“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” -Genesis 1:31

The Catholic League begins a full week of league games through the end of October this week, and it is always a fight. Good, quality football week in and week out. Teams will be playing with a little bit more juice this week as now, it is real. Before, teams played for pride, now, they play for power points and playoff positioning. Vibes, and edits, and graphics don’t matter. Only the score at the end of the day. Football is a dog fight every week, a battle of the trenches, on the outside, on sideline, and in the film room, and I cannot wait.

We have 10 matchups this weekend, and very important ones indeed for all these teams. See the matchups below:

• Kennedy Catholic vs Mount St. Michael
  • Both teams come into week 1 of their league slate looking for their first wins, and both team challenged themselves in their league schedule. Kennedy Catholic may have played one of the better public school team in Section 1 Class ‘AA’, while the Mount pit themselves against a rejuvenated Yonkers program, and two big ‘AA-I’ foes. They come in battle hardened, but beaten soundly by three quality teams. Kennedy comes in rested, allowing their new staff and transfers players to gel together and get right after a jolt awake by Clarkstown South. The Mount is led by a prolific passing attack, something I never thought I would say, with Jacob Jimenez leading the way. Jimenez has thrown for 461 passing yards and 4 touchdowns already this year. His two main targets are Jamir Abney (one of Pete’s Pivotal Players), and Payton Little. They combine for 16 catches, 315 yards and 3 touchdowns this season already. In the backfield, it is a familiar name, Victor Declet that leads the team in rushing with 129 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. Not that the Mount doesn’t have a stable of backs, Alexander John and Dylan Turenne combine for 25 carries for 149 yard and a touchdown. This game will be decided on how effectively Kennedy can move the ball and keep this high powered offense off the field. They have had time to gel, and the are rested. The Gaels are at home. It is a Friday Night showdown in Somers to get League Play started. I am going to pick the Mount to get their first win of the year. Mount St. Michael wins this one.
• St. Dominic’s vs Nazareth
  • The second Friday Night showdown is one between the two newcomers, but the themes are the same, even if the teams are different. St. Dominic’s come in 0-2 after playing two tough teams. Hackley is one of the stronger programs of the MIFL, and St. John the Baptist is seeking to compete for a ‘AA-I’ championship. Nazareth, after a tough inaugural season, has not taken the field yet. They have now spent a month practicing and scrimmaging. Now they have to show out. In Oyster Bay, the Bayhawks have already seen game action and made mistake typically made early in the season. They have shown to be scrappy and tough, even in rough situations. Nazareth has a lot to prove, and I don’t really know much about them yet. I think that the Bayhawks win this game to start their league schedule. I am picking St. Dominic’s to win this game.
• Cardinal Spellman vs Christ the King
  • A youth movement in the ‘AA-II’, both Christ the King and Cardinal Spellman are programs in similar situations, very young. Both have played two games, and both have had encouraging and discouraging games. The Pilots played an overmatched FDA team to start, then challenged themselves by playing defending ‘AA-I’ champion Xavier. Christ the King played two strong MIFL programs, and challenged themselves here. I think that this is a game to watch as both teams will likely look much different to end the season. Elijah Walker on the Pilots is their young quarterback, and he has made some noise and some plays, while the Royals have a lot of freshmen and sophomores on their team. This is a lot of their first seasons on varsity, or even high school football. I think this will be a close game, but I worry that two weeks of no kickoffs (no kickoffs in the MIFL) will prove to be detrimental. Special teams may win the day. I am picking Cardinal Spellman to win at home.
• St. John the Baptist vs St. Francis Prep
  • The first ‘AA-I’ slugfest of the weekend, this Saturday afternoon game has both ‘AA-I’ teams that have been flying under the radar matched up with you. Both St. Francis Prep and St. John the Baptist are coming off of wins, and look to keep the momentum going. SJB wants to continue their winning ways with their 3rd win of the season, 2nd in league play, while SFP would love to start a streak of their own. The names are familiar in Suffolk County with Kalen Percer, BJ Hunter, Devin Michaels, Chris Trinca, all making headlines and stuffing the stat sheet. The identity of SJB is running the ball behind the heavies, but SFP does have the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Demarion Singh, Matthew Monahan both have 2 TFL on the season to go along with their 12 combined total tackles. Daniel Falodun leads the team with 17 total tackles, with on being in the backfield. This big defensive line has allowed penetration in the backfield to happen that has allowed the SFP defense to live in the backfield with 11 total TFL on the season. On offense, the Terriers are led by their running game. Employing the old Wing T offense, and variations of it, the steady running game has compiled an impressive 643 yards on the ground. 5, yes 5, backs have gotten more than 9 carries in the game. Led by Rafael Espinal, who has 30 carries for 225 yards and a touchdown, it will be important for the SFP offense run their system and feed everyone adequately. Roderick Fordham Jr. is 2nd on the team with 175 yards on 31 carries, and Daniel Falodun is 3rd with 114 yards on 15 carries. Sing has 9 carries 62 yards and a touchdown, and Justin Davis adds 59 yards on 10 carries. Their passing game, especially in this offense, operates to complement this powerful run game. The sophomore #26 Brian Gleason took snaps last week, throwing a touchdown last week to Sal Vakili, who has 8 catches, 93 yards, and 2 touchdowns on the year. Is SFP explosive enough this year to keep up with SJB? Can their run game control the tempo of this game? I am not sure. Last season, and SFP needed explosive plays to pull away late from the Cougars. This year, I think St. John the Baptist wins this one.
• Chaminade vs Monsignor Farrell
  • A semifinal rematch on Monsignor Farrell’s championship run last year, Chaminade is looking for revenge after getting bounced from the playoffs. The Flyers are at home in this game, and come in battle hardened. Chaminade, and Coach Claro are desperate to get their league play started on the right track. They have dropped 2 of their first 3, but seem to getting healthy. Anthony Trapani was missing those first 2 weeks, and was back in action last week, scoring in a game that got away from the Flyers late. Through 2 games, the senior quarterback Sean Carnavale has thrown for over 300 yards on 60% passing, throwing mainly to Michael Genovese and Bobby Foschi. Visiting Mineola this Saturday afternoon are the Lions who are on a tear again this year. They have won their first 3 games, taking care of business against St. Peter’s, and gutting out tough wins against New Jersey programs. Bryce Moye has looked brilliant, throwing for 569 yards and 7 touchdowns, spreading the wealth to a new cast of receivers, outside of his brother Braxton Moye, who has hauled in 11 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Mason Morales has an explosive 6 catches for 134 yards, and Joseph Augustin-Martino has hauled in 4 touchdowns on 5 catches for 88 yards. A new running back for Farrell has emerged as Jayden Burch has continued the tradition passed down to him by Kevin Gumb Jr. Burch has 3 100 yard+ rushing games on his way to 481 total yards on 55 total touches, scoring 3 touchdowns. The defense is really making headlines though, living in the backfield with already 23 TFL and 5 sacks on the year. Headlining this group is Angelo Stallon, who has 2 sacks with his 4 TFL to go along with 22 total tackles. He is seen all over the field with Charles Costanzo (23 tackles, 3 TFL), and David Leverock, who brings the pain with 22 total tackles on the year. Luka Sini adds 15 tackles, and two interceptions for a defense that has 8 forced turnovers (2 fumble recoveries, and 6 interceptions). I think that the Lions, who have already been tested on the road, will take care of business. I am picking Monsignor Farrell to win this one.
• St. Peter’s vs Fordham Prep
  • This is the other ‘AA-I’ slugfest that is hugely important for both programs. Fordham Prep comes off a BYE after playing two tough opponents in Archbishop Stepinac and Belen Jesuit from Florida. St. Peter challenged themselves as well, playing PSAL 4A power Curtis, Monsignor Farrell, and Hudson Catholic from New Jersey, winning last week against Hudson. Both team battle tested, both teams desperate to win. New head coach Seann Farrell is still searching for his first win as head coach of the Rams, and the Rams are looking for their first win since 2022. St. Peter’s would like to put their tough start to bed with a huge win against the preseason #2 team in the ‘AA-I’. The key match up will be defensive. Can the Rams slow down Anthony D’Acunto and Victor Baez. D’Acunto has passed for 393 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year. Victor Baez has 14 catches for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns. It is looking like this will be the matchup to stop, as no other STP receiver has more than 3 catches. Look for another Eagle to make plays as the Rams defense will try to limit the damage Baez can do. On defense, the Rams will have to deal with Colin Snell, who had 5 tackles in the backfield last week against Hudson. St. Peter’s prepares for 2 quarterbacks from the Rams, both having very similar numbers going into this game. Sophomore Vincent DiPasquale is 15 of 32 for 149 yards, while Senior George Jackson Jr. is 16 of 28 for 154 yards and a touchdown, combining for a very good 303 yards of production against two very good defenses, they throw to Mendim Dacaj, the 6 ft 3 in WR who is a mismatch outside and has hauled in 9 catches for 80 yards. Brendan Campbell at tight end has hauled in 5 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, with Lake Chiesi rounding our this group with 7 catches for 74 yards. It is the ground game that Fordham Prep will try to get things going running behind a big offensive line, Luke McKay has 29 carries for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Lake Chiesi has 5 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown. Dylan Saladino, Raphael Nero, and Aidan Pymm lead the defense with 35 total tackles between the three of them and 3 TFL on a defense that has already had 8 TFL on the year. This will be a slugfest. Both teams are battle hardened. It is in Staten Island at St. Peter’s, but I am picking Fordham Prep to win to get Coach Farrell his first win as coach of the Rams.
• Archbishop Stepinac vs St. Anthony’s
  • St. Anthony’s is now back on the road. The second of ‘AAA’ clash of titans happen on Saturday afternoon. A candidate for game of the week, this game is very important for both teams as they both enter a brutal 7 game stretch. St. Anthony’s needs a win. They dropped their first two games to New Jersey powerhouses. It’s not that they lost these games, it’s how they lost. Both close games down the stretch that seemed to slip through the fingers of the Friars, one way or another. The Friars offense has plenty of firepower. Anthony Diieso has impressed with his execution of the offense through the air and ground, throwing to targets like Rory McDermott and George Skenderis, Cole Magro, and Luke Maurino. But of course, the engine on offense is highly touted running back Xavier Bala, who is cruising to another impressive year. For the Friars, it is really going to be up to whether they can stop this high powered offense that can hurt you in a lot of ways. Transfer quarterback Dylan Wrona has played well, throwing for 454 yards and 2 touchdowns already. His two main targets are Gio Bowley and Nick Harrison. Both receivers have 13 receptions with Harrison accumulating 191 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Bowley accumulating 181 yards and 1 touchdown. Other receivers to watch are Ethan Espinal, and Jayden Gonzalez who have gotten 6 receptions on the year. Where the Crusaders have 514 total yards passing, which is pretty good, they have been on a breakneck pace on the ground, and this is where St. Anthony’s will need to dig deep and dig in. Nahum Pierre had 458 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns on just 39 carries— good for 11.7 per carry. Ronnell Chambers, a sophomore who has spelled Pierre, has accumulated 164 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries— good for 7.1 per carry. The running game in particular erupted last week for 418 yards. Pierre had 280 yards and 4 touchdowns on 17 carries, and Chambers had 126 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 carries. Look for Stepinac to continue to rely on this high powered running game to propel them to victory. Both teams can score. But I think the powerful and varied attack of Stepinac will put them ahead. I am picking Archbishop Stepinac to win this game.
• Kellenberg vs Cardinal Hayes
  • Yet another candidate for game of the week, the Firebirds host the Cardinals at Kellenberg for homecoming. Now I know what this means– the Firebird coaching staff is making a statement making Cardinal Hayes their homecoming game. I, for one, do not blame them. They want to make a statement. The Firebird defense will be tested in a way they have not been tested. Their defense is led by Chris Biondi, the mammoth of a defensive linemen who has 12 tackles, 4 of them in the backfield, 3 of those sacks already on the season. His partner in crime on the defensive line is Daniel Schutt, who has 4 sacks already to go along with 10 tackles. Behind this big defensive front, Joseph Mullin and Wil Auerbach roam as linebackers, compiling tackles and cleaning up plays with 35 tackles between the two of them. The front will have their hands full with Kymonni Valentine, the 260 lb hammer of a running back, and the swift footed, agile Johnnye Booker at quarterback. They will also need to account for Erik Drobnak, Justice Baldwin, Marcus Abellard, and Saleh Atariwa through the air who will cause matchup problems. Cardinal Hayes is explosive, but they have shown to be able to just pound the rock, accumulating over 200 yards on the ground vs Pope John XXIII, and dominating on the ground vs Middletown HS. The Hayesman defense will have to pick their poison with Kellenberg, as their offense is as balanced as they come. The Firebird Spread offense is lead by signal caller Brayden Farrelly who seems to grasp and execute this offense as well as anyone. He is already 37 for 52 with 442 yards and a touchdown on the year. He has also added 39 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Farrelly spreads the ball around with Ryan Kuntz (9 catches, 87 yards), Brendan Barkley (7 catches, 73 yards), and Brandon McCabe (4 catches, 88 yards) being the main playmakers. It is the ground game that has really churned out yardage, as Kellenberg has run for 526 yards and 9 touchdowns on the year. They have 3 backs with over 140 yards. Quinn Saccheri leads the way with 25 carries for 175 yards and a touchdown. Doug Cristales has 25 carries as well, for 165 yards and 4 touchdowns. Barkley rounds out the group with 26 carries for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. Barkley may be the X factor, as the Firebird offense really tries to feed him the ball. He has touched the ball 33 times and accumulated 213 yards on the season. The stage has been set. And while it is tempting to go with the ‘AAA’ program, it is on Long Island. It is Homecoming. I am picking Kellenberg Memorial to upset Hayes to put them in the driver’s seat of the ‘AA-I’.
• St. Joseph by the Sea vs Iona Prep
  • The Vikings welcome the Gaels to Staten Island in a daunting beginning of their season. Iona has looked like a machine, beating CBA-Syracuse handily, and dropping Paramus Catholic by a margin of 43 points. Sea has looked impressive this year as well, especially on offense. Pete Tronolone already has 788 yards passing and 8 touchdowns on the year. The best part? He has protected the ball, only throwing 1 interception in 71 attempts. This indicates a safe, yet explosive offense that has yielded 39 points per game. Tronolone’s main targets are Nick Loana, who has 12 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown, and Authur McCarthy, who has 9 catches, 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. One name I have no mentioned is Joey Moran. At running back, he has 11 catches, 286 yards, and 4 touchdowns, while also having 448 yards on 45 carries and 3 touchdowns. This totals a staggering 734 total yards and 7 touchdowns on 46 total touches. He is on pace to shatter his output last year, where he had 1,101 total yards, 12 touchdowns on 120 total touches. Sea seems to be using him sparingly early on offense, but he is clearly the centerpiece. The Sea offense has shown to be creative in getting him the ball, and moving the ball down the field and scoring. They will need to play perfect, as this Iona defense is as good as I have ever seen. Just to name a few defenders that have become familiar names to you all: Austin Farrell, Joshua Simmons, Mamadee Sangaray, Willie Reeves, Lamar Lewis, Xander Poole– and this is barely scratching the surface of as Daquan Smith had a huge play last week, and Brady Morrison inside has been dominant so far as well. Iona’s offense will be ground based, as it usually is. Their spread attack resembles a spread out triple option, utilizing pop passes and orbit motions to exploit mismatches, and create devastating counter plays to gash the defense. This has worked wonderfully as the conductor, Jaydin Jackson has thrown for 295 yards on 23 of 31 passing with 5 touchdowns while adding 96 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Tyrone Moshatt has been the X factor on offense taking these short shovel/pop passes to the tune of 12 catches for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. The other standout through the air has been Trey Newton, who has hauled in 4 catches for 158 yards, and 3 touchdowns. In addition to Jackson’s 96 yards on the ground, Chase Reeves and Jonathan Banks are the hammer of the offense. Reeves has 25 carries, for 337 yards and 4 touchdowns and Banks has 15 carries for 104 yards. This is an offense that can hurt you and will attack you in so many ways. Sea’s defense will need to disrupt and penetrate this big offensive line. They have been successful so far, with 9.5 sacks so far as a unit, with Joey Moran leading the way with 4, and 12 tackles for loss. Linebacking core Joey Moran, Sal Leto, and Michael Goldstein will have their hands full. I think Sea gives a good effort, but Iona Prep is too much. I am picking Iona Prep to take care of business on Staten Island.
• Xavier vs Holy Cross
  • The last of the games this week pits two schools with Knights as their mascot against each other. Holy Cross is traveling from Queens to Aviator field to take on the vaunted Single Wing attack. The Knights have already shown to be scrappy and tough defensively, holding a very tough St. Francis Prep offense to just 10 points, and holding their vaunted ground game out of the endzone last week. The standout on Holy Cross is Caleb Rivera, who comes in on defense with 1 sack, 3 TFL, and 12 total tackles. To go along with him is Brandon Glaudin– who has 7 total tackles, 2 TFL. The defensive front, which includes Jack Wagrodski, and Adrian Collado, will need to hold this Single Wing in check at the point of attack to allow Rivera and Glaudin to clean up. It will be no easy task. Xavier has rushed for 568 yards on just 75 carries. They have run 80 offensive plays in two games. Leading the way is Marcello Vitale, who has 19 carries for 189 yards, and a touchdown, but also doing damage is Joseph Cooper (20 carries 120 yards 2 touchdowns), Anthony Pierro (15 carries 98 yards 1 touchdown), and Cole Wallace (6 carries 64 yards 2 touchdowns). If Xavier is able to control the tempo of this game, it will be a long day for Holy Cross. Xavier’s defense is led by Ryan Lavin, Billy Murtagh, and Ace Jernstedt who have held opponents to just 14 points total. Ace Jernstedt in particular has 2 interceptions, a fumble return for a touchdown, and a punt return for a touchdown already. Which Holy Cross will they face? Will it be the team that grounded and pounded their way to 46 points in Lancaster? Or will it be Madden Martinez airing it out to Caleb Rivera and Joseph Alestra. Madden Martinez was hurt in the opening game against Sea, and is still trying to get into a rhythm this year. A quarterback of his caliber means that Holy Cross is never truly out of the game. That being said, Xavier seems to be clicking already. I am picking Xavier to win this game.

There will be 2 Games of the Week that I am featuring:

Pete’s Game of the Week this week is St. Peter’s vs Fordham Prep. A classic matchup that has huge ‘AA-I’ implications. Both teams are trying to start their league schedule with a win after a tough start to the season. Both teams have played competitive games in the past with STP holding the upper hand over the past few seasons.

The other edition of Pete’s Game of the Week is Kellenberg Memorial vs Cardinal Hayes. The avian adversaries this week will be playing at Kellenberg this week, and it is the Firebirds Homecoming to add some extra juice. Both teams have started out strong, and need this win. Kellenberg is looking to continue their hot start and put themselves firmly in the front of the pack in the ‘AA-I’, while Cardinal Hayes needs a win here build confidence going into a brutal regular season.

Pete’s Prognostication Record: 31-9