When Rockland football is mentioned in Westchester, it’s usually the butt end of a joke. Aside from Nyack, North Rockland, and Nanuet, Westchester high schools have dominated Section 1 football over the past few decades. Since 1993, Rockland schools have won just 15 out of the 82 total Section 1 titles across each class size, and have just 3 state titles compared to Westchester’s 19. Rockland teams are usually embarrassed by their counterparts across the river, and many thought that this trend would continue when Nyack, Nanuet, and North Rockland all lost their legendary coaches. However, things have changed in 2011, and Rockland football is showing what it’s made of.
Class AA has always been dominated by New Rochelle and other Westchester powers, like White Plains. North Rockland has had many great seasons, but they are usually the only relevant Rockland team in AA. This season, Clarkstown North, Clarkstown South, and Ramapo have all stepped up as rare dark horses in the title race. North beat North Rockland, which had owned them for decades, to start the season. North then proceeded to blow out Lincoln, and knock off White Plains, which had been one of the section favorites. South had an impressive start as well, beating Mamaroneck, Carmel, and Scarsdale. Carmel had been favored to win, but the Vikings thrashed them by 4 touchdowns. Ramapo has started the year 2-1, including a 21-14 victory at Yorktown in Yorktown’s homecoming game. North Rockland bounced back after losing to North with a victory over White Plains, keeping them alive in the playoff hunt. The classic rivalry game between Clarkstown North and Clarkstown South could be the biggest it has ever been when they meet in the last game of the regular season.
In Class A, Nyack, Pearl River, and Tappan Zee have all had impressive moments. Nyack started 2-0, hammering Brewster and Spring Valley, before losing a close, non-league game to Horace Greeley. Pearl River is 3-0, outscoring their opponents 81 to 6. Tappan Zee is 1-2, but very nearly upset 3-0 Somers, losing 19-18 in the final seconds to the title contender. Pearl River’s biggest obstacles to an unbeaten campaign are Bronxville, the defending Class C state champs, and Nyack.
Each team has had stellar individuals stand out and lead their clubs. North’s Travis Samuels returned an interception for a touchdown late against White Plains. South’s Frank Tucek ran for 3 TDs against Scarsdale. Nyack’s Paul Mitchell had touchdown runs of 55 yards and 73 yards in a win over Brewster. Pearl River’s Connor O’Sullivan kicked a 52-yard field goal against Panas, and TZ’s Joe Letizia ran for 192 yards and 3 TDs against Panas. Of course, excellent teamwork and defense have been huge factors in Rockland’s success as well. If these teams can keep it up, Rockland will have many contenders come playoff time, and the rest of Section 1 will have to stop laughing.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Key NY HS Football Matchups: 9/23-9/25
There are several key matchups throughout the state this weekend in Class A. First, we’ll take a look at the biggest matchups in Section 1, and then we’ll look at major matchups around the state.
Section 1
4. Lakeland (1-1) @ John Jay (1-1): Both teams are dark horses in Class A who will be in dogfight at the end of the season for the last few playoff seeds. John Jay is definitely favored, but they haven’t come out as strong this season as people predicted. The winner will be in decent shape for the postseason, while the loser will have a tough climb. John Jay has two very tough games down the road with Harrison and Greeley, while Lakeland has a very easy road the rest of the way. This is definitely the time for John Jay to prove that they are a contender, and not a pretender. Prediction: John Jay 33-Lakeland 14
3. Nyack (2-0) @ Horace Greeley (2-0): This matchup between unbeaten rivals at SUNY Purchase would have been the game of the week, barring the fact that it is a non-league game, meaning that it is meaningless for playoff purposes. Greeley knocked Nyack out of the 1st round of the playoffs last year, and star QB Justin Ciero would love to torch Nyack once again. Greeley beat Sleepy Hollow by two touchdowns last week, but gave up 266 passing yards and 173 kick returning yards. Nyack QB Raydell Williams had some success passing against a porous Spring Valley defense, including a gorgeous touchdown pass to 6’3” Quincy Vasser, but Nyack will mainly stick with their powerful rushing attack. Paul Mitchell and Khalid Shabazz could do a lot of damage in the return game for Nyack after having big games last week. Nevertheless, Nyack’s passing defense was very poor, which is something Ciero should exploit. The key factor is that Greeley plans to rest their starters early, while Nyack claims that they will do whatever it takes to win. Greeley is the better team, but can their backups win in the 4th quarter? Prediction: Nyack 26-Greeley 21
2. Poughkeepsie (2-0) @ Eastchester (1-1, 1-0 in league): Eastchester, led by star running back Rob Carinci, performed well in a 35-20 win over Brewster, but Poughkeepsie is something really special. The best Section 1 program to never win a section title is clearly the favorite so far, knocking off defending champs Harrison last week to earn the number 2 ranking in the state. Eastchester has a good shot at the playoffs, but they will really need to catch the Pioneers off guard in this one. The Pioneers are on a mission, and their win over Harrison prepared them for Eastchester’s triple-option. Prediction: Poughkeepsie 35-Eastchester 17
1. Game of the Week: Rye (0-2) @ Ossining (1-1): Their records may not show it, but these teams have a lot of potential. The loser of this game will be nearly knocked out of the playoff picture, making it a must win for both. Rye has only gone 0-3 twice before in their legendary history, and will do anything to avoid going their again. Ossining can’t afford to fall to 1-2 with games against Sleepy, Harrison, and Greeley coming up. Ossining has an explosive offense, but their defense was horrendous in a 44-41 loss to Pelham last week. Rye needs to get it together, and it’s now or never time for Coach Dino Garr. Prediction: Rye 31-Ossining 21
Section 3
1. Whitesboro (3-0) @ Jamesville-DeWitt (3-0): Whitesboro, the defending section champs, are 3-0 and hungry to repeat, while J-D wants to establish themselves amongst a crowded elite at the top of the section. Whitesboro, who has averaged 46 points per game, actually crushed J-D 62-7 in the playoffs last year, so the Red Rams should be out for revenge. Whitesboro’s star running back Steve Almond has rushed for nearly 200 yards per game and 10 touchdowns. Prediction: Whitesboro 50, Jamesville-DeWitt 21
Section 5
1. Aquinas (3-0) @ McQuaid Jesuit (2-1): Aquinas, the defending state champs and winners of 16 straight games, look as loaded as ever. 6’6”, 290-pound, Notre Dame-bound lineman Jarron Jones has been a huge force, and QB Cory Benedetto has really come on strong, throwing for 643 yards and 10 TDs with a .784 completion % in the 1st 3 games. The 5-time state champs, and 5-time defending section champs have loaded their schedule with excellent regional talent. Nevertheless, there is a reason that McQuaid is the only Section 5 school on their schedule. McQuaid has been one of the only Section 5 teams to compete against Aquinas, losing to the Little Irish by an average of just 8 points per game from 2003-2009 before losing by 39 last year. McQuaid has never won a section title, and would certainly have to get through Aquinas later on in order to pull off a title. Prediction: Aquinas 49-McQuaid Jesuit 24
Section 9
1. Wallkill (2-1) @ Cornwall (3-0): These fierce archrivals should produce more fireworks after two epic meeting last season. Wallkill swept the series, winning 7-6 on a last-second extra-point in the regular season, and 24-22 in the section title game. The two have combined to win every section title since 2003, with Wallkill winning in only 2004 and 2010. Neither has won a state title, but each had a finals appearance. The Dragons from Cornwall lost QB Tyler Lawlor and RB Tyree Smallwood from last season, but returned RB Rashard Wroten. Wallkill lost RB Dominick Calvanico, but returned QB Eric Wellmon. The Panthers were upset 28-15 in their opener by Washingtonville, but have recovered well. Dragon’s QB Mike White has done well, while receiver Joe O’Rourke has excelled. Cornwall’s defense has been great, allowing under 7 points per game, while intercepting 9 passes in 3 games. Prediction: Cornwall 35-Wallkill 14S
Section 1
4. Lakeland (1-1) @ John Jay (1-1): Both teams are dark horses in Class A who will be in dogfight at the end of the season for the last few playoff seeds. John Jay is definitely favored, but they haven’t come out as strong this season as people predicted. The winner will be in decent shape for the postseason, while the loser will have a tough climb. John Jay has two very tough games down the road with Harrison and Greeley, while Lakeland has a very easy road the rest of the way. This is definitely the time for John Jay to prove that they are a contender, and not a pretender. Prediction: John Jay 33-Lakeland 14
3. Nyack (2-0) @ Horace Greeley (2-0): This matchup between unbeaten rivals at SUNY Purchase would have been the game of the week, barring the fact that it is a non-league game, meaning that it is meaningless for playoff purposes. Greeley knocked Nyack out of the 1st round of the playoffs last year, and star QB Justin Ciero would love to torch Nyack once again. Greeley beat Sleepy Hollow by two touchdowns last week, but gave up 266 passing yards and 173 kick returning yards. Nyack QB Raydell Williams had some success passing against a porous Spring Valley defense, including a gorgeous touchdown pass to 6’3” Quincy Vasser, but Nyack will mainly stick with their powerful rushing attack. Paul Mitchell and Khalid Shabazz could do a lot of damage in the return game for Nyack after having big games last week. Nevertheless, Nyack’s passing defense was very poor, which is something Ciero should exploit. The key factor is that Greeley plans to rest their starters early, while Nyack claims that they will do whatever it takes to win. Greeley is the better team, but can their backups win in the 4th quarter? Prediction: Nyack 26-Greeley 21
2. Poughkeepsie (2-0) @ Eastchester (1-1, 1-0 in league): Eastchester, led by star running back Rob Carinci, performed well in a 35-20 win over Brewster, but Poughkeepsie is something really special. The best Section 1 program to never win a section title is clearly the favorite so far, knocking off defending champs Harrison last week to earn the number 2 ranking in the state. Eastchester has a good shot at the playoffs, but they will really need to catch the Pioneers off guard in this one. The Pioneers are on a mission, and their win over Harrison prepared them for Eastchester’s triple-option. Prediction: Poughkeepsie 35-Eastchester 17
1. Game of the Week: Rye (0-2) @ Ossining (1-1): Their records may not show it, but these teams have a lot of potential. The loser of this game will be nearly knocked out of the playoff picture, making it a must win for both. Rye has only gone 0-3 twice before in their legendary history, and will do anything to avoid going their again. Ossining can’t afford to fall to 1-2 with games against Sleepy, Harrison, and Greeley coming up. Ossining has an explosive offense, but their defense was horrendous in a 44-41 loss to Pelham last week. Rye needs to get it together, and it’s now or never time for Coach Dino Garr. Prediction: Rye 31-Ossining 21
Section 3
1. Whitesboro (3-0) @ Jamesville-DeWitt (3-0): Whitesboro, the defending section champs, are 3-0 and hungry to repeat, while J-D wants to establish themselves amongst a crowded elite at the top of the section. Whitesboro, who has averaged 46 points per game, actually crushed J-D 62-7 in the playoffs last year, so the Red Rams should be out for revenge. Whitesboro’s star running back Steve Almond has rushed for nearly 200 yards per game and 10 touchdowns. Prediction: Whitesboro 50, Jamesville-DeWitt 21
Section 5
1. Aquinas (3-0) @ McQuaid Jesuit (2-1): Aquinas, the defending state champs and winners of 16 straight games, look as loaded as ever. 6’6”, 290-pound, Notre Dame-bound lineman Jarron Jones has been a huge force, and QB Cory Benedetto has really come on strong, throwing for 643 yards and 10 TDs with a .784 completion % in the 1st 3 games. The 5-time state champs, and 5-time defending section champs have loaded their schedule with excellent regional talent. Nevertheless, there is a reason that McQuaid is the only Section 5 school on their schedule. McQuaid has been one of the only Section 5 teams to compete against Aquinas, losing to the Little Irish by an average of just 8 points per game from 2003-2009 before losing by 39 last year. McQuaid has never won a section title, and would certainly have to get through Aquinas later on in order to pull off a title. Prediction: Aquinas 49-McQuaid Jesuit 24
Section 9
1. Wallkill (2-1) @ Cornwall (3-0): These fierce archrivals should produce more fireworks after two epic meeting last season. Wallkill swept the series, winning 7-6 on a last-second extra-point in the regular season, and 24-22 in the section title game. The two have combined to win every section title since 2003, with Wallkill winning in only 2004 and 2010. Neither has won a state title, but each had a finals appearance. The Dragons from Cornwall lost QB Tyler Lawlor and RB Tyree Smallwood from last season, but returned RB Rashard Wroten. Wallkill lost RB Dominick Calvanico, but returned QB Eric Wellmon. The Panthers were upset 28-15 in their opener by Washingtonville, but have recovered well. Dragon’s QB Mike White has done well, while receiver Joe O’Rourke has excelled. Cornwall’s defense has been great, allowing under 7 points per game, while intercepting 9 passes in 3 games. Prediction: Cornwall 35-Wallkill 14S
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Key Section 1 Class A Games: Week 2
3. Horace Greeley (1-0) at Sleepy Hollow (1-0):
Sleepy Hollow looked good in a 21-20 victory over Pelham in Week 1, but QB Nick Vallo and star LJ Garrant will have to be huge in order to knock off last season’s sectional runner-up. The Quakers dismantled Roosevelt 56-14 behind star QB Justin Ciero, who has become one of the most feared players in the section. Nevertheless, Roosevelt is not nearly the same team they were when they won sections in 2009, graduating most of their good players and failing to field a JV team last year. The Quakers will look to stop Garrant, who had 178 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against Pelham, but that is certainly easier said than done. The Horseman will certainly have to mix it up on offense, and contain Ciero on defense to have a shot. This game is huge for Sleepy, who’s only remaining tough opponent after Greeley is Ossining, who they play at home in October. Sleepy is a darkhorse contender this season, and the Quakers better not sleep on them. Prediction: Horace Greeley 24- Sleepy Hollow 14
2. John Jay-Cross River (0-1) at Rye (0-1):
Both teams came into the season with high expectations, but both fell to worthy opponents in the first week. John Jay fell victim to a late Ossining comeback, which resulted in a 28-21 defeat in which one of the players was hospitalized. Rye was dropped 28-20 by Somers, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Rye may have injury issues as well with QB/DB Jake Meyerson, who had to be replaced by freshman Andrew Livingston late against Somers. The winner of this game will still have a decent shot in the playoffs, but the loser will fall to 0-2. With Harrison and Greeley on both teams schedules, the loser will have a tall mountain to climb the rest of the way to make the playoffs. Prediction: Rye 28- John Jay 21
1. Game of the Week: Harrison (1-0) at Poughkeepsie (1-0):
This highly anticipated rematch of last season’s sectional semifinals should live up to the hype. The Huskies of Harrison won 42-27 at Poughkeepsie in that game en route to a section title and an appearance in the state championship game. The Pioneers, who have never won a section title, will be hungry for revenge, especially on their own field. They looked stellar in the 53-0 thrashing of Spring Valley on the road in Week 1. QB Josh Oliver threw 2 TD passes to Siddique Haddad, and had a 70 yard TD run of his own. The Pioneers’ defense had two TDs of their own and held Spring Valley to just 1 first down in the 1st half. Harrison was also impressive in a 28-7 victory over Lakeland, led by junior QB Vin Nicita, who was huge in the Huskies’ state playoff run last season. Both teams graduated several stars from last season, such as Tanner Knox, Alex Acompora, and Duke Alvora from Harrison, and Jarrid Williams, Brandon Graham, and Tyree Coleman from Poughkeepsie. Nevertheless, both teams return excellent players, like Harrison’s Charlie Credendino, a 6’4” lineman who was out with an injury when they met last season. Harrison has to prevent Poughkeepsie from making the homerun plays that buried Spring Valley, while the Pioneers must cut down on penalties and clean up their kicking game. They’ll need to be disciplined to enact their revenge. Poughkeepsie’s not-so-secret weapon in 6’4” freshman receiver Davonte Hamilton could play a huge role in the outcome of this battle. Prediction: Poughkeepsie 34- Harrison 28
Sleepy Hollow looked good in a 21-20 victory over Pelham in Week 1, but QB Nick Vallo and star LJ Garrant will have to be huge in order to knock off last season’s sectional runner-up. The Quakers dismantled Roosevelt 56-14 behind star QB Justin Ciero, who has become one of the most feared players in the section. Nevertheless, Roosevelt is not nearly the same team they were when they won sections in 2009, graduating most of their good players and failing to field a JV team last year. The Quakers will look to stop Garrant, who had 178 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against Pelham, but that is certainly easier said than done. The Horseman will certainly have to mix it up on offense, and contain Ciero on defense to have a shot. This game is huge for Sleepy, who’s only remaining tough opponent after Greeley is Ossining, who they play at home in October. Sleepy is a darkhorse contender this season, and the Quakers better not sleep on them. Prediction: Horace Greeley 24- Sleepy Hollow 14
2. John Jay-Cross River (0-1) at Rye (0-1):
Both teams came into the season with high expectations, but both fell to worthy opponents in the first week. John Jay fell victim to a late Ossining comeback, which resulted in a 28-21 defeat in which one of the players was hospitalized. Rye was dropped 28-20 by Somers, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Rye may have injury issues as well with QB/DB Jake Meyerson, who had to be replaced by freshman Andrew Livingston late against Somers. The winner of this game will still have a decent shot in the playoffs, but the loser will fall to 0-2. With Harrison and Greeley on both teams schedules, the loser will have a tall mountain to climb the rest of the way to make the playoffs. Prediction: Rye 28- John Jay 21
1. Game of the Week: Harrison (1-0) at Poughkeepsie (1-0):
This highly anticipated rematch of last season’s sectional semifinals should live up to the hype. The Huskies of Harrison won 42-27 at Poughkeepsie in that game en route to a section title and an appearance in the state championship game. The Pioneers, who have never won a section title, will be hungry for revenge, especially on their own field. They looked stellar in the 53-0 thrashing of Spring Valley on the road in Week 1. QB Josh Oliver threw 2 TD passes to Siddique Haddad, and had a 70 yard TD run of his own. The Pioneers’ defense had two TDs of their own and held Spring Valley to just 1 first down in the 1st half. Harrison was also impressive in a 28-7 victory over Lakeland, led by junior QB Vin Nicita, who was huge in the Huskies’ state playoff run last season. Both teams graduated several stars from last season, such as Tanner Knox, Alex Acompora, and Duke Alvora from Harrison, and Jarrid Williams, Brandon Graham, and Tyree Coleman from Poughkeepsie. Nevertheless, both teams return excellent players, like Harrison’s Charlie Credendino, a 6’4” lineman who was out with an injury when they met last season. Harrison has to prevent Poughkeepsie from making the homerun plays that buried Spring Valley, while the Pioneers must cut down on penalties and clean up their kicking game. They’ll need to be disciplined to enact their revenge. Poughkeepsie’s not-so-secret weapon in 6’4” freshman receiver Davonte Hamilton could play a huge role in the outcome of this battle. Prediction: Poughkeepsie 34- Harrison 28
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