While week 0 was a great start, a real look at what kind of season we are in for starts this week. With 20 of the 22 NYCHSFL programs playing this week, across 19 games, we are going to get a clear picture of the strength of the league relative to other areas. Week 2 will be a barometer for the league vs New Jersey.

Be patient this weekend, I am going to try balancing games, and keeping you all updated to what is going on around the league. I will try to update this post with streams as they come available, but it does not seem many are posted yet.

See the match ups below:

• Clarkstown South (Section 1 ‘AA’) vs Kennedy Catholic (No Stream Available)
  • A short trip over the Tappan Zee/Cuomo Bridge, the new look Gaels from Somers play a Section 1 Class ‘AA’ team in Rockland County. Clarkstown South is going to be a difficult matchup for Kennedy, and I am interested in how Kennedy looks against a larger school. Kennedy Catholic is a school that enrolls between 600-700 students, while Clarkstown South is roughly twice their size. When looking at these matchups, it is important to understand the advantage that this gives. Coach D. Tassone will have his guys ready to compete, as they have multiple new toys, such as the transfers from Holy Trinity, Dominick Tassone, Noah St. Hill, Ja’Sean Grafton, and Patrick Bodkin, and transfer running back Joe DeSocio, from Our Lady of Lourdes, as well as returning players like Austin Lanara, Sam Brooks, Aidan Cumberbatch, and Clifton Delatorre. It may take a few weeks to get into sync, but this could be a dangerous Kennedy team in the ‘AA-II’. I think for this week, I am going to pick Clarkstown South to win this game as Kennedy will still need time to gel.
• Christian Brothers Academy of Syracuse (Section 3 ‘AA’) vs Iona Prep (Accelerate Stream, note: paywalled)
  • Possibly the most anticipated game of the early season, the NYCHSAA Champion vs the NYSPHSAA Champion, the Irish Christian Brothers (Iona) vs the French Christian Brothers (CBA), the clash of the titans, the battle of New York, finally is played tomorrow evening in Syracuse. CBA Syracuse is coming off 3 straight state titles in the public league, and is now in the uncomfortable position where teams in their section are refusing to play them. Their schedule is a mix of MMHSAA schools, out of state opponents, and of course, Iona Prep, who is coming off their 2nd straight Catholic State title. Iona Prep returns a veteran defense, but on offense, it will mostly be new faces, as Julian Guzman, Crew Davis, and Wolf, and Pirrelo have all graduated. Stats for the Brothers from last season dont seem to be complete, but at this point, CBA is a machine upstate. I am going to stan for the NYCHSFL and pick Iona Prep to win this game.
• St. John the Baptist vs Eagle Academy III (PSAL ‘AAA’) (Hudl Stream)
  • If you thought that the ‘AAA’ was the only division with intriguing matchups, you’d be wrong. St. John the Baptist starts their season with a bang, playing PSAL ‘AA’ runner up and now PSAL ‘AAA’ team Eagle Academy III from Queens. They travel to SJB to start their 2026 campaign against a strong Baptist team that looks to continue to improve on last year. Eagle dominated much of last year, and though they fell in the championship game, and there has been a lot of fanfare for them on the 3A level. I have heard reports that they looked very good in their scrimmage against St. Anthony’s. SJB returns their running back, Kalen Percer, and WR BJ Hunter, and brings in a veteran offensive line group. Holy Trinity transfer Devin Michaels may be the starter at quarterback, taking over for the graduated Maurice Scott from last year. Baptist wants to improve on a disappointing end of the season and challenge for a ‘AA-I’ title. I am confident that at home, the Cougars will win this one. I am choosing St. John the Baptist to win their season opener.
• Morristown Beard School (MIFL) vs Christ the King (Hudl Stream)
  • I now feel like a broken record, but I have no idea what Christ the King is going to look like this year. Last year, they surprised everyone under Coach Krauz with a ferocious defense, and phenom running back Isaiah Smith. Well, one year later, the Royals have a new head coach, the same coaching staff, and some of their best players, including Smith, have transferred out. I am not sure what to expect out of Middle Village this year. Morristown Beard School, a school in New Jersey, yet an MIFL member, has been in the middle of the pack for their league, which I view as around the ‘AA-II’ and ‘AA-I’ level. Depending on how Christ the King looks, I can see them winning, but I am just not super confident. I am picking the Morristown Beard Crimson to win this game.
• Yonkers Guardians (Section 1 ‘AA’) vs Mount St. Michael (No Stream Available)
  • The Mount plays their second game against their neighbor, and brand new Section 1 Class ‘AA’ program, the Yonkers Guardians. Yonkers is the largest city in Westchester, with over 211,000 residents, and due to this, for as long as I can remember, the city of Yonkers has had two football teams. The Yonkers Brave (representing the Fire Department) and the Yonkers Force (representing the police department). The programs have now merged, which leads a lot of questions as to what kind of team they will be fielding, as well as how competitive they will be in Section 1 this year. For reference, the Yonkers Brave went 5-3 overall, and the Yonkers Force went 6-3 overall. This new team, the Guardians, will likely need a few weeks to gel and get used to each other. Mount, on the other hand, is a stable program under 3rd year coach Jayson Holt. I am going to give the edge to the Mount. I am picking Mount St. Michael to win this game.
• Monsignor Farrell vs St. Peter’s (SportsEngine Stream)
  • St. Peter’s went to the castle last week, and now wanders into the Lion’s Den for their second rivalry game in a row. Where I thought the game would be competitive last week, I am not so sure about this week. St. Peter’s will always get up and ready to play, especially against fellow Staten Island Catholic rivals, but I just think Monsignor Farrell has too much for the Eagles to handle. While I think Anthony D’Acunto and company have the talent and skills to play with anyone, and the Eagles have the staff to get the most out of their players, this is a now perennial ‘AAA’ title contender against a smaller ‘AA-I’ program. I am taking Monsignor Farrell.
• New Rochelle (Section 1 ‘AA’) vs Kellenberg Memorial (No Stream Available)
  • Kellenberg came out of Mineola with a huge win, defeating the Flyers, but now they go on the road. Now, gone are the days that New Rochelle dominated Section 1, but despite that, I do think there is a chance at an upset here. Despite the dominating win, Kellenberg has a lot to clean up, especially regarding penalties. The trip up to New Rochelle on a Friday night, especially after a big, emotional win, is a prime target for an upset. But I don’t think that many teams in the state can handle the Firebirds’ size and strength. I am picking Kellenberg Memorial to win this one.
• Red Bank Catholic (NJ) vs St. Anthony’s (No Stream Available)
  • Hype on social media about how well the Eagle Academies performed against St. Anthony’s has not escaped my notice. The Friars should be loaded on offense with returning quarterback Anthony Diieso being a larger part of the offense, and big time running back Xavier Bala back for his senior campaign. The focus for me will be on defense. Can St. Anthony’s improve after last season? They will need to. Many rankings have Red Bank Catholic a top 15 team in New Jersey. With the Friars on the road, I just am not comfortable picking against the New Jersey program. I am picking Red Bank Catholic to defend their home turf.
• Xaverian vs Fort Hamilton (PSAL ‘AAAA’) (Hudl Stream)
  • The Battle of Bay Ridge, the Clippers and Tigers is a rivalry that should be played every year. Last season, the Clippers controlled the game and won by 30 to start a season in which they won a ‘AA-II’ title. Fort Hamilton looks for revenge and respect as they make the jump from the ‘AAA’ to the ‘AAAA’ in the PSAL. Beating a strong Catholic program will give them this credibility. Xaverian is already battle tested, winning last week on the road. Led by a smothering defense, and a steady spread offense led by now starter Jake Price, and senior running back Richie Aiken. This is a program that knows how to win. I am confident that the Clippers win this game. I am picking Xaverian to pick up a huge win vs a PSAL 4A program.
• Pope John XXIII (NJ) vs Cardinal Hayes
  • The state of the Cardinals remains a mystery to me. I know a few key pieces transferred out, and after a tough season last year, do I give the benefit of the doubt to the Hayesmen? Due to this, I don’t think I can take the Hayesmen to win this game as they travel on the road. On the other side of the coin, there are some key pieces coming back, like Johnnye Booker, Kymonni Valentine, Saleh Atariwa, Erik Drobnak and transfer quarterback Philip Simms. I don’t know. I am gonna pick Pope John XXIII High School to win this game. I just don’t know enough about Cardinal Hayes.
• Christian Brothers Academy of Albany (Section 2 ‘AA’) vs Archbishop Stepinac (Hudl Stream)
  • The Albany power ran into a buzzsaw last season when they opened against Monsignor Farrell in the Tunnels to Towers Bowl, and now they face another daunting test. Archbishop Stepinac has been a perennial NYCHSFL ‘AAA’ contender for much of the last 15 years, and after two lean seasons, are looking to make a statement. The Crusaders took care of business last week against Fordham Prep, and now go on the road in a Friday night clash. A win against CBA Albany give Stepinac momentum as they head into league play. CBA Albany is no slouch. Since 2021, the Brothers are 53-10 with 4 Section 2 Championships. They have the opportunity to set the tone for the season that they hope is a bounce back year. I am not sure CBA Albany will be caught off guard this year, but I do think Archbishop Stepinac wins a close game.
• Immaculata (NJ) vs St. Joseph by the Sea (Hudl Stream)
  • Sea did exactly what they were supposed to do last week against Holy Cross, and while the point output was impressive, they now go on the road against a team that seems to have a habit of beating up NYCHSFL teams. They are 5-0 against the NYCHSFL over the past three seasons, and have the opportunity to extend their impressive win streak against a St. Joseph by the Sea. Sea is a team that looks to carry momentum into a season where they are the favorite in the ‘AA-I’. An added bonus, Immaculata has three transfers from St. Peter’s join their ranks. Three players that know these Sea kids very well. I am picking Immaculata to extend their win streak against the NYCHSFL.
• St. Dominic’s vs Hackley (MIFL) (No Stream Available)
  • This is the third time in the last since 2023 St. Dominic’s is playing Hackley, this time in Oyster Bay. The Tarrytown based school looks to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Hornets are a strong program in the Metropolitan Independent Football League, and a win vs a NYCHSFL foe gets their season off right. St. Dominic’s searches for win against the Hornets, falling each of the last two times they have played. The Bayhawks, under coach Del Giorno, are looking to establish themselves in the NYCHSFL and improve their program. A statement win against a program like Hackley will prepare them for another NYCHSFL gauntlet. I am going to pick St. Dominic’s to win this game at home, to start their season 1-0.
• Fordham Prep vs Belen Jesuit (FL) (No Stream Available)
  • Another Jesuit vs Jesuit matchup for the Rams, this time against a team waaay below the Mason Dixon. Fordham Prep asserted themselves well against Stepinac last week, but this is a whole different game. Belen Jesuit is already two games into their schedule, and Florida is generally seen as a much better state when it comes to football. Despite their recent struggles in Florida, Belen Jesuit is still a mainstay in Miami. I got to go with Belen Jesuit to win this one. I just think it’ll be too much for the Rams.
• Cardinal Spellman vs Frederick Douglass Academy (PSAL ‘A’) (Hudl Stream)
  • The Pilots are a small program, and were incredibly young last year, leading to a tough season overall. I think the Pilots just need stability, as last year it was Shaheem Barnett’s first season at the helm. FDA is a PSAL 1A program and should be a good matchup for the Pilots. I know Cardinal Spellman has Elijah Walker coming back at quarterback. I look for the Pilots to start the season 1-0. I am choosing Cardinal Spellman to win this game.
• Xavier vs A. Philip Randolph (PSAL ‘AAA’) (Hudl Stream)
  • The battle of Manhattan, A. Philip Randolph comes off a season where they fell to eventual champion Sheepshead Bay in the semifinals of the playoffs, a game that a lot of folks called the de-facto PSAL ‘AAA’ Championship. Back to form, APR looks to prove themselves against one of the very best in the NYCHSFL. Xavier is coming off a dream season, literally running through the ‘AA-I’ on their way to their 3rd ‘AA’ title since 2012. Last season, the Knights had a quartet of good backs, and while they all graduated, the single wing does not really change year to year. A bruising ground attack, complemented by a ferocious defense, is too much for many teams to handle. APR will need to jump out to an early lead, and fight a war of attrition in the trenches. I know that the PSAL has potent rushing attacks, but I am not sure any PSAL team runs an offense like the single wing as efficiently and disciplined as Xavier does. I think this will be a great game, but I have Xavier winning this one.
• St. Mary’s (MMHSAA) vs Holy Cross (No Stream Available)
  • Holy Cross travels up to the territory of the Monsignor Martin League to go up against ‘B’ division St. Mary’s High School. As you know with this page, I try to show love for all divisions, and this one is no exception. The Knights are coming off a tough game in Staten Island, only to have to go on the road up to Buffalo to play another Catholic school. Holy Cross is looking to jump start their season with a win on the road. They will need it too as they need to build confidence going into next week. The Lancers, an MMHSAA ‘B’ division team, will start their season welcoming the school from Queens. Madden Martinez is the engine for the Knights offense, but I am interested to see if the defense can bounce back. I am going to pick Holy Cross in this one.
• Stow-Munroe Falls High School (OH) vs St. Francis Prep (Hudl Stream)
  • A hall of fame classic, St. Francis Prep is honoring their legendary alumnus, Vince Lombardi, by playing a school out in Ohio. Stow-Munroe Falls High School boasts alumnus Larry Czonka. Now I know this might not be relevant today, but these are giants in shaping American football. Stow has played two games already, so they should be primed and ready to take on the Terriers. St. Francis Prep is also coming off a win over the Mount. The Terriers are traveling, and Ohio is another one of those states that is traditionally superior to New York. I am taking Stow-Munroe Falls in this matchup.
• Bishop Hendricken (RI) vs Chaminade (Hudl Stream)
  • Bishop Hendricken is a football power in Rhode Island, and has routinely played NYCHSFL schools in the past, having moderate success. The Hawks look to get their season started on a good note, while Chaminade is desperate for a win after dropping their first game. I have confidence that the coaching staff will have the Flyers ready to bounce back. Even under pressure, they only let up 1 touchdown last week on defense, so their swarming defense should still be a strength and should keep them in the game. On offense, they need to get into a rhythm. I don’t know what the status of Anthony Trapani is, but he will help a great deal. Chaminade has brutal schedule, and does not want to start 0-2 before the Battle of the Bridge. I am going to pick Chaminade to bounce back, but it really hinges on their offense being able to protect the football and finish drives.

I am going to do something a bit different this week, inspired by Coach Redzone Rick, and choose two Games of the Week. This is not something I will do often, but these two games interest me nearly evenly. Pete’s two games of the week is Christian Brothers Academy of Albany vs Archbishop Stepinac and Christian Brothers Academy of Syracuse vs Iona Prep. This pits the best of the NYCHSFL against the best of the NYSPHSAA ‘Class AA’. I have a feeling these programs may need to join another league soon, so this will be a good test.

2026 Pete’s Prognostication Record: 4-3