Two key members of Elwood-John H. Glenn High School varsity football team were recently awarded All-State honors by the New York State Sportswriters Association. Senior quarterback Cole Madden was named to the 2024 All-State sixth team offense, while senior linebacker Dave Rafiq earned All-State honorable mention.

“I think All-State is a great honor,” Madden said “I’ve been playing football since I was in fourth grade. I’ve played throughout with my boys and have built a great relationship with all of them, and it’s safe to say I can call them my brothers. These achievements are kind of what you practice for. The team achievements were what we really wanted, but it’s great to be recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in New York, and I’m thankful for all my teammates and coaches for helping me get there.”

“Honestly, I’ve loved football since I came to the high school,” Rafiq said. “I only started playing in eighth grade. But the camaraderie – going to war with your friends every game, playing your heart out, being coached by just such a great coaching staff and having my best friends behind my back while I’m playing – that felt amazing. When I was playing my sophomore year, I looked up to the linebackers in front of me, seniors like Mario Bento and Jack Smith. I always wanted to be like them. Hearing that I got honorable All-State and accomplished my dream of becoming a valuable player and a team player for the John Glenn Knights, I felt pretty good about that.”

Date Added: 1/28/2025