In three years as head coach, Troy High football coach Bob Burns has amassed a won-loss record of 35-1. It is the number on the right side of that ledger that still consumes Burns.

The Flying Horses fell to upstart Amsterdam 49-35 in the 2015 Section II Class A Super Bowl. It is that defeat that helped spur one of the best runs in Section II history.

Burns led his 2016 squad to a Class AA state championship when the Flying Horses edged Victor 21-20.

What can you do for an encore? Do it again.

Burns, who by his own admission is someone extremely driven and demanding, coaxed optimum output from his charges once again to lead Troy to a second straight Class AA championship — culminating with a 41-26 verdict over Lancaster at the Syracuse Carrier Dome.

Two straight titles and two consecutive 13-0 campaigns in the largest classification of football in New York.

After that title win, Troy senior fullback/linebacker Matt Ashley said, "This means everything to me, my teammates and these coaches that all put in a tremendous effort: from 6 a.m. lifts to 7-on-7s and so much more work. It all showed up tonight. We have the best staff in the state — period. No one can compare with the amount of time and effort they put into this and how much they care for these kids. ... From top to bottom, they do everything for this program."

Burns, who previously served as Troy's defensive coordinator when coach Jack Burger led the program, is not afraid to delegate responsibilities to his incredible cadre of assistant coaches — Mike Grasso, Jim Canfield, Mark Galuski, Sam Marro, Patrick Haggerty and Matt Marsh.

The adjustments the team made during three state playoff games played a pivotal role in the Flying Horses repeating as state champions.

And changes made before the season were vital as well. Burns decided that Ashley, his best cornerback, needed to play outside linebacker. The 182-pound senior filled the bill perfectly at his new position and landed a Class AA state third-team all-star nod.

Prior to playing against Lancaster for the state championship, senior stars Joe Casale and Dev Holmes spoke about their gratitude and admiration for being pushed hard and taught well by Burns and his staff.

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Finalists

Tracy Nytransky, Ichabod Crane softball

Ichabod Crane softball coach Tracy Nytransky did not possess a roster filled with seniors this spring, nor did the Riders pack considerable offensive punch. It took steady improvements handling the finer aspects of the game. Those enhancements, plus the considerable pitching skills of senior star Calista Phippen, were enough to lead Ichabod Crane to the Class B state title Saturday with a 2-0 triumph over top-ranked Susquehanna Valley.

Jay Marra, Queensbury baseball

Queensbury baseball coach Jay Marra had only one thing missing from a fabulous 40-year resume — a state title. Saturday, his Spartans defeated Lakeland 5-1 to complete a 19-4 campaign and give Marra (657 career wins) a Class A championship.

"We take a lot of pride in playing for this program and these coaches," Casale said. "I believe other schools don't take this as seriously as we do."

"Troy football is physical, fast and winning football," Holmes said. "It is a blessing and an honor to play for Troy. It means a lot to me to be part of this thing."

After the award ceremony at the Carrier Dome, Burns said, "I would never doubt what these kids could do. There was never any point during a 13-week season that I thought, 'Oh geez, I don't know if we're going to be able to do it this week.' We fought through injuries and bumps in the road. I never doubt these guys. I know they are always going to find a way to win, regardless of what it takes."

Burns believed in his players and Troy High football made 13 opponents believe it was the best football team in the state.