Today’s newspaper had a Pelham feature that focused on the seven seniors who are making it back to Utica. They all said that the ‘06 group was just thrilled to be there, especially after an incredible comeback win in the quarters, but this team is hungry for more.

Tomorrow’s Mamaroneck feature will focus on Sean Hagan and Luke and Christian Glaser, who are a combined 99-12-2 at the varsity level (baseball and hockey) and are going for their second state title in nine months. It also features some interesting quotes from Hagan, who’s hoping that the team’s success will lead to more interest in hockey in Westchester.

Here’s directions to Utica Memorial Auditorium, the site of this weekend’s semis and finals: Take New York State Thruway (i-87) to I-90 West. Take Exit 31 and follow signs for Genesee St. South. After first traffic light, exit to right onto Whitesboro St.  Arena is six blocks on left.

Mamaroneck (25-2-1) vs. Section 6’s Niagara-Wheatfield (16-10), 3:15 p.m.

Note: The winner faces Section 5’s Greece Athena Odyssey (25-0) or Section 3’s West Genesee (22-3-2) in the championship game Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Overview: Two-time sectional champion Mamaroneck, the second-ranked team in the state, is riding a 23-game unbeaten streak.  The Tigers are 0-3 previously in the semifinal round, but are coming off a double-overtime win at No. 3 Massena. Niagara-Wheatfield, in just its first year as a varsity hockey, upset perennial power Williamsville North en route to its title. It beat Monroe-Woodbury 3-1 in the state quarterfinals — Mamaroneck beat Monroe-Woodbury 6-1 in its December Tiger Tournament.

Prediction: The only thing that would concern me for Mamaroneck is that the NW goalie made 47 saves to steal a double-OT win over Willy North, and a repeat performance is possible. Also Mamaroneck hasn’t gotten off to the fastest starts in the playoffs, and you wonder if that will come back to bite them. And Massena’s strong showing last weekend shows that in the playoffs, you can’t just go by what teams looks better on paper. But I think as long as the Tigers don’t get caught looking ahead to Sunday, they get through. Mamaroneck 5-2.

Pelham (18-10) vs. Section 9’s Burke Catholic (18-4-2), 10 a.m.

Note: The winner faces Section 3’s New Hartford (26-2) or Section 6’s Kenmore East (19-4-2) in the championship game Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Overview: Pelham, the No. 2 team in the state, is attempting to make its first state final. Senior Marc Flory has scored multiple goals in eight of his past nine games, including five in the Pelicans 6-2 state quarterfinal win over No. 2 Queensbury. Unranked Burke Catholic has played three local teams, losing to Scarsdale (4-3) and Iona Prep (4-1) but beating CHSHL finalist Stepinac (4-3). Burke, an 8th-year program, beat Salmon River 4-0 in the quarterfinals, allowing just six shots in the final two periods to win its first-ever state tournament game.

Prediction: Pelham has clearly played a higher-caliber of competition and also has the experience of advancing to Utica already. While Flory’s exploits are grabbing headlines, the defense and goaltending has also been outstanding, and once the Pelicans grab the lead it’s practically over. Getting Andrew Emerson back should also be a boost, especially because Reilly moves back down and gives Pelham even more offensive balance in case Flory/Mamone combination somehow gets shut down. Pelham 3-1.