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