Sherman’s State Title Hopes Dashed by Notre Dame-Batavia in Far West Regional

For the Sherman Wildcats, the dream of a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D football championship came to a heartbreaking end this weekend, falling to Notre Dame-Batavia in the Far West Regional. The loss closes the book on a remarkable season for the Wildcats, whose journey captured the attention of their community and represented the pride of small-school athletics across the region.

While the final score from a field hundreds of miles away in Batavia wasn’t what Sherman fans had hoped for, the team’s run to this elite level of competition is a testament to the dedication of its players and coaching staff. For communities like ours in Boardman, where local sports are a cornerstone of identity, Sherman’s season serves as a powerful reminder of the talent and tenacity cultivated in rural school districts.

The Wildcats faced a formidable opponent in Notre Dame-Batavia, a private school with a storied athletic program. Despite the geographical and classification differences, Sherman battled with the grit characteristic of teams from our corner of Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest, where every player on the field often plays both sides of the ball with relentless energy.

As the final whistle blew, the Wildcats could hold their heads high. Their deep playoff push highlights the competitive spirit alive in smaller communities. Here in Boardman, where we rally behind our Riverhawks and understand the weight a team can carry for its town, we tip our hats to Sherman’s outstanding season. The loss stings, but the legacy of their effort and the unity they fostered will resonate long after the score is forgotten.