With all due respect to the Big 10, the Suburban Council has produced the finalists in every Section II Class AA boys soccer championship game since the classification came into existence in 2004. So for this week’s poll question, we’re looking at the top five Class AA teams in the Suburban Council and asking you which one you think is the favorite to win Sectionals. Here are your choices:
Bethlehem (11-4-0) — The defending champs have bounced back after suffering losses to Shaker, Guilderland and Shenendehowa during a recent four-game stretch by beating Mohonasen, Averill Park and Columbia by a combined score of 19-2 in the last week. They can’t catch Guilderland for the South Division title, but they can lock up the No. 4 seed out of the Suburban Council by beating Colonie Thursday.
Guilderland (11-4-0) — The Dutchmen were on a roll after beating Shen, Bethlehem and Niskayuna in succession, but recent losses to Colonie and Averill Park have dashed their hopes of a No. 1 seed. That honor will go to the winner of Thursday’s North Division showdown between Shaker and Shen.
Niskayuna (9-5-1) — The Silver Warriors own an early-season victory over Shaker and have been highly competitive against the rest of the Suburban Council’s elite. They can still grab the No. 4 seed with a victory over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and a Bethlehem loss to Colonie Thursday.
Shaker (13-2-0) — The Blue Bison have been the surprise team in the league this season with wins over Guilderland, Bethlehem and Shen to their credit. A second victory over the Plainsmen will assure them the North Division title and the No. 1 seed.
Shen (12-2-1) — The Plainsmen enter Thursday’s game at Shaker on a five-game winning streak that includes victories over Bethlehem and Niskayuna. They’ve also allowed the fewest goals of any Suburban Council team (eight).
Cast your votes in the box on the left side of the screen. The poll will remain open through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.