The Comets Shoot for the Stars
For the first time in program history, the Carthage High School football team fought for the chance to compete for the New York state title, bringing together their own hopes and dreams and those of the entire rural community of North Country.
Thomas Albright, of Carthage Football, steps into the beam of light from the open door of the locker room during halftime of their game against Indian River at home in Carthage, N.Y. on October 4, 2019.
The pensive Carthage comets sit quietly in the locker room during halftime of the Section A Class Championship game against Cornwall on November 29, 2019.
Carthage Football bursts through the banner to enter the field to face Indian River at home in Carthage, N.Y. on October 4, 2020.
The Comets rush onto the field through the flanks of cheerleaders to face Indian River in Carthage, N.Y. on October 4, 2019.
Carthage Football’s Fombo Azah looks out into the field from the sidelines of the homecoming game against Indian River in Carthage, NY.
Fombo Azah earned the title of All-North MVP for the season with his record 2,552 rushing yards and a total of 36 rushing touchdowns for the Comets.
Fombo Azah holds onto the ball despite being tacked by a Canandigua defenseman in the state quarterfinal in Cicero, N.Y. on November 23, 2019.
The Comets warm up beneath indigo skies before a matchup against General Brown on a cold Friday night under the lights.
The Comets take a moment to breathe before rushing the field to take on Indian River.
Carthage’s Thomas Albright celebrates after a Comets touchdown against North Country rivals Indian River.
Carthage’s Elijah Whitfield class as he returns to the sideline after the 51-8 victory over North Country rival Indian River.
Carthage seniors Colin “Bubba” Null and Elijah Whitfield, the only four-year varsity players on the team, form the backbone of Comets success in propelling the team to a well-deserved championship bid against Cornwall.
Carthage’s Nick Cavalier lets out a victorious cheer as the Comets increase their lead over Canandaigua Academy in the state semifinal game in Cicero.
Thomas Albright triumphantly holds the ball above his head after recovering it in the last minutes of the game just before Canandigua scores in Cicero, N.Y. on November 23, 2019.
Carthage’s Ryan Gates celebrates with the coaching staff as the Comets’s clinch a spot in the state championship for the first time in program history.
Carthage football players smile as they listen to Head Coach Jason Coffman deliver the victory speech after they defeated Canandigua Academy in Cicero, N.Y. on November 23, 2019.
The town of Carthage comes together to show support for the Comets in signs lining Main Street and RT-26 in the days leading up to the state championship final in Syracuse, NY.
Members of the Carthage Comets offensive line push the training sleds through the snow during a late November practice as they prepare for the playoffs.
The Comets rally around head coach Jason Coffman at the final practice before the state championship game.
On the championship day, the entire student body of Carthage High School gathered to send the team off for their journey south to Syracuse with a high energy rally despite snow flurries. A large group of students, parents, and community supporters also made the journey to the Carrier Dome to cheer on their favorite team.
Head coach Jason Coffman gives last words of advice to a tense locker room during halftime of the state championship game.
The Carthage Comets give one last cheer before returning to the field after halftime of the state Class A final at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY.
Two of the Carthage ball boys embrace a member of the coaching staff on the empty field after the devastating Carthage loss to Cornwall in the state championship final in Syracuse, NY.
Gaige Horton is the last to return to the locker room after the devastating loss to Cornwall in the state championship final.