I have been mulling over doing this for a bit. While the NYCHSFL does weekly players of the week, the topic has come up for this page to do its own “Players of the Week”. My resistance has always been that I do not have the inside track on statistics, or the nomination process. I have rethought this, and have decided to go ahead and do a version of it it. While it won’t be every week, I do want to feature some players names that have caught my attention and think deserve recognition. So welcome to Pete’s Pivotal Players.

I will be choosing 1 player from each division to feature, if possible, and statistics must be publicly available for me to feature them.

Onto the first edition of Pete’s Standout Players of first quarter of the season:

Mount St. Michael ATH/DB Jamir Abney

Jamir Abney has made an immediate impact on Coach Holt’s Mountaineers in the first three games of the 2026 season. The junior has been an explosive receiver and a reliable target for quarterback Jacob Jimenez. Through three games, Mr. Abney has 10 receptions for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns. This accounts for nearly 40% of the 496 passing yards the Mount has this season, 40% of the passing touchdowns, and nearly a 28% of the all completed passes. If this isn’t enough, Mr. Abney has made his presence felt on defense as well, snagging 2 interceptions and compiling 7 tackles at defensive back.

Credit to @shotbyjjj on Instagram

Xaverian Clippers RB/CB Richie Aiken

The engine that makes the Clippers go, Richie Aiken returns to form after having two very productive years. In his sophomore and junior years, Richie Aiken has:

• So.: 86 carries, 584 yards, and 4 touchdowns; 7 receptions for 103 yards.
• Jr.: 115 carries for 853 yards, and 12 touchdowns; 15 receptions 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Mr. Aiken added 31 tackles and 3 interceptions.

Through two seasons, Mr. Aiken has 223 total touches, 1,755 total yards, and 18 touchdowns.

He has continued his pace through three games this year. He already has 41 carries, for 323 yards, and 6 touchdowns, while also hauling in 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. He is also a force on defense this year, notching 2 interceptions and 15 total tackles.

His consistent and explosive play has opened up the offense for other major contributors on offense and made the transition from Watson to Price that much easier.

Archbishop Stepinac RB Nahum Pierre

There is not a transfer that has not had a bigger impact on their team than Nahum Pierre. Just a junior who had an excellent year last season at Ramapo High School with 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. The new Crusader has made his presence felt, chewing out tough yardage, and exploding for big plays to make and break opposing defenses. Through three games, Mr. Pierre has dominated with 39 carries 458 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

The Crusaders will need him to continue this breakneck pace as they really relied on their run game to bully and bulldoze both Fordham Prep and Immaculata. He is a pace setter, a bruiser, and a burner with blazing speed.

I know there has been a plethora of other stand out players, but I can only pick one per division, and I can only pick one whose stats are posted on MaxPreps.

See you in a few weeks!