Syracuse.com's All-CNY large school football team features 28 all-stars who shined during the 2024 season.
There are four player of the year finalists: Memphis Ferguson of Whitesboro, Anthony Johnson of Cicero-North Syracuse, John Sindoni of Liverpool and Darien Williams of Christian Brothers Academy.
The winner will be revealed at syracuse.com's | The Post Standard's annual All-CNY Sports Awards presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. The show begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025, inside the Liverpool High School Auditorium. More details can be found here.
Name: Anthony Johnson
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Running back, athlete
What's next for you? Play football at the next level.
Who inspires you? My family and friends, for pushing me harder than anyone to be the best I can.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Breaking multiple records in one game and also scoring seven touchdowns during that game.
What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? "I do this for my moms. I do this for Dillon. I do this for Crenshaw." From "All American." I can relate to this because I live every day for my family and strive to be the best for them.
If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? It would be Superman or the Hulk because I don't think anyone can bring either of them down.
Name: Connor Bednarski
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Linebacker, H-back
What's next for you? I plan to play football in college, play my last season of lacrosse in the spring and win the sectional championship and also travel with a 7-on-7 football team.
Who inspires you? Mike Washington, who played at C-NS and has trained with me. He is now playing running back for Arkansas in the SEC for his senior year. Also, my trainer Pete Moore, who has worked with me since fourth grade and pushes me to be the best person and athlete I can be.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Winning in overtime against West Genesee. It was a big turning point for our team and got us back on the right track to win out the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs to play in the sectional final.
If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Bobby Boucher. He is a stud linebacker and will hydrate us on the side.
Name: Brecken May
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Center, defensive tackle
What's next for you? Attend college next fall to become an engineer.
Who inspires you? Jason Kelce because he's an undersized lineman who outworks most and has superior technique.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating West Genesee in overtime and getting my first varsity tackles.
What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." – Rocky Balboa from "Rocky" because no matter how many games you lose or how many plays you mess up all you have to do is keep on moving.
If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Captain America, because he's a great leader and is a superhuman.
Name: Marcus Reed
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Outside linebacker, wide receiver
What's next for you? I'm going to be playing basketball and lacrosse to end my year and then I'm going to be playing football in college next fall.
Who inspires you? My dad inspired me the most in my sport. He has always pushed me to be great and wanted the best for me. He's always advocated for me in everything and has been my biggest inspiration."
What is your favorite memory from this season? My favorite memory from this season was when we beat Liverpool in the sectional semifinals. It was one of my favorite games I've played in high school and we beat our rivals."
What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? "If you're not first, you're last" from "Talladega Nights."
If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I would definitely have to go with Venom because he was just a killer. I feel like he would be an absolute dog and just wreak havoc on the field."
Name: Kardiear Shepherd
School: Cicero-North Syracuse
Class: Senior
Position: Left tackle
What's next for you? College football.
Who inspires you? My dad's been there at all games since day one. He helped me get better as a player.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating Liverpool because it showed me how much we grew as a team.
If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? The Hulk. He would be a great offensive lineman.
