Camp started just under two weeks ago, but programs are gearing up for their first games. Back in the day “week 0” was traditionally a scrimmage, and week 1 would be the first non league game.

It is important to note that all games these first few weeks (through week 2), unless otherwise noted, are nonleague matchups and do not count toward official league standings.

Here are the matchups, and my predictions:

• St. Joseph by the Sea vs Holy Cross (No Stream Available/TBD)
  • This is the 3rd year in a row that St. Joseph by the Sea and Holy Cross are playing each other in a week 0 matchup. The Vikings have had the upper hand in recent matchups, but Holy Cross did play last season. Both programs have something to prove, coming off of championship losses. The team from Queens, the Knights, have likely one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league with Madden Martinez, and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Is this the year they make a championship run? A win here would say a lot. On Staten Island, St. Joseph by the Sea saw a few offensive players graduate and transfer. They retain their quarterback, Pete Tronolone, and their workhorse running back, Joey Moran. Sea is still so strong up front, and on defense. I am just not sure the Knights will be able to overcome the size and strength of the Viking’s front lines. I am picking St. Joseph by the Sea to win this game, but it may be ever closer than last year.
• Chaminade vs Kellenberg Memorial (Streaming on Hudl)
  • To begin the year, Kellenberg looks to overcome a Chaminade team that has been dominant in this matchup in recent years. The Flyers have won the last four matchups against the Firebirds. Last year’s matchup was a close one, a league game in which Chaminade escaped with a 24-17 victory on their way to their second straight semifinal appearance in the ‘AAA’ playoffs. Kellenberg, deceptively competitive all last season, looks to right the ship as a ‘AA’ champion JV squad is moving up to try and build on their success. This year, the Firebirds are visiting Gold Star Stadium with an upset on their mind. An underrated Long Island rivalry is on the docket, and I am picking Chaminade to beat Kellenberg in a competitive game.
• Archbishop Stepinac vs Fordham Prep (Streaming on SportsEnginePlay)
  • Man, this used to be a big game for both schools, but the trajectory of both programs in the early to mid 2010s resulted in this game not being played since 2013, a 36-0 win over the Rams. The Crusaders have won the previous 7 matchups, with Fordham Prep’s last win coming in 2006, a 34-6 win. A new regime for the Rams, under Coach Farrell, as well as the 2nd year for Coach Magee, means this could be a rivalry renewed, as a lot of the kids that go to both schools went to the same schools in middle school. Stepinac has reloaded and restocked, with Dylan Wrona at quarterback, and Nahum Pierre at running back, the Crusaders look to make a run at a ‘AAA’ title. Fordham Prep looks to start the Seann Farrell era with a bang, as this is the first of four ‘AAA’ matchup for the Rams, and they look to bounce back after an disappointing 2025 campaign. I think the gap is still too much for the Rams. I am picking Archbishop Stepinac to win this one, likely rather comfortably.
• Holy Spirit High School (NJ) vs Monsignor Farrell (Streaming TBD)
  • The Battle at the Beach Series featuring 12 games over three days in Ocean City, NJ is the latest special event the Lions are attending. Coach Rocco Del Priore made the trek up to Albany last year to participate in the Tunnels to Towers series, and now they go South. Farrell graduated a lot, especially up front on the offensive line, and Kevin Gumb Jr, their workhorse running back. Coach Del Priore is building a program, and looks to reload and get back to it. Returning to Farrell, the quarterback-wide receiver duo Bryce and Braxton Moye, look to continue their incredible run. While Monsignor Farrell should be one of the better teams in New York state this year, the NYCHSFL is 5-16 in games against New Jersey teams over the past two seasons. I am picking Holy Spirit High School to win this game.
• Curtis High School (PSAL AAAA) vs St. Peter’s (Streaming on Nobody Cares Sports Network)
  • A rematch from last year, this game is the a Staten Island rivalry that is a must watch. While St. Peter’s got hit with the transfer bug this past offseason, they return some very good players, including Victor Baez, and Anthony D’Acunto, who both played excellent down the stretch last year. The Eagles also have continuity in their coaching staff, as this is year two for Co-Head Coach Nick Giannatasio. Last year Coach Giannatasio joined the staff with Rob Sica and Mark DeCristoforo. It was apparent that there were some growing pains throughout the beginning of last season as the dynamic had to be worked out, as well as just getting used to a new program. Towards the end of the year though, the Eagles looked like championship contenders. Curtis, on the other hand, is looking to make a statement win to begin the year as they wish to make a run at a PSAL AAAA championship. They bring back some very talented players, and have added transfers from St. Joseph by the Sea– Christian Carter, Nicholas Carter, and Richard Rainero to bolster their offense. The Eagles coaching staff knows these players, and will prepare to the best of their ability. At the end of the day, I do not think St. Peter’s will have enough win this game. In a game broadcasted by Nobody Cares Sports Network, I am picking Curtis High School to win this one.
• St. Francis Prep vs Mount St. Michael Academy (No Stream Available/TBD)
  • A premier ‘AAA’ matchup 20 years ago, the Mount and St. Francis Prep are two absolute giants in NYCHSFL history, combining for 22 total NYCHSFL titles over their history. This year, it is a good barometer for both programs. St. Francis Prep lost a ton of talent with quarterback Jack Leary, running back Sean Ibert, and wide receiver Rocco Petronella all graduating, just to name a few. This game will be a good barometer of what we can expect from the Terriers in 2026. The Mount’s head coach, Jayson Holt, enters year 3 of his tenure, and is looking to take the next step after establishing himself. This is now his program. The Mount returns some key pieces and will look to continue to balance their rushing attack, led by Victor Declet, who ran for over 800 yards and 9 touchdowns with a potent passing attack, led by Jacob Jimenez, who threw for over 1,200 yards last year and 12 touchdowns last year. The Mount is looking for a championship run, but I see the Terriers coming away with this game. I am choosing St. Francis Prep.
• St. John’s Catholic (MD) vs Xaverian (Streaming on Hudl)
  • Traveling south of the Mason Dixon has traditionally not done well for NYCHSFL programs. Xaverian is going to doing just that, after winning two ‘AA-II’ titles, and now in the ‘AA-I’. The Clippers return their running back, Richie Aiken, who was key for their spread attack. The starter at quarterback should be Jake Price, who will be throwing to Christian LaRocca, who hauled in 9 touchdowns last year. Brendan Salomon returns as well to assist in the ground attack. Sure, the Clippers graduated their quarterback Watson, so this will be a new look Xaverian team, but they are primed to compete right away. But I am not so sure about this game. St. John’s Catholic should win, and they are my choice.

Pete’s Game of the Week for Week 0 is Chaminade vs Kellenberg Memorial. More of a low-key Long Island rivalry, the two schools share a religious order, both run by the Society of Mary.

Pete’s Prognostication Record 2026: 0-0