilson. "We understand the cost of winning. We feel like we're a bit of an underdog. We know that some of those teams don't believe that we can go out there and win it all. Time will tell."

After back to back championships, Niskayuna has built a winning culture. While they don't bring back a ton of starters, they bring back key leaders who have done a lot of winning, such as Gilson. "Experience is huge," said Gilson. "It's good to have groups in front of us that led us here but we're here now and as three year starters, we're leaders and we know what we need to do to win a championship this year."

"When you have great senior leadership, I think that correlates to success on the field," said head coach Brian Grastorf. "These guys have been there, they've had success. They bring the energy, they hold the guys accountable. It's up to the coaches to scheme and they take care of the rest for us."

Back alongside Gilson is dynamic junior wideout Cam Grasso. These two linked up for over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. It's safe to say they think pretty highly of each other. "I'll say it now and I'll say it forever, he's the best receiver in Section 2," said Gilson. "I trust him with anything. I'll throw it up there and triple coverage, he'll come down with it."

"I'll stand by it, he's best quarterback in the state easily," said Grasso. "It's just been awesome the last few years."

A connection like that will give you a shot against anyone. One thing's for sure, while the Silver Warriors are jumping up in class, they're not lowering expectations. "My motto is new year, same goal," said Grasso. "Obviously new team, got younger guys, a lot of JV guys from last year but we're ready to do the same thing."

"Obviously a three-peat would be great, but you know, if we get a playoff game and see what happens," said Grastorf. "I think the last few years we thought we were probably one of the best in the entire section. Now we got the opportunity to prove whether we are."

Niskayuna will host Colonie on September 6 at 7:00 PM. We’ll have all of your high school football coverage on 1st & 10 every Friday night at 10:30 PM on Fox, and at 11:00 PM on ABC.