High School: Dewitt Clinton
The high school football season is over in New York City. Lincoln ended it with a dramatic 20-12 win over Erasmus Hall for the Public Schools Athletic League title. Let's take a look at the last poll of the year:
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): How would a matchup of St. Anthony's vs. Lincoln gone? For one, there would have been a lot of running involved.
2. Lincoln (13-0): One year after losing a heartbreak at Yankee Stadium, Lincoln returned to the title game and brought home the title this year.
3. Erasmus Hall (9-4): A lack of a legitimate passing game came back to doom Erasmus Hall on Tuesday night against Lincoln.
4. Tottenville (10-2): With Brandon Barnes returning, there's no reason to not think that Tottenville won't be among the city's best the next year.
5. Stepinac (9-3): Stepinac will be losing some key seniors from this year's team. Will the Crusaders be able to turn in another great campaign next year?
6. Xaverian (7-3): It would be intriguing to see Xaverian play some of the elite Brooklyn teams in New York City like Lincoln and Fort Hamilton.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton has to wonder if it would have made it to the title game had Marvin Centeno not been injured.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): With quality players returning across the board, Iona Prep will be in the hunt for the CHSFL title next season.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-4): For the second straight season, Dewitt Clinton has proved to the best team from the Bronx.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): To show Brooklyn's strength in the PSAL: Boys & Girls is the 10th best team in the city but the fourth best team in its borough.
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): How would a matchup of St. Anthony's vs. Lincoln gone? For one, there would have been a lot of running involved.
2. Lincoln (13-0): One year after losing a heartbreak at Yankee Stadium, Lincoln returned to the title game and brought home the title this year.
3. Erasmus Hall (9-4): A lack of a legitimate passing game came back to doom Erasmus Hall on Tuesday night against Lincoln.
4. Tottenville (10-2): With Brandon Barnes returning, there's no reason to not think that Tottenville won't be among the city's best the next year.
5. Stepinac (9-3): Stepinac will be losing some key seniors from this year's team. Will the Crusaders be able to turn in another great campaign next year?
6. Xaverian (7-3): It would be intriguing to see Xaverian play some of the elite Brooklyn teams in New York City like Lincoln and Fort Hamilton.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton has to wonder if it would have made it to the title game had Marvin Centeno not been injured.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): With quality players returning across the board, Iona Prep will be in the hunt for the CHSFL title next season.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-4): For the second straight season, Dewitt Clinton has proved to the best team from the Bronx.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): To show Brooklyn's strength in the PSAL: Boys & Girls is the 10th best team in the city but the fourth best team in its borough.
Just one game remains this season. Erasmus Hall and Lincoln will meet for the Public Schools Athletic League title on Dec. 6 at Yankee Stadium. Every other team is already looking to next year. With that in mind, let's check out the poll:
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): Like we say every year, it would have been sweet to see St. Anthony's take on the PSAL champion. Up next: Season over.
2. Lincoln (12-0): Lincoln is back to the finals after beating Dewitt Clinton. Can it make up for last year's loss? Up next: Dec. 6, vs. Erasmus Hall.
3. Erasmus Hall (9-3): Erasmus Hall is one win away from winning the PSAL title as the five seed. Up next: Dec. 6, vs. Lincoln.
4. Tottenville (10-2): Tottenville has to wonder what would have happened had Brandon Barnes not gotten injured. Up next: Season over.
5. Stepinac (9-3): Stepinac defeated its rival White Plains on Thanksgiving to pick up its ninth win. Up next: Season over.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Despite losing in the semis, Xaverian is taking steps in the right direction as a program. Up next: Season over.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton was supposed to have been the other team in an all-Brooklyn final. Up next: Season over.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): The question for Iona now becomes what school will Justin Combs commit to? Up next: Season over.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-4): Dewitt had a heck of a season but fell short in the PSAL semifinals against Lincoln. Up next: Season over.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): Boys & Girls in the top 10 is more proof of how good Brooklyn was this year. Up next: Season over.
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): Like we say every year, it would have been sweet to see St. Anthony's take on the PSAL champion. Up next: Season over.
2. Lincoln (12-0): Lincoln is back to the finals after beating Dewitt Clinton. Can it make up for last year's loss? Up next: Dec. 6, vs. Erasmus Hall.
3. Erasmus Hall (9-3): Erasmus Hall is one win away from winning the PSAL title as the five seed. Up next: Dec. 6, vs. Lincoln.
4. Tottenville (10-2): Tottenville has to wonder what would have happened had Brandon Barnes not gotten injured. Up next: Season over.
5. Stepinac (9-3): Stepinac defeated its rival White Plains on Thanksgiving to pick up its ninth win. Up next: Season over.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Despite losing in the semis, Xaverian is taking steps in the right direction as a program. Up next: Season over.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton was supposed to have been the other team in an all-Brooklyn final. Up next: Season over.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): The question for Iona now becomes what school will Justin Combs commit to? Up next: Season over.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-4): Dewitt had a heck of a season but fell short in the PSAL semifinals against Lincoln. Up next: Season over.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): Boys & Girls in the top 10 is more proof of how good Brooklyn was this year. Up next: Season over.
Rapid Reaction: Lincoln 30, Clinton 14
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
2:33
PM ET
By Amara Grautski | ESPNNewYork.com
For the second year in a row, Abraham Lincoln High School will head to Yankee Stadium to compete for a title. The No. 1 Railsplitters defeated No. 7 Dewitt Clinton, 30-14, in the Public Schools Athletic Leauge "Championship" division semifinals in Brooklyn on Saturday afternoon.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: In the first half, Lincoln (12-0) scored three times in 19 minutes.
Lincoln moved down the field on the initial drive, with senior Kareem Folkes punching in a 1-yard touchdown. Folkes went to work again a few minutes later, rushing for a 5-yard touchdown to put the Railsplitters on top, 14-0.
And with five minutes until the half, quarterback Jessel Jones connected with senior Tarik Pusey on a 9-yard pass in the corner of the endzone.
Although Clinton (8-4) did not do much offensively, the Governors finally managed to march down to the 6-yard line with less than two minutes to play. The drive would be wasted, though.
On third-and-four, senior Jeremiah Obeng Agyapong was tackled by senior Robert Kitching for a loss of 8. On fourth down, senior Rasheed Anderson sacked Ryan Camilo, allowing Lincoln to carry its 22-point lead into the locker room.
"Our defensive line is the reason we're 12-0 and going back to Yankee Stadium," Lincoln coach Shawn O'Connor said after the game.
Clinton finally got on the board on the second play of the third quarter. Junior Haleem Livingston ran 49 yards down the sideline for the touchdown.
In the fourth, Jones ran 8 yards for a touchdown, and Agyapong rushed 43 yards to post Clinton's final points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Although Folkes (who accrued about 150 yards) is usually a go-to pick to receive Player of the Game honors, today belonged to Jones. On his 17th birthday, the quarterback rushed for a touchdown and threw for one, too.
Jones has really grown as a leader this season. When Camilo went down with an injury in the fourth, Jones was the one instructing his team to take a knee for the fallen quarterback.
O'Connor was fine with delivering the birthday pun regarding Jones: He matured a lot today, he said.
Jones didn't see much playing time in last year's PSAL title game against Fort Hamilton, with senior Andrew Vital at the helm for Lincoln, but he said he's ready for the start.
"I felt like at the beginning of the season nobody knew who I was," Jones said. "I tried to come out and make a big name for myself and catch people's attention."
UP NEXT: Lincoln lost to Fort Hamilton in the title game, 8-6, last year. Folkes, one of only two returning starters for the Railsplitters, said they are going to take it this time. They will face Erasmus Hall on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.
"We're not going to get caught up in the bright lights," Folkes said. "We know what to expect."
Both Jones and Folkes wanted this all-Brooklyn showdown vs. Erasmus Hall.
"Brooklyn versus Brooklyn, that's the way to go," Folkes said.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: In the first half, Lincoln (12-0) scored three times in 19 minutes.
Lincoln moved down the field on the initial drive, with senior Kareem Folkes punching in a 1-yard touchdown. Folkes went to work again a few minutes later, rushing for a 5-yard touchdown to put the Railsplitters on top, 14-0.
And with five minutes until the half, quarterback Jessel Jones connected with senior Tarik Pusey on a 9-yard pass in the corner of the endzone.
Although Clinton (8-4) did not do much offensively, the Governors finally managed to march down to the 6-yard line with less than two minutes to play. The drive would be wasted, though.
On third-and-four, senior Jeremiah Obeng Agyapong was tackled by senior Robert Kitching for a loss of 8. On fourth down, senior Rasheed Anderson sacked Ryan Camilo, allowing Lincoln to carry its 22-point lead into the locker room.
"Our defensive line is the reason we're 12-0 and going back to Yankee Stadium," Lincoln coach Shawn O'Connor said after the game.
Clinton finally got on the board on the second play of the third quarter. Junior Haleem Livingston ran 49 yards down the sideline for the touchdown.
In the fourth, Jones ran 8 yards for a touchdown, and Agyapong rushed 43 yards to post Clinton's final points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Although Folkes (who accrued about 150 yards) is usually a go-to pick to receive Player of the Game honors, today belonged to Jones. On his 17th birthday, the quarterback rushed for a touchdown and threw for one, too.
Jones has really grown as a leader this season. When Camilo went down with an injury in the fourth, Jones was the one instructing his team to take a knee for the fallen quarterback.
O'Connor was fine with delivering the birthday pun regarding Jones: He matured a lot today, he said.
Jones didn't see much playing time in last year's PSAL title game against Fort Hamilton, with senior Andrew Vital at the helm for Lincoln, but he said he's ready for the start.
"I felt like at the beginning of the season nobody knew who I was," Jones said. "I tried to come out and make a big name for myself and catch people's attention."
UP NEXT: Lincoln lost to Fort Hamilton in the title game, 8-6, last year. Folkes, one of only two returning starters for the Railsplitters, said they are going to take it this time. They will face Erasmus Hall on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.
"We're not going to get caught up in the bright lights," Folkes said. "We know what to expect."
Both Jones and Folkes wanted this all-Brooklyn showdown vs. Erasmus Hall.
"Brooklyn versus Brooklyn, that's the way to go," Folkes said.
PSAL coaches analyze the playoffs
November, 25, 2011
11/25/11
12:27
PM ET
By Matt Ehalt | ESPNNewYork.com
The Public Schools Athletic League "Championship" division semifinals are this Saturday featuring Lincoln vs. Dewitt Clinton and Tottenville vs. Erasmus Hall.
To get insight into these teams, we talked to those who know them the best: the coaches who have faced them. We asked them why the team or teams they played would win the title or fall short of the championship.
The best answers are presented anonymously underneath each question.
WHY WILL LINCOLN WIN THE TITLE?
"They have the been the most consistent team. It wasn't the toughest schedule but they have a couple of big playmakers who can score from anywhere on the field. Kareem Folkes has a ton of speed and another player who can really fly. The QB (Jessel Jones) is sufficient and they have a fantastic line. When you have those things in place, you're golden."
WHY WON'T LINCOLN WIN THE TITLE?
"They won't win because they haven't been in a tough game. It's mostly been blowouts except for last week and people said they should have lost that game. They haven't really been tested all year long."
WHY WILL DEWITT CLINTON WIN THE TITLE?
"They'll win because their quarterback (Ryan Camilo) runs the option well and their fullback is excellent and they play pretty good defense and they can throw the ball when they have to."
WHY WON'T DEWITT CLINTON WIN THE TITLE?
"They don't have the players to match up with Lincoln, they just don't have the firepower. They were either more talented or more disciplined than the teams they had beaten. I don't think they played a team where everyone is disciplined. They won't have the talent to match up with Lincoln."
WHY WILL ERASMUS HALL WIN THE TITLE?
"Really talented and fast. It's hard to defend speed and it seems like if they come out to play they're very tough to beat. This year has been all about the teams that are hitting the hardest and if you put some talent with it, it's almost unstoppable. They've had some problems putting it together for games but there is only two games left, let's see if they can do it."
WHY WON'T ERASMUS HALL WIN THE TITLE?
"They can beat themselves. Offsides, unsportsmanlike conducts, no accurate passing, quarterback not seeing the receivers. They'll beat themselves. Just small mistakes will cost them games."
WHY WILL TOTTENVILLE WIN THE TILE?
"They have the best coach left. Jimmy Munson is a very good coach, has won two titles already, and from all the coaches I've been against, the way he gameplans and the way his team performs, the respect for opponents, he's just a very good coach. I think Tottenville is going to win it."
WHY WON'T TOTTENVILLE WIN THE TITLE?
"Frankly, they're almost the same thing as Lincoln, they don't play the full four quarters and the second thing is that their receivers aren't sure-handed, they don't catch the ball. The quarterback is a little off. Losing Brandon Barnes hurt them."
To get insight into these teams, we talked to those who know them the best: the coaches who have faced them. We asked them why the team or teams they played would win the title or fall short of the championship.
The best answers are presented anonymously underneath each question.
WHY WILL LINCOLN WIN THE TITLE?
"They have the been the most consistent team. It wasn't the toughest schedule but they have a couple of big playmakers who can score from anywhere on the field. Kareem Folkes has a ton of speed and another player who can really fly. The QB (Jessel Jones) is sufficient and they have a fantastic line. When you have those things in place, you're golden."
WHY WON'T LINCOLN WIN THE TITLE?
"They won't win because they haven't been in a tough game. It's mostly been blowouts except for last week and people said they should have lost that game. They haven't really been tested all year long."
WHY WILL DEWITT CLINTON WIN THE TITLE?
"They'll win because their quarterback (Ryan Camilo) runs the option well and their fullback is excellent and they play pretty good defense and they can throw the ball when they have to."
WHY WON'T DEWITT CLINTON WIN THE TITLE?
"They don't have the players to match up with Lincoln, they just don't have the firepower. They were either more talented or more disciplined than the teams they had beaten. I don't think they played a team where everyone is disciplined. They won't have the talent to match up with Lincoln."
WHY WILL ERASMUS HALL WIN THE TITLE?
"Really talented and fast. It's hard to defend speed and it seems like if they come out to play they're very tough to beat. This year has been all about the teams that are hitting the hardest and if you put some talent with it, it's almost unstoppable. They've had some problems putting it together for games but there is only two games left, let's see if they can do it."
WHY WON'T ERASMUS HALL WIN THE TITLE?
"They can beat themselves. Offsides, unsportsmanlike conducts, no accurate passing, quarterback not seeing the receivers. They'll beat themselves. Just small mistakes will cost them games."
WHY WILL TOTTENVILLE WIN THE TILE?
"They have the best coach left. Jimmy Munson is a very good coach, has won two titles already, and from all the coaches I've been against, the way he gameplans and the way his team performs, the respect for opponents, he's just a very good coach. I think Tottenville is going to win it."
WHY WON'T TOTTENVILLE WIN THE TITLE?
"Frankly, they're almost the same thing as Lincoln, they don't play the full four quarters and the second thing is that their receivers aren't sure-handed, they don't catch the ball. The quarterback is a little off. Losing Brandon Barnes hurt them."
Week 12/playoffs: Five games to watch
November, 23, 2011
11/23/11
12:02
PM ET
By Matt Ehalt | ESPNNewYork.com
We're getting down to the final two weeks of action in New York City. While Erasmus Hall vs. Tottenville will be the game of the week, here are some games to keep an eye on this week in New York City.
No. 7 Dewitt Clinton at No. 1 Lincoln (Saturday, noon): This is an unlikely semifinal as Dewitt Clinton upset defending city champion, Fort Hamilton, to reach this game. Lincoln finally had a tough game last week when it barely beat Thomas Jefferson. Will Clinton's scrappy and tough squad be able to out work Lincoln and head to the finals? Lincoln will be looking to return to the title game for the second straight year.
No. 1 James Madison at No. 2 August Martin (Sunday, 1:30 p.m.): This matchup between the top two seeds is for the "Bowl" division title on Sunday. Oddly enough, these two teams did not meet this year which gives this game an even more interesting storyline. Both teams barely made the finals, with James Madison winning 12-6 against Tilden and August Martin edged Grady by one point. This should be a highly entertaining battle for the title.
No. 1 McKee/SI Tech vs. No. 2 South Shore (Sunday, 10:30 a.m.): Unlike the "Bowl" final, the "Cup" title game features two teams that have met. MSIT defeated South Shore, 32-6, in their only meeting this year. South Shore is also going to have a short schedule after having to play its semifinal game Tuesday. Will that come back to haunt the Vikings or will it inspire them? We'll see come Sunday.
Fordham Prep at Xavier (Thursday, 10 a.m.): A Thanksgiving rivalry game that should be a very close game. Fordham Prep just won the Class "A" title and will now try to make a statement against its rivals. Xavier went 8-2 but has to feel bad about getting bounced in the Class "A" quarters. They'll get to see if they could have possibly been champions of the league when they meet the Rams.
Cardinal Hayes at Mount St. Michael (Thursday, 10 a.m.): This might not be a title game like it was two years ago but this will be an entertaining Thanksgiving game. Mount St. Michael had the better season of the two teams but as the old saying goes, records get thrown out the window during rivalry games.
No. 7 Dewitt Clinton at No. 1 Lincoln (Saturday, noon): This is an unlikely semifinal as Dewitt Clinton upset defending city champion, Fort Hamilton, to reach this game. Lincoln finally had a tough game last week when it barely beat Thomas Jefferson. Will Clinton's scrappy and tough squad be able to out work Lincoln and head to the finals? Lincoln will be looking to return to the title game for the second straight year.
No. 1 James Madison at No. 2 August Martin (Sunday, 1:30 p.m.): This matchup between the top two seeds is for the "Bowl" division title on Sunday. Oddly enough, these two teams did not meet this year which gives this game an even more interesting storyline. Both teams barely made the finals, with James Madison winning 12-6 against Tilden and August Martin edged Grady by one point. This should be a highly entertaining battle for the title.
No. 1 McKee/SI Tech vs. No. 2 South Shore (Sunday, 10:30 a.m.): Unlike the "Bowl" final, the "Cup" title game features two teams that have met. MSIT defeated South Shore, 32-6, in their only meeting this year. South Shore is also going to have a short schedule after having to play its semifinal game Tuesday. Will that come back to haunt the Vikings or will it inspire them? We'll see come Sunday.
Fordham Prep at Xavier (Thursday, 10 a.m.): A Thanksgiving rivalry game that should be a very close game. Fordham Prep just won the Class "A" title and will now try to make a statement against its rivals. Xavier went 8-2 but has to feel bad about getting bounced in the Class "A" quarters. They'll get to see if they could have possibly been champions of the league when they meet the Rams.
Cardinal Hayes at Mount St. Michael (Thursday, 10 a.m.): This might not be a title game like it was two years ago but this will be an entertaining Thanksgiving game. Mount St. Michael had the better season of the two teams but as the old saying goes, records get thrown out the window during rivalry games.
The CHSFL has handed out all its hardware.. The PSAL "Championship" division is down to its final four teams. With just a few games left in the year, let's look at the rankings.
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): Another perfect season for the Friars, who capped off their undefeated year with a 14-0 win over Stepinac. Up next: Season over.
2. Tottenville (10-1): Tottenville is back to the semifinals following a win over Campus Magnet in the semifinals. This week's game against Erasmus Hall is the best game in New York City. Up next: Nov. 26, vs. Erasmus Hall.
3. Lincoln (11-0): The Railsplitters are the only undefeated team left in the "Championship" Division and get the No. 7 seed in Dewitt Clinton. Up next: Nov. 26, vs. Dewitt Clinton.
4. Stepinac (8-3): Stepinac, like every other team in the CHSFL, failed to beat St. Anthony's and lost to the Friars in the title game. Up next: Nov. 24, at White Plains.
5. Erasmus Hall (8-3): There's no doubt that Erasmus Hall is playing to the level of its talent after whooping Boys & Girls in the PSAL quarters. Up next: Nov. 26, at Tottenville.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Do the Clippers look at this season as one of great success or one of what could have been? Up next: Season over.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton had injuries catch up to it at the end of the year and found itself ousted from the playoffs in the quarters. Up next: Season over.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): Iona Prep will again be one of the best teams in the league next year with plenty of talent remaining on offense. Up next: Season over.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-3): The Governors are the lowest seed remaining in the playoffs but are on quite a roll after beating Fort Hamilton in the quarters. Up next: Nov. 26, at Lincoln.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): Boys & Girls saw its season come to an end after losing to Brooklyn rival Erasmus Hall in the PSAL quarterfinals. Up next: Season over.
1. St. Anthony's (10-0): Another perfect season for the Friars, who capped off their undefeated year with a 14-0 win over Stepinac. Up next: Season over.
2. Tottenville (10-1): Tottenville is back to the semifinals following a win over Campus Magnet in the semifinals. This week's game against Erasmus Hall is the best game in New York City. Up next: Nov. 26, vs. Erasmus Hall.
3. Lincoln (11-0): The Railsplitters are the only undefeated team left in the "Championship" Division and get the No. 7 seed in Dewitt Clinton. Up next: Nov. 26, vs. Dewitt Clinton.
4. Stepinac (8-3): Stepinac, like every other team in the CHSFL, failed to beat St. Anthony's and lost to the Friars in the title game. Up next: Nov. 24, at White Plains.
5. Erasmus Hall (8-3): There's no doubt that Erasmus Hall is playing to the level of its talent after whooping Boys & Girls in the PSAL quarters. Up next: Nov. 26, at Tottenville.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Do the Clippers look at this season as one of great success or one of what could have been? Up next: Season over.
7. Fort Hamilton (8-3): Fort Hamilton had injuries catch up to it at the end of the year and found itself ousted from the playoffs in the quarters. Up next: Season over.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): Iona Prep will again be one of the best teams in the league next year with plenty of talent remaining on offense. Up next: Season over.
9. Dewitt Clinton (8-3): The Governors are the lowest seed remaining in the playoffs but are on quite a roll after beating Fort Hamilton in the quarters. Up next: Nov. 26, at Lincoln.
10. Boys & Girls (7-4): Boys & Girls saw its season come to an end after losing to Brooklyn rival Erasmus Hall in the PSAL quarterfinals. Up next: Season over.
Week 11/playoffs: Five games to watch
November, 18, 2011
11/18/11
11:07
AM ET
By Matt Ehalt | ESPNNewYork.com
In addition to the Game of the Week pitting St. Anthony's vs. Stepinac this weekend, here are five other playoffs games to keep your eyes on this weekend.
No. 1 Fordham Prep vs. No. 3 Kellenberg (Saturday, 1 p.m.): The CHSFL's "AA" title game features two teams that had one of the better games earlier this season, a 29-28 win in overtime. Will Fordham Prep be able to have the same success it had last time? Or will Kellenberg's do-it-all quarterback Matt McDaniels be able to lead his team to the crown? This game surely won't disappoint.
No. 1 Lincoln vs. No. 14 Thomas Jefferson (Saturday, noon): This might be the most interesting game of the weekend. Lincoln has been the best team in the PSAL all weekend but is running into a team coming off the biggest upset of the postseason in Jefferson. It's always tough to face a team riding a huge wave of momentum and Lincoln better not take the Orange Wave lightly--or it could end up ousted from the playoffs like Canarsie.
No. 4 Fort Hamilton vs. No. 7 Dewitt Clinton (Saturday, noon): Fort Hamilton has been battling a rash of injuries and barely survived its first round game against Sheepshead Bay. Could this be the week where it all catches up to the Tigers? Dewitt Clinton made easy work of a solid Port Richmond team in the first round and is playing some of its best ball. This should be a good one.
No. 5 Erasmus Hall vs. No. 6 Boys & Girls (Saturday, noon): This is the best PSAL quarterfinal game of the weekend. Two of the best teams in Brooklyn are going to meet with a spot in the semifinals on the line. Erasmus Hall is finally playing as everyone envisioned it would behind the strong play of cornerback/quarterback Wayne Morgan and Boys & Girls has a strong rushing game. Erasmus Hall won the matchup earlier this year but will they be able to do it again?
No. 2 South Shore vs. No. 3 Alfred E. Smith (Sunday, noon): This semifinals matchup in the "Cup" division is a rematch of a great game from earlier this year when South Shore edged Alfred E. Smith, 16-14. South Shore enters the game at 8-1 and has a great chance of winning the title. Will Alfred E. Smith be able to get the better of the Vikings in the second meeting?
No. 1 Fordham Prep vs. No. 3 Kellenberg (Saturday, 1 p.m.): The CHSFL's "AA" title game features two teams that had one of the better games earlier this season, a 29-28 win in overtime. Will Fordham Prep be able to have the same success it had last time? Or will Kellenberg's do-it-all quarterback Matt McDaniels be able to lead his team to the crown? This game surely won't disappoint.
No. 1 Lincoln vs. No. 14 Thomas Jefferson (Saturday, noon): This might be the most interesting game of the weekend. Lincoln has been the best team in the PSAL all weekend but is running into a team coming off the biggest upset of the postseason in Jefferson. It's always tough to face a team riding a huge wave of momentum and Lincoln better not take the Orange Wave lightly--or it could end up ousted from the playoffs like Canarsie.
No. 4 Fort Hamilton vs. No. 7 Dewitt Clinton (Saturday, noon): Fort Hamilton has been battling a rash of injuries and barely survived its first round game against Sheepshead Bay. Could this be the week where it all catches up to the Tigers? Dewitt Clinton made easy work of a solid Port Richmond team in the first round and is playing some of its best ball. This should be a good one.
No. 5 Erasmus Hall vs. No. 6 Boys & Girls (Saturday, noon): This is the best PSAL quarterfinal game of the weekend. Two of the best teams in Brooklyn are going to meet with a spot in the semifinals on the line. Erasmus Hall is finally playing as everyone envisioned it would behind the strong play of cornerback/quarterback Wayne Morgan and Boys & Girls has a strong rushing game. Erasmus Hall won the matchup earlier this year but will they be able to do it again?
No. 2 South Shore vs. No. 3 Alfred E. Smith (Sunday, noon): This semifinals matchup in the "Cup" division is a rematch of a great game from earlier this year when South Shore edged Alfred E. Smith, 16-14. South Shore enters the game at 8-1 and has a great chance of winning the title. Will Alfred E. Smith be able to get the better of the Vikings in the second meeting?
Several teams in our poll fell this week and saw their seasons end earlier than they would have liked. There are just 24 teams left playing football in the New York City leagues and after this weekend we will be down to just 10 teams. Let's take a look at the poll.
1. St. Anthony's (9-0): St. Anthony's played a solid game to oust Iona Prep and will look to win its third straight title Friday vs. Stepinac Up Next: Nov. 18, vs. Stepinac.
2. Tottenville (9-1): Tottenville made easy work of Brooklyn Tech and advances to the quarters where it has a rematch against Campus Magnet. Up next: Nov. 19, vs. Campus Magnet.
3. Lincoln (10-0): Another easy win for Lincoln vs. John Adams but this week's game against Jefferson in the quarters could be the most interesting matchup of the weekend. Up next: Nov. 19, vs. Jefferson.
4. Stepinac (8-2): Despite a total of eight miscues on offense, Stepinac won in overtime over Xaverian in a classic to reach its first ever "AAA" title game. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. St. Anthony's.
5. Fort Hamilton (8-2): Fort Hamilton needed a rally to take care of Sheepshead Bay in the first round and now takes on Dewitt Clinton. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. Dewitt Clinton.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Xaverian could not get its patented running game going and ended up losing in the semifinals against Stepinac. Up next: Season over.
7. Erasmus Hall (7-3): Erasmus Hall obliterated JFK in the first round and now has an all-Brooklyn quarterfinal against Boys & Girls. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. Boys & Girls.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): Iona Prep got a tough draw having to face St. Anthony's in the semifinals and lost, ending its season with a 6-4 record. Up next: Season over.
9. Boys & Girls (7-3): Boys & Girls shutout Flushing in the first round and now looks to try and upset Erasmus Hall in a rematch from earlier this season. Up next: Nov. 18, at Erasmus Hall.
10. Canarsie (7-3): Despite its loss, Canarsie will stay in the poll -- at least for this week. The Chiefs suffered the biggest upset of the weekend falling to Jefferson. Up next: Season over.
1. St. Anthony's (9-0): St. Anthony's played a solid game to oust Iona Prep and will look to win its third straight title Friday vs. Stepinac Up Next: Nov. 18, vs. Stepinac.
2. Tottenville (9-1): Tottenville made easy work of Brooklyn Tech and advances to the quarters where it has a rematch against Campus Magnet. Up next: Nov. 19, vs. Campus Magnet.
3. Lincoln (10-0): Another easy win for Lincoln vs. John Adams but this week's game against Jefferson in the quarters could be the most interesting matchup of the weekend. Up next: Nov. 19, vs. Jefferson.
4. Stepinac (8-2): Despite a total of eight miscues on offense, Stepinac won in overtime over Xaverian in a classic to reach its first ever "AAA" title game. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. St. Anthony's.
5. Fort Hamilton (8-2): Fort Hamilton needed a rally to take care of Sheepshead Bay in the first round and now takes on Dewitt Clinton. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. Dewitt Clinton.
6. Xaverian (7-3): Xaverian could not get its patented running game going and ended up losing in the semifinals against Stepinac. Up next: Season over.
7. Erasmus Hall (7-3): Erasmus Hall obliterated JFK in the first round and now has an all-Brooklyn quarterfinal against Boys & Girls. Up next: Nov. 18, vs. Boys & Girls.
8. Iona Prep (6-4): Iona Prep got a tough draw having to face St. Anthony's in the semifinals and lost, ending its season with a 6-4 record. Up next: Season over.
9. Boys & Girls (7-3): Boys & Girls shutout Flushing in the first round and now looks to try and upset Erasmus Hall in a rematch from earlier this season. Up next: Nov. 18, at Erasmus Hall.
10. Canarsie (7-3): Despite its loss, Canarsie will stay in the poll -- at least for this week. The Chiefs suffered the biggest upset of the weekend falling to Jefferson. Up next: Season over.
While Don Bosco takes on St. Edward in a game of national interest, there are plenty of other good matchups in the New York City leagues this week. Let's take a look at the best of the rest.
No. 1 St. Anthony's at No. 2 Archbishop Stepinac (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): In a game that we all wished we could have seen last season, the top-ranked teams in the CHSFL will meet in an early-season clash at White Plains High School. Both teams are carrying long winning streaks and have not lost since 2009 and are defending champions of the AAA and AA divisions in the CHSFL. This game will be a great measuring streak for Stepinac to see where it stands among the big boys in the league and St. Anthony's will look to win its third straight road game against a CHSFL contender.
No. 8 Iona Prep at No. 10 Fordham Prep (Sunday, 5 p.m.): Iona Prep is coming off its first loss of the season and surely does not want to drop back-to-back games. Fordham Prep, meanwhile, is 3-1 but hasn't beaten a top team in the CHSFL yet. This game might show us more whether Fordham Prep deserves to be among the top teams in the CHSFL. In its only game vs. a contender this season, the Rams lost 51-0 to St. Anthony's. They need to do better against Iona Prep.
Canarsie to No. 9 Dewitt Clinton (Sunday, 11 a.m.): Two teams that are off to 3-1 starts meet up Sunday in the Bronx. Canarsie is the more surprising of the two to get off to a fast start although it has yet to beat that quality opponent in the PSAL. Dewitt Clinton, meanwhile, has been playing great ball and it's lone loss came to Tottenville. A Canarsie win would mean more in significance than a Dewitt Clinton win since the perception is that the Governors are the better squad.
Boys & Girls at Truman (Sunday, noon): Truman got its welcome to the Championship Division when it got thumped by Lincoln last week to lose its first game of the season. This weekend, the Mustangs will look to get back on track against a good Boys & Girls team that defeated previously unbeaten Port Richmond. Truman has a lot to show and will get that chance at home. Boys & Girls looks to keep its momentum going in the right direction.
Grady at Beach Channel/Channel View (Sunday, noon): We head to the Bowl Division to see this clash of two undefeated teams. Grady and Beach Channel/Channel View are both 4-0 to start the year. The two teams are currently ranked first and second in the power points and Grady is five points ahead of Beach Channel/Channel View.
No. 1 St. Anthony's at No. 2 Archbishop Stepinac (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): In a game that we all wished we could have seen last season, the top-ranked teams in the CHSFL will meet in an early-season clash at White Plains High School. Both teams are carrying long winning streaks and have not lost since 2009 and are defending champions of the AAA and AA divisions in the CHSFL. This game will be a great measuring streak for Stepinac to see where it stands among the big boys in the league and St. Anthony's will look to win its third straight road game against a CHSFL contender.
No. 8 Iona Prep at No. 10 Fordham Prep (Sunday, 5 p.m.): Iona Prep is coming off its first loss of the season and surely does not want to drop back-to-back games. Fordham Prep, meanwhile, is 3-1 but hasn't beaten a top team in the CHSFL yet. This game might show us more whether Fordham Prep deserves to be among the top teams in the CHSFL. In its only game vs. a contender this season, the Rams lost 51-0 to St. Anthony's. They need to do better against Iona Prep.
Canarsie to No. 9 Dewitt Clinton (Sunday, 11 a.m.): Two teams that are off to 3-1 starts meet up Sunday in the Bronx. Canarsie is the more surprising of the two to get off to a fast start although it has yet to beat that quality opponent in the PSAL. Dewitt Clinton, meanwhile, has been playing great ball and it's lone loss came to Tottenville. A Canarsie win would mean more in significance than a Dewitt Clinton win since the perception is that the Governors are the better squad.
Boys & Girls at Truman (Sunday, noon): Truman got its welcome to the Championship Division when it got thumped by Lincoln last week to lose its first game of the season. This weekend, the Mustangs will look to get back on track against a good Boys & Girls team that defeated previously unbeaten Port Richmond. Truman has a lot to show and will get that chance at home. Boys & Girls looks to keep its momentum going in the right direction.
Grady at Beach Channel/Channel View (Sunday, noon): We head to the Bowl Division to see this clash of two undefeated teams. Grady and Beach Channel/Channel View are both 4-0 to start the year. The two teams are currently ranked first and second in the power points and Grady is five points ahead of Beach Channel/Channel View.
There's some movement in this week's poll. Tottenville fell to Erasmus Hall, Xaverian clobbered Iona Prep and Campus Magnet lost to Jefferson and those results have created some change in our top 10. With that in mind, let's check out this week's poll.
1. St. Anthony's (3-0): Unlike last week, St. Anthony's had a tough game on the road against Holy Cross, but the Friars once again came out with the win. This week, they face another tough squad in Stepinac. Up next: Oct. 7, at Stepinac.
2. Archbishop Stepinac (4-0): Stepinac is mastering the ugly win. After a tough game against Kellenberg, the Crusaders pulled out a tough one against Mount St. Michael. This week, against St. Anthony's, an ugly game likely won't result in a win. Up next: Oct. 7, St. Anthony's.
3. Tottenville (3-1): Yes, there should probably be more of a penalty for losing to Erasmus Hall, but we still believe that Tottenville is the best team in the PSAL and had it's one bad game. Up next: Oct. 9, at Port Richmond.
4. Lincoln (4-0): Lincoln still is looking for a team to give it a game as it trounced previously undefeated Truman this past weekend. Up next: Oct. 7, vs. FDR.
5. Fort Hamilton (4-0): The win streak is up to 36 as the Tigers took care of Susan Wagner this past weekend. Up next: Oct. 9, at Thomas Jefferson.
6. Holy Cross (3-1): Holy Cross more than proved its for real with its tough loss against St. Anthony's. This is a team that will be in the hunt for the CHSFL title all season. Up next: Oct. 8, at Mount St. Michael.
7. Xaverian (3-1): Talk about an impressive win. Xaverian hit the road and dominated Iona Prep to improve to 3-1 and also hand the Gaels their first loss of the season. Up next: Oct. 7, vs. Holy Trinity.
8. Iona Prep (3-1): Iona Prep suffered its first loss this weekend against Xaverian. The loss wasn't as surprising as the final score as Iona got beat by double digits. Up next: Oct. 8, at Fordham Prep.
9. Dewitt Clinton (3-1): Dewitt Clinton handled an easy Midwood team and takes on a fellow 3-1 team in the PSAL in its upcoming game. Up next: Oct. 9, vs. Canarsie
10. Fordham Prep (3-1): Fordham Prep needed overtime to take care of Kellenberg, but a win is a win and the Rams now are 3-1 to start their season. Up next: Oct. 8, vs. Iona Prep.
1. St. Anthony's (3-0): Unlike last week, St. Anthony's had a tough game on the road against Holy Cross, but the Friars once again came out with the win. This week, they face another tough squad in Stepinac. Up next: Oct. 7, at Stepinac.
2. Archbishop Stepinac (4-0): Stepinac is mastering the ugly win. After a tough game against Kellenberg, the Crusaders pulled out a tough one against Mount St. Michael. This week, against St. Anthony's, an ugly game likely won't result in a win. Up next: Oct. 7, St. Anthony's.
3. Tottenville (3-1): Yes, there should probably be more of a penalty for losing to Erasmus Hall, but we still believe that Tottenville is the best team in the PSAL and had it's one bad game. Up next: Oct. 9, at Port Richmond.
4. Lincoln (4-0): Lincoln still is looking for a team to give it a game as it trounced previously undefeated Truman this past weekend. Up next: Oct. 7, vs. FDR.
5. Fort Hamilton (4-0): The win streak is up to 36 as the Tigers took care of Susan Wagner this past weekend. Up next: Oct. 9, at Thomas Jefferson.
6. Holy Cross (3-1): Holy Cross more than proved its for real with its tough loss against St. Anthony's. This is a team that will be in the hunt for the CHSFL title all season. Up next: Oct. 8, at Mount St. Michael.
7. Xaverian (3-1): Talk about an impressive win. Xaverian hit the road and dominated Iona Prep to improve to 3-1 and also hand the Gaels their first loss of the season. Up next: Oct. 7, vs. Holy Trinity.
8. Iona Prep (3-1): Iona Prep suffered its first loss this weekend against Xaverian. The loss wasn't as surprising as the final score as Iona got beat by double digits. Up next: Oct. 8, at Fordham Prep.
9. Dewitt Clinton (3-1): Dewitt Clinton handled an easy Midwood team and takes on a fellow 3-1 team in the PSAL in its upcoming game. Up next: Oct. 9, vs. Canarsie
10. Fordham Prep (3-1): Fordham Prep needed overtime to take care of Kellenberg, but a win is a win and the Rams now are 3-1 to start their season. Up next: Oct. 8, vs. Iona Prep.
If there’s one thing we learned in week three of high school football in the New York City leagues it’s that St. Anthony’s is very good. Their 51-0 thumping of Fordham Prep in the Game of the Week was as impressive a victory has there has been this season. With that in mind, let’s get to the poll.
1. St. Anthony's (2-0): If there was any doubt that St Anthony’s was the class of the league, it showed why against Fordham Prep. This week, another tough test against undefeated Holy Cross. Up next: Oct. 2, at Holy Cross.
2. Tottenville (3-0): Tottenville breezed by John Adams this weekend and will continue to do the same until it faces the top teams in the league. This week, they face a desperate team in Erasmus Hall. Up next: Oct. 2, at Erasmus Hall.
3. Archbishop Stepinac (3-0): It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but Stepinac improved to 3-0 in the CHSFL with a road win against Kellenberg. Up next: Oct. 1, at Mount St. Michael
4. Iona Prep (3-0): Iona Prep is off to a 3-0 start and will play Xaverian this week in perhaps what is the best matchup in the CHSFL up to this point. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Xaverian.
5. Lincoln (3-0): Lincoln likely is going to be undefeated until it faces Fort Hamilton in the season finale for both teams. Up next: Oct. 1, vs. Truman.
6. Fort Hamilton (3-0): Fort Hamilton’s regular season win streak is up to 35 games after it beat Boys & Girls on the road. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Susan Wagner.
7. Campus Magnet (2-1): Campus Magnet rebounded from its tough loss against Fort Hamilton to defeat New Dorp on the road Up next: Oct. 2, at Thomas Jefferson.
8. Holy Cross (3-0): Holy Cross throttled Holy Trinity to set up its home game against St. Anthony’s. The Knights will hope to have better fate than Fordham Prep. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Holy Cross.
9. Xaverian (2-1): Xaverian took care of St. Joseph by-the-Sea and heads into a big showdown at Iona Prep this weekend. Up next: Oct. 2, at Iona Prep.
10. Dewitt Clinton (2-1): The Governors make their first appearance in the rankings after their impressive win against a talented Erasmus Hall team. Up next: Oct. 2, at Midwood.
1. St. Anthony's (2-0): If there was any doubt that St Anthony’s was the class of the league, it showed why against Fordham Prep. This week, another tough test against undefeated Holy Cross. Up next: Oct. 2, at Holy Cross.
2. Tottenville (3-0): Tottenville breezed by John Adams this weekend and will continue to do the same until it faces the top teams in the league. This week, they face a desperate team in Erasmus Hall. Up next: Oct. 2, at Erasmus Hall.
3. Archbishop Stepinac (3-0): It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but Stepinac improved to 3-0 in the CHSFL with a road win against Kellenberg. Up next: Oct. 1, at Mount St. Michael
4. Iona Prep (3-0): Iona Prep is off to a 3-0 start and will play Xaverian this week in perhaps what is the best matchup in the CHSFL up to this point. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Xaverian.
5. Lincoln (3-0): Lincoln likely is going to be undefeated until it faces Fort Hamilton in the season finale for both teams. Up next: Oct. 1, vs. Truman.
6. Fort Hamilton (3-0): Fort Hamilton’s regular season win streak is up to 35 games after it beat Boys & Girls on the road. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Susan Wagner.
7. Campus Magnet (2-1): Campus Magnet rebounded from its tough loss against Fort Hamilton to defeat New Dorp on the road Up next: Oct. 2, at Thomas Jefferson.
8. Holy Cross (3-0): Holy Cross throttled Holy Trinity to set up its home game against St. Anthony’s. The Knights will hope to have better fate than Fordham Prep. Up next: Oct. 2, vs. Holy Cross.
9. Xaverian (2-1): Xaverian took care of St. Joseph by-the-Sea and heads into a big showdown at Iona Prep this weekend. Up next: Oct. 2, at Iona Prep.
10. Dewitt Clinton (2-1): The Governors make their first appearance in the rankings after their impressive win against a talented Erasmus Hall team. Up next: Oct. 2, at Midwood.
Fordham Prep against St. Anthony's isn't the only big game this weekend. Let's take a look at best of the rest for the third week of high school football.
Xaverian (1-1) at St. Joseph by-the-Sea (1-1), Saturday at 1:30 p.m.: No. 10 Xaverian took a dip in the polls this week after being upset by Holy Cross and will try to go on the road and get its second win. A loss could present big problems for the Clippers if they seriously want to contend for the CHSFL title. St. Joseph by-the-Sea looks to rebound from a shutout loss at Iona Prep.
Eramus Hall (1-1) at Dewitt Clinton (1-1), Saturday at 11 a.m.: This is a big game in the PSAL as one of these two top teams will end up with two losses. Erasmus Hall was figured to be the better of the two teams and an elite team in the league, but already has one loss under its belt. Another loss could really hurt those chances. If Dewitt Clinton holds its home turf, it will be an impressive win.
Canarsie (2-0) at Flushing (1-1), Saturday at 11 a.m.: Canarsie has been the surprise team of the PSAL so far with its 2-0 start and gets a stiff test at Flushing this weekend. If Canarsie gets to 3-0 with the road win, that will as impressive as any team's start in the PSAL. Flushing will be looking for a bounce back after a tough loss to Erasmus Hall and doesn't want to fall into a 1-2 start.
Fort Hamilton (2-0) at Boys & Girls (1-1), Saturday at noon: Fort Hamilton hits the road for another tough game, this time against Boys & Girls. Fort Hamilton won at Campus Magnet last week and this game should not be any easier. Boys & Girls presents a serious challenge to Fort's 34-game win streak. They already dominated Curtis before their tough loss last weekend against Erasmus Hall.
August Martin (2-0) at Grady (2-0), Saturday at noon: Let's show some love for the Bowl Division. Both of these teams are off to 2-0 start and this should be a big game in determining eventually playoff seeds.
Xaverian (1-1) at St. Joseph by-the-Sea (1-1), Saturday at 1:30 p.m.: No. 10 Xaverian took a dip in the polls this week after being upset by Holy Cross and will try to go on the road and get its second win. A loss could present big problems for the Clippers if they seriously want to contend for the CHSFL title. St. Joseph by-the-Sea looks to rebound from a shutout loss at Iona Prep.
Eramus Hall (1-1) at Dewitt Clinton (1-1), Saturday at 11 a.m.: This is a big game in the PSAL as one of these two top teams will end up with two losses. Erasmus Hall was figured to be the better of the two teams and an elite team in the league, but already has one loss under its belt. Another loss could really hurt those chances. If Dewitt Clinton holds its home turf, it will be an impressive win.
Canarsie (2-0) at Flushing (1-1), Saturday at 11 a.m.: Canarsie has been the surprise team of the PSAL so far with its 2-0 start and gets a stiff test at Flushing this weekend. If Canarsie gets to 3-0 with the road win, that will as impressive as any team's start in the PSAL. Flushing will be looking for a bounce back after a tough loss to Erasmus Hall and doesn't want to fall into a 1-2 start.
Fort Hamilton (2-0) at Boys & Girls (1-1), Saturday at noon: Fort Hamilton hits the road for another tough game, this time against Boys & Girls. Fort Hamilton won at Campus Magnet last week and this game should not be any easier. Boys & Girls presents a serious challenge to Fort's 34-game win streak. They already dominated Curtis before their tough loss last weekend against Erasmus Hall.
August Martin (2-0) at Grady (2-0), Saturday at noon: Let's show some love for the Bowl Division. Both of these teams are off to 2-0 start and this should be a big game in determining eventually playoff seeds.
While Fort Hamilton at Campus Magnet is the game of the week, there are several other intriguing options this week. Here's a look at the best of the rest from Week 2.
Don Bosco at Manatee (Fla.), Friday, 6 p.m.: One week after demolishing No. 6 Mission Viejo, 35-6, in its opener, Don Bosco heads down to Florida to take on the No. 19 team in the country in Manatee. Manatee, based out of Bradenton, Fla., is 1-1 on the young season and should prove to be a tough foe for the nation's No. 1 team. Then again, we said that last week about Mission Viejo and we saw how that game turned out.
Archbishop Stepinac at Chaminade, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.: This is perhaps the most interesting game of the week. Chaminade, after a horrible season last year, is one of those teams that coaches expected to rebound this upcoming season. They'll get their first chance to show if they're for real when they host Stepinac on Saturday in a matchup of two 1-0 teams. This begins a stretch of three straight road games for the Crusaders.
Tottenville at Dewitt Clinton, Saturday, Noon: Tottenville took down a tough Jefferson squad in its opener and now hits the road to face another stout team in Dewitt Clinton. Tottenville scored 34 in its opener and it's going to be up to Dewitt Clinton to try to keep this game low scoring if it wants to pull the upset. Dewitt Clinton will not win this game if it turns into a shootout, so the Governors defense will be feeling the pressure.
Erasmus Hall at Boys & Girls, Saturday, Noon: Could Erasmus Hall really start the season 0-2? Unless it can pull the road win, that's the situation the Dutchmen could be facing if they fall this weekend to Boys & Girls. The Kangaroos, meanwhile, could be 2-0 with impressive wins over Curtis and Erasmus Hall if it wins. That's quite the combo to start the season for a team who lost its head coach just a few days before the season began.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea at Iona Prep, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.: Iona Prep turned a few heads with its win on the road against Poly Prep and now returns home to host St. Joseph by-the-Sea, a team it dismantled last season. Iona Prep is considered a top team in CHSFL, like it is every but the jury is still out on where Sea fits into that picture. Let's see what they're capable of Saturday.
Don Bosco at Manatee (Fla.), Friday, 6 p.m.: One week after demolishing No. 6 Mission Viejo, 35-6, in its opener, Don Bosco heads down to Florida to take on the No. 19 team in the country in Manatee. Manatee, based out of Bradenton, Fla., is 1-1 on the young season and should prove to be a tough foe for the nation's No. 1 team. Then again, we said that last week about Mission Viejo and we saw how that game turned out.
Archbishop Stepinac at Chaminade, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.: This is perhaps the most interesting game of the week. Chaminade, after a horrible season last year, is one of those teams that coaches expected to rebound this upcoming season. They'll get their first chance to show if they're for real when they host Stepinac on Saturday in a matchup of two 1-0 teams. This begins a stretch of three straight road games for the Crusaders.
Tottenville at Dewitt Clinton, Saturday, Noon: Tottenville took down a tough Jefferson squad in its opener and now hits the road to face another stout team in Dewitt Clinton. Tottenville scored 34 in its opener and it's going to be up to Dewitt Clinton to try to keep this game low scoring if it wants to pull the upset. Dewitt Clinton will not win this game if it turns into a shootout, so the Governors defense will be feeling the pressure.
Erasmus Hall at Boys & Girls, Saturday, Noon: Could Erasmus Hall really start the season 0-2? Unless it can pull the road win, that's the situation the Dutchmen could be facing if they fall this weekend to Boys & Girls. The Kangaroos, meanwhile, could be 2-0 with impressive wins over Curtis and Erasmus Hall if it wins. That's quite the combo to start the season for a team who lost its head coach just a few days before the season began.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea at Iona Prep, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.: Iona Prep turned a few heads with its win on the road against Poly Prep and now returns home to host St. Joseph by-the-Sea, a team it dismantled last season. Iona Prep is considered a top team in CHSFL, like it is every but the jury is still out on where Sea fits into that picture. Let's see what they're capable of Saturday.
Tournament spotlight: Holiday Madness
December, 27, 2010
12/27/10
2:09
PM ET
By Matt Ehalt | ESPNNewYork.com
TOURNAMENT SPOTLIGHT: Holiday Madness Tournament
WHEN: Dec. 27-29
WHERE: M.S. 219, Bronx, NY
TEAMS:
Boys side:Dewitt Clinton (5-4 Bronx A West)
Riverdale/Kingsbridge (4-5 Bronx A West)
Frederick Douglas Academy III (10-0 Bronx B East)
Acorn (4-3 Brooklyn A East)
Harry Van Arsdale (6-1 Brooklyn A West)
Medgar Evars (4-0 Brooklyn B West)
Norman Thomas (7-0 Manhattan A East)
Seward Park (1-6 Manhattan A Southwest)
Girls side
Truman (3-3 Bronx AA)
Dewitt Clinton (2-4 Bronx AA)
Lincoln (2-2 Brooklyn AA Group 1)
James Madison (0-5 Brooklyn AA Group 1)
Medgar Evers (5-2 Brooklyn AA Group 2)
School of the Future (5-2 Manhattan A South)
Bayard Rustin (1-8 Manhattan A West)
Beacon (7-1 Manhattan A West)
THE BRACKET:
Beacon vs. Madison (Girls)
Clinton vs. Medgar Evers (Girls)
Bayard vs. Turman (Girls)
Future vs. Lincoln (Girls)
Acorn vs. Clinton (Boys)
Seward vs. Van Arsdale (Boys)
Medgar Evers vs. Norman Thomas (Boys)
FDA III vs. Riverdale/Kingsbridge (Boys)
BEST GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Clinton vs. Medgar Evers: It’s the only matchup pitting two AA Teams against one another. Medgar Evers should win the game, but will receive a tough test against Dewitt Clinton.
THE FAVORITE: Medgar Evers: They have the strongest record of the AA teams and should be able to take down the rest of the teams in the tournament.
THE SLEEPER: Truman. Truman has an easy side of the bracket and if it makes the finals, the Lady Mustangs definitely could bring home the title.
GIRLS PREDICTIONS: Beacon over Midwood; Medgar Evers over Clinton; Truman over Bayard; Lincoln over Future;
Semis: Medgar Evers over Midwood; Truman over Lincoln
Championship: Medgar Evers over Truman
BEST BOYS QUARTERFINAL: Dewitt Clinton vs. Acorn: Two solid teams from the A meet up in the quarterfinals. Dewitt Clinton is coming into the game off a win in its last league matchup, while Acorn enters off a loss. This should be the most competitive game of the bunch.
THE FAVORITE: Norman Thomas: Yes, Fredrick Douglass Academy III is 10-0, but it plays in the B Division. Norman Thomas’ 7-0 mark in the A Division is more impressive and makes the team to beat.
THE SLEEPER: Medgar Evers: The team is undefeated in league play and is on the same side of the bracket with Norman Thomas and FDA III, but has the potential to upset both of those teams.
PREDICTION: Clinton over Acorn; Van Arsdale over Seward Park; Norman Thomas over Medgar Evers; FDA III over Riverdale/Kingsbridge
Semis: Van Arsdale over Clinton; Norman Thomas over FDA III
Championship: Norman Thomas over Van Arsdale
WHEN: Dec. 27-29
WHERE: M.S. 219, Bronx, NY
TEAMS:
Boys side:Dewitt Clinton (5-4 Bronx A West)
Riverdale/Kingsbridge (4-5 Bronx A West)
Frederick Douglas Academy III (10-0 Bronx B East)
Acorn (4-3 Brooklyn A East)
Harry Van Arsdale (6-1 Brooklyn A West)
Medgar Evars (4-0 Brooklyn B West)
Norman Thomas (7-0 Manhattan A East)
Seward Park (1-6 Manhattan A Southwest)
Girls side
Truman (3-3 Bronx AA)
Dewitt Clinton (2-4 Bronx AA)
Lincoln (2-2 Brooklyn AA Group 1)
James Madison (0-5 Brooklyn AA Group 1)
Medgar Evers (5-2 Brooklyn AA Group 2)
School of the Future (5-2 Manhattan A South)
Bayard Rustin (1-8 Manhattan A West)
Beacon (7-1 Manhattan A West)
THE BRACKET:
Beacon vs. Madison (Girls)
Clinton vs. Medgar Evers (Girls)
Bayard vs. Turman (Girls)
Future vs. Lincoln (Girls)
Acorn vs. Clinton (Boys)
Seward vs. Van Arsdale (Boys)
Medgar Evers vs. Norman Thomas (Boys)
FDA III vs. Riverdale/Kingsbridge (Boys)
BEST GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Clinton vs. Medgar Evers: It’s the only matchup pitting two AA Teams against one another. Medgar Evers should win the game, but will receive a tough test against Dewitt Clinton.
THE FAVORITE: Medgar Evers: They have the strongest record of the AA teams and should be able to take down the rest of the teams in the tournament.
THE SLEEPER: Truman. Truman has an easy side of the bracket and if it makes the finals, the Lady Mustangs definitely could bring home the title.
GIRLS PREDICTIONS: Beacon over Midwood; Medgar Evers over Clinton; Truman over Bayard; Lincoln over Future;
Semis: Medgar Evers over Midwood; Truman over Lincoln
Championship: Medgar Evers over Truman
BEST BOYS QUARTERFINAL: Dewitt Clinton vs. Acorn: Two solid teams from the A meet up in the quarterfinals. Dewitt Clinton is coming into the game off a win in its last league matchup, while Acorn enters off a loss. This should be the most competitive game of the bunch.
THE FAVORITE: Norman Thomas: Yes, Fredrick Douglass Academy III is 10-0, but it plays in the B Division. Norman Thomas’ 7-0 mark in the A Division is more impressive and makes the team to beat.
THE SLEEPER: Medgar Evers: The team is undefeated in league play and is on the same side of the bracket with Norman Thomas and FDA III, but has the potential to upset both of those teams.
PREDICTION: Clinton over Acorn; Van Arsdale over Seward Park; Norman Thomas over Medgar Evers; FDA III over Riverdale/Kingsbridge
Semis: Van Arsdale over Clinton; Norman Thomas over FDA III
Championship: Norman Thomas over Van Arsdale
PSAL Playoffs: Top-seeded Lincoln to the semis
November, 20, 2010
11/20/10
3:39
PM ET
By Amara Grautski | ESPNNewYork.com
NEW YORK -- Abraham Lincoln remained undefeated behind a spectacular performance by its elusive quarterback Andrew Vital. The top-seeded Railsplitters defeated Dewitt Clinton, 32-6, in the quarterfinals of the PSAL playoffs at Lincoln High School.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: Despite allowing a touchdown toward the end of the first quarter and committing a spate of penalties, Lincoln (11-0) dominated with its impressive running game. Andrew Vital (182 yards) and Kareem Folkes (135) carried the Railsplitters to victory.
The Governors' (5-6) only points came on a 1-yard plunge by sophomore Ashton McKenzie (44 yards).
TURNING POINT: Losing 24-6 in the third quarter, Joaquin DeJesus (4-for-14, 30 yards) was sacked on fourth-and-13 for a loss of 9 yards. Clinton had advanced as close as Lincoln's 23-yard line in its last drive of the quarter, but turning the ball over on downs made the win nearly impossible.
STAR OF THE GAME: Ishaq Williams is known to garner a lot of attention, but today Vital stole the show. The Lincoln quarterback rushed for two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions. His lone completion on two attempts was a 28-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to senior Andrew Justice. Vital totaled 210 yards.
"Everybody keeps saying Lincoln's a one-dimensional team," Railsplitters' coach Shawn O'Connor said. "But, nobody has stopped our run yet, so when we have had to throw, we've been able to."
Vital's known for his mobility, but he also demonstrated his strength against the Governors, often dragging two to three defenders along for a ride. For his position, he holds the all-time benching-and-squatting record at Lincoln High School. Vital said he is now able to bench 335 lbs and squat 515 - more than anyone else on his team.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Although the score indicates a convincing effort by Lincoln, the Railsplitters racked up 10 penalties, while the Governors were error-free in their loss.
"We're going to do a lot of sprints," O'Connor said with a smirk in response to the penalties. "We've got to be a little more focused and settle down."
NEXT WEEK: Lincoln has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1996, when O'Connor was assistant coach.
"It's a great feeling to be practicing on Thanksgiving," the Railsplitters' skipper said.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: Despite allowing a touchdown toward the end of the first quarter and committing a spate of penalties, Lincoln (11-0) dominated with its impressive running game. Andrew Vital (182 yards) and Kareem Folkes (135) carried the Railsplitters to victory.
The Governors' (5-6) only points came on a 1-yard plunge by sophomore Ashton McKenzie (44 yards).
TURNING POINT: Losing 24-6 in the third quarter, Joaquin DeJesus (4-for-14, 30 yards) was sacked on fourth-and-13 for a loss of 9 yards. Clinton had advanced as close as Lincoln's 23-yard line in its last drive of the quarter, but turning the ball over on downs made the win nearly impossible.
STAR OF THE GAME: Ishaq Williams is known to garner a lot of attention, but today Vital stole the show. The Lincoln quarterback rushed for two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions. His lone completion on two attempts was a 28-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to senior Andrew Justice. Vital totaled 210 yards.
"Everybody keeps saying Lincoln's a one-dimensional team," Railsplitters' coach Shawn O'Connor said. "But, nobody has stopped our run yet, so when we have had to throw, we've been able to."
Vital's known for his mobility, but he also demonstrated his strength against the Governors, often dragging two to three defenders along for a ride. For his position, he holds the all-time benching-and-squatting record at Lincoln High School. Vital said he is now able to bench 335 lbs and squat 515 - more than anyone else on his team.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Although the score indicates a convincing effort by Lincoln, the Railsplitters racked up 10 penalties, while the Governors were error-free in their loss.
"We're going to do a lot of sprints," O'Connor said with a smirk in response to the penalties. "We've got to be a little more focused and settle down."
NEXT WEEK: Lincoln has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1996, when O'Connor was assistant coach.
"It's a great feeling to be practicing on Thanksgiving," the Railsplitters' skipper said.


