The regular season is coming to a close, and with Halloween weekend upon us, we have one final slate of games before the NYCHSFL playoffs begin. For some teams, this is about locking up playoff positioning. For others, it is about finding momentum, building confidence, and making sure they enter the postseason playing their best football.

The Game We Wish We Could Have Seen

Before we get into this week’s picks, I have to address the St. Peter’s–St. Joseph by the Sea matchup. Unfortunately, the game wasn’t streamed, but thankfully, Staten Island social media remains undefeated. Between the updates, reactions, and play-by-play accounts, we were kept up to speed with what sounded like an absolute thriller. Based on everything coming out of Staten Island, this felt like a legitimate Game of the Year contender. The frustrating part? We’ll never really know, because those of us who couldn’t be there were left piecing together the action from social media.

Quite frankly, I have a hard time understanding how a program with the stature of St. Joseph by the Sea hasn’t found a consistent streaming solution. I understand there can be logistical, technical, or financial obstacles, but in this day and age, there has to be a way to make it happen. This isn’t just about giving fans something to watch. It’s about showcasing your players, promoting your program, and allowing alumni, families, and the wider NYCHSFL community to follow along.

Sea led by Tressor Baptiste has built a tremendous football program, and the Vikings have an opportunity to make history by reaching their third consecutive championship game. That’s an accomplishment worth celebrating, and one you’d think the school would want to put on full display. These players deserve to have their performances seen, and games with this kind of drama deserve a bigger audience.

Staten Island social media did its best to fill the void, and for that, we’re grateful. But there’s a difference between following a game through updates and actually watching it unfold. Hopefully, that changes moving forward, because if this matchup was as good as it sounded, the NYCHSFL missed out on seeing something special.

With that said, the regular season isn’t quite finished. We have one more week of football before the playoffs take center stage, and there are still plenty of storylines worth watching. From rivalry games to teams looking to build momentum and others fighting to finish strong, Week 9 gives us one final opportunity to see where everyone stands before the postseason begins.

There are rivalries, rematches, and a few games that could have major implications for the playoff picture. Let’s close out the regular season with one final round of picks.

1. Chaminade vs. Fordham Prep

My pick: Chaminade

Pete is rolling with Fordham Prep, but I’m going in the other direction. The Rams have plenty to play for as they look to protect their playoff position, and Luke McKay has been a productive offensive weapon, accounting for 870 yards and eight offensive touchdowns. Lake Chiesi also gives them a legitimate threat in the passing game.

However, Chaminade has the kind of offensive weapons that can make this a difficult matchup. Anthony Trapani has accumulated 716 total yards and nine touchdowns, while Michael Genovese has been a consistent target with 53 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns.

The key will be whether Chaminade can establish its running game while creating enough opportunities through the air to keep Fordham Prep honest. The Rams will be motivated, but I like Chaminade to pull off the win and finish the regular season with a statement.

2. Kennedy Catholic vs. Nazareth Regional

My pick: Kennedy Catholic

Kennedy Catholic appears to be hitting its stride at the right time, winning three of its last four games. The Gaels have an opportunity to finish the regular season strong and carry some momentum into the playoffs.

Joseph DeSocio and Dominick Tassone will be important to the offensive game plan as Kennedy looks to establish control early. Nazareth is coming off a loss to Cardinal Spellman, and Kennedy will want to avoid giving the Kingsmen any reason to believe they can hang around.

At this stage of the season, the focus is on execution and taking care of business. I expect Kennedy to do exactly that.

3. St. Anthony’s vs. Cardinal Hayes

My pick: Cardinal Hayes

This is arguably the marquee matchup of the weekend. Both teams are fighting for important playoff positioning, and there is plenty on the line when these two programs meet.

St. Anthony’s has an explosive offense led by quarterback Anthony Diieso and running back Xavier Bala. Diieso’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs presents a challenge for any defense, and the Friars have multiple receiving options who can change a game.

But Cardinal Hayes has the personnel to make this a physical contest. Kymonni Valentine and Kenzo Jackson lead a dangerous ground attack, while Johnnye Bookers provides another dimension as a quarterback and wide receiver.

For Hayes, the formula is straightforward: establish the run, control possession, and force the Friars to defend the entire field. The Cardinals will need to be disciplined defensively, especially against Diieso’s ability to extend plays.

I expect a hard-fought game, but I’m taking Cardinal Hayes to get it done in a matchup that could have major consequences for the postseason.

4. St. Dominic’s vs. Mount St. Michael

My pick: Mount St. Michael

Mount St. Michael has been rolling, winning five consecutive games while remaining undefeated in league play. The Mountaineers have developed into one of the teams nobody wants to see entering the playoffs.

Jacob Jimenez has thrown for 1,079 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Victor Declet and Dylan Turenne have helped establish a productive rushing attack. That balance makes Mount difficult to defend because opponents cannot simply focus on taking away one part of the offense.

St. Dominic’s will be looking to bounce back after its loss to Kennedy Catholic. The Bayhawks have young players capable of making plays, but they face a tough assignment against a Mount team that has consistently found ways to win.

Until someone proves otherwise, I’m riding with the Mountaineers. Give me Mount St. Michael to finish the regular season strong.

5. Xaverian vs. Cardinal Spellman

My pick: Xaverian

Xaverian got back on track last week against St. Francis Prep, and now the Clippers have an opportunity to carry that momentum into the postseason.

Jake Price and Christian LaRocca are important pieces of the offense, while Richie Aiken’s availability could provide another boost. Xaverian has the experience and talent to make a run, but it needs to maintain consistency and avoid allowing opponents to hang around.

Cardinal Spellman is coming off a convincing win over Nazareth and will look to keep that momentum going. The Pilots have shown they can be competitive, but this is a difficult matchup against a Xaverian team with championship experience.

The Clippers have too much at stake to overlook this game. I’m taking Xaverian to handle business and enter the playoffs with confidence.

6. St. John the Baptist vs. Holy Cross

My pick: St. John the Baptist

This is an interesting matchup between two teams heading in different directions. Holy Cross is coming off an impressive 42–0 shutout of Christ the King, while St. John the Baptist is looking to bounce back from a 41–17 loss to Stepinac.

The Knights have found their footing recently, winning four of their last five games. Brandon Glaudin has been a major factor in the ground game, and his ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives Holy Cross an offense capable of controlling the tempo. Royce Thomas also showed what he can bring to the table last week with a productive performance on the ground.

For St. John the Baptist, quarterback Devin Michaels and receiver Nicolas Mastriano will be critical. Michaels threw for 212 yards and a touchdown against Stepinac, while Mastriano hauled in 148 receiving yards and a score. The Cougars need to turn that passing-game production into sustained drives and points on the scoreboard.

Holy Cross has the recent results and home-field advantage, so this won’t be an easy assignment for the Cougars. But I’m sticking with St. John the Baptist to respond after last week’s loss. The key will be whether the Cougars can slow down Holy Cross on the ground while giving Michaels and Mastriano enough opportunities to make plays.

7. Kellenberg Memorial vs. St. Francis Prep

My pick: Kellenberg Memorial

St. Francis Prep showed plenty of fight last week against Xaverian, particularly after falling behind early. The Terriers ran the ball 35 times for 227 yards and added 121 yards through the air. That kind of production makes them a dangerous opponent if they can sustain drives and finish in the red zone.

Unfortunately for the Terriers, Kellenberg presents a different kind of challenge.

The Firebirds have been productive offensively, led by the three-headed rushing attack of Quinn Saccheri, Brendan Barkley, and Doug Cristales. Together, the trio has helped produce 1,534 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Brayden Farrelly has also been efficient, completing 73% of his passes for 1,414 yards and nine touchdowns.

Kellenberg has the ability to grind out possessions, control the clock, and wear down a defense. With the top seed on the line, I expect the Firebirds to be focused and ready.

St. Francis Prep will compete, but Kellenberg’s offensive balance gives it the edge. I’m taking the Firebirds.

8. Archbishop Stepinac vs. Iona Prep

My pick: Iona Prep

One of the biggest rivalries in Westchester closes out the regular season with another chapter. Stepinac has the ground game to challenge just about anyone, but Iona Prep has been exceptionally difficult to run against.

Nahum Pierre has put together a tremendous season, rushing for 1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Ronnell Chambers adds another dimension with 413 rushing yards and five touchdowns. If Stepinac can establish its running game and control possession, it has a legitimate chance to make this competitive.

The problem is that Iona has the personnel up front to make that difficult. Joshua Simmons, Sean Farrell, and Brady Morison lead a defensive front supported by Eric Camacho, Willie Reeves, and Mamadee Sangaray at linebacker.

Offensively, Iona has the firepower to capitalize on opportunities. Dylan Wrona has thrown for 1,119 yards and eight touchdowns, while Nicholas Harrison has emerged as a major receiving threat with 483 yards and eight touchdowns.

Stepinac will make Iona earn it, but I trust the Gaels’ defense and overall balance. I’m taking Iona Prep to finish the regular season undefeated.

9. St. Peter’s vs. Xavier

My pick: Xavier

Xavier enters this matchup looking to stop a difficult stretch, having dropped three consecutive games and four of its last five. The Knights need a strong performance before the playoffs, and this is an opportunity to reset.

The running game remains the foundation of the Xavier offense. Anthony Pierro has rushed for 736 yards and eight touchdowns, while Joseph Cooper, Cole Wallace, and Marcello and Sal Vitale provide additional options.

St. Peter’s should not be underestimated. The Eagles have faced a challenging schedule and have continued to compete despite injuries and a depleted lineup. Quarterback Anthony D’Acunto has thrown for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns with just one interception. He also leads the team in rushing, while Aaron Vazquez has been a productive target with 458 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

If St. Peter’s can start quickly and put Xavier under pressure, the Eagles have the offensive ability to make this uncomfortable. The Knights need to execute, stay out of unfavorable down-and-distance situations, and avoid allowing St. Peter’s to dictate the tempo.

I’m going with Xavier to get the win, but this is a game the Knights cannot afford to take lightly.

10. St. Joseph by the Sea vs. Monsignor Farrell

My pick: Monsignor Farrell

We close the regular season with a Staten Island rivalry that needs no introduction. Sea and Farrell know each other well, and when these two teams meet, records and expectations can go out the window.

St. Joseph by the Sea has been outstanding offensively. Pete Tronolone has thrown for 2,132 yards and 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions, while Joey Moran has been a dynamic dual-threat weapon, producing 1,024 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns along with 642 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.

That combination makes Sea extremely dangerous. Arthur McCarthy, Nick Laona, Robert Attanasio, and Nico Vitagliano give Tronolone additional options in the passing game.

But Farrell has the kind of defense that can make life difficult for even the most productive offenses. The Lions have been playing strong football down the stretch, and their defensive front will be critical in limiting Moran and forcing Sea into difficult situations.

Offensively, Bryce Moye has thrown for 1,611 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 272 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Braxton Moye has been his primary target, with 601 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Jayden Burch has also led a productive rushing attack with 899 yards and seven touchdowns.

This is a rivalry game, and I expect both teams to bring their best. Sea has the offensive firepower to beat anyone, but Farrell’s defensive strength and offensive balance give the Lions the edge for me.

I’m taking Monsignor Farrell to close out the regular season with a rivalry win.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for the regular season. Ten games, ten picks, and one final opportunity for these teams to make a statement before the games start carrying even greater consequences.

The playoffs are a different animal. Records become less important, mistakes become more costly, and the teams that execute under pressure are the ones that survive.

Enjoy the final weekend of the regular season, and happy Halloween to the entire NYCHSFL community. We’ll see you in the postseason.

Coach X and O