7-on-7 heaven
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- June
- 16
Let’s be serious for a moment: you simply cannot put any stock into 7-on-7s or try to use them to project success during the season. Football is played with pads, linemen, scouting, and a field longer than 40 yards.
But, with that being said, Croton-Harmon looked pretty darn good on Saturday.
The reigning Class C sectional champs and state finalists won the Big Apple Shootout at White Plains, outlasting the other 15 teams, most of which were far bigger schools.
Normally, I wouldn’t make a big deal about it. Had Stepinac or Carmel or North Rockland or John Jay had won, it would be a little different. But I watched Croton for a while and then got some reports from people who stayed until the end. And, although it was an exhibition in t-shirts and shorts, the Tigers definitely left a strong impression.
“Nobody could cover the Tralli’s,” one coach said. “And that new quarterback can really fling it.”
The Tralli’s are Joe and Matt. Joe was an all-state receiver as a junior and Matt, who’ll be a junior, made arguably the biggest player of the season, catching the game-winning 2-point conversion to beat Dobbs Ferry in the semifinals. Joe is as good a receiver there is outside of Iona Prep and Matt is quickly improving and graining confidence.
That quarterback is Tyler Dorien. I got to see the senior left-hander throw the ball against Haldane in one of the earlier games and was very impressed with his velocity and technique. According to Croton coach John Catano, Dorien threw about 150 passes during the six games on Saturday. He didn’t throw one interception.
“Hey, the kid had a pretty good teacher,” Catano said. “And I’m not talking about myself.”
Catano is talking about Nick Mainiero, an all-state quarterback for Croton who started the last three seasons. Mainiero mentored Dorien last season as the backup, that is when Dorien was serving as a major contributor as a running back and defensive back.
Tyler Keppler, also a starter at running back last season, looked strong. Nick’s little brother, Jesse Mainiero, had a great showing at event.
Croton-Harmon beat LaSalle in the championship after knocking off Irvington in the semis. I floated from field to field for a while and spoke to various people. Here are some of the things I gathered:
Irvington: Of the teams I saw, few looked as crisp at running routes as Irvington. The Bulldogs should thrive in a competition like this considering it runs the spread offense and had a great core of young talent at the skill positions. Quarterback Peter Crisara was sharp and, from what I saw, he had plenty of options on the perimeter. The Bulldogs also had a big, strong tight end who caught some passes. Very impressive group.
Stepinac: This Crusaders might have graduated as much, if not more, than any other top-tier team in the area. The loss of QB Joe Collins and RB/WR Maurice Easterling will be tough to overcome, although Tyrell Goodman and Josh Powell flashed incredible potential. Goodman is a 6-3 junior QB he rifles the ball. Based on what I saw, when he had a man open he delivered it on a string. It was when he got tentative that he lost a little something. That will improve with experience. Powell has no excuse but to be one of the most dynamic players in the CHSFL. The senior is also 6-3 and will be a difficult cover downfield. And since it was a passing clinic, I didn’t get to see sophomore Caleb Gilligan-Evans do much. But the fullback has probably bulked up to 5-10, 190, which is bigger than Rye star Kyle Ramalho was at that age. He could be just as good, if not better. Joe Telesco also made some big plays on both sides of the ball and will be a key player for Stepinac.
Pleasantville: Unfortunately I didn’t get to see too much from the Panthers. But I heard very good things. In fact, some people were as impressed with them as anybody. Don’t be surprised by that. Although the Class B finalists graduate their QB and top RB, but they have plenty of talent coming back with QB Nolan Robinson, WR Jack Bramswig and RBs Michael Morra and Sean Cronin.
North Rockland and John Jay: I watched both teams for a few minutes and it was clear they were each missing key players. It was hard to judge anything knowing that. North Rockland had some serious speed in the secondary and, from the people I spoke to, are still searching for consistency at quarterback. The Red Raiders have a stud running back in Sal Sulla. John Jay, meanwhile, was in the infant stages of its preseason workouts. Coach Jimmy Clark joked that he apologized beforehand to his team for yelling at them. He knew he’d forget they’d barely worked together. Still, the Indians held their own against Stepinac and did a decent job containing them downfield.
The rest: Spring Valley had a great showing, reaching the playoffs. The speed was incredible according to many I spoke with, especially out of the backfield. … Sleepy Hollow held its own despite having only a dozen or so players in attendance. … Haldane was there, also short-handed, but I though the QB (Frank Fusco?) did a nice job running the offense. … White Plains had two teams entered in the event so it was hard to get a read on it.
If you were at the Big Apple Shootout, please feel free to offer your thoughts on the event. There was so much going on there that it was hard to get a read on everyone. Your opinions are appreciated. The same goes for the Rye 7-on-7.
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on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 at 6:50 am by Kevin Devaney Jr..
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Kevin: Good to hear Croton got off to a great start.
Hopefully the big guys are in the gym working out. You need time to throw the ball.
Croton Line men gave nick time last year.
Speed is great in sports, but in the game of football you have to like to hit people.
The line on both sides of the ball usually decides the game. Croton will not sneak up on anyone this year.
Thanks for all that you do in covering high school sports.
Caleb Gilligan Evens is more like 6’1 230 not 5’9 190 and he’s better then Ramalho now, forget 3 years from now. We might be looking at a Maldonado or Berstein and he is a better kid then football player!
Kevin:
Is the running back from SV who got hurt last year back? That kid has big time talent.
is there any way that you can post the match ups of the day and the scores?
Hey Kevin
I just wanted to clear up some misconceptions that you had wrote. Sleepy didnt just have a hand full of kids, they had the max 20 allowed at the shoot-out. Since you were on vacation your vision must have been a little blurred from all those Mai Tai, you didnt see how sleepy dismantled Pleasantville, then carmel back to back, they then lost to LaSalle in the final game of the first round by 2 pts.
They then played LaSalle again in the first game of the elimination round, They were up by 1pt. with a min. to play and threw a int. and gave up two pts. and lost by 1.
LaSalle is a AA team up in troy who wins their section every year. And the spread offense is their forte.
So in my biased opinion The Hollw did more that just hold their own, they showed that their is going to be a new dimension to their team. Watch out class B!
I can’t believe how people are breaking down these 7 on 7 camps – so stupid.
Correction…
You are certainly correct about Caleb Gilligan Evans. He is a big time talent who will carry Stepinac for the next 3 years. He should be a sure fire Division 1 Recruiting target in a few years.
You watch a kid in short pants play a little touch football and he is Bernstein… yeah that’s the ticket…No….Maldonado. He’s definitely going to be a Maldonado and he’s “already better” than Ramahlo…the kid that was a four year starter on three NYS championship teams going 48-1 at Rye…played defensive tackle in a NYS championship game lining up against and dominating a couple of 300 pounders and rushing for over 100 yards as well as punting, winning MVP …this Evans kid can already do that. Let’s see this kid perform a few miracles before you make him a saint.
jim:
the evans kid did a pretty good job in the chsfl “aaa” as a freshmen. i would love to see him play vs. harrison / rye / somers…etc a little different competition then iona / mount / xaverian / farrell…etc…give me a break.
Jim,
No one said Gilligan-Evans is Maldonado or Bernstein already. I think the comment was that he could become one of those type players. Obviously, its very early, but “could” is reasonable. Ramalho was a tough kid and very good football player at Rye, but he wasn’t a star-type talent. Looking at what Gilligan-Evans did as a freshman in the CHSFL AAA, I don’t think Bernstein could’ve accomplished the same thing his freshman year. Maldonado was a beast, he probably could’ve contributed in the CHSFL AAA as a freshman. There have been some awfully good RB’s at Stepinac and Iona Prep over the years and I don’t remember any of them contributing as freshmen (I don’t count Easterling because he would’ve been a sophomore had he not had to redo his freshman year for academics reasons after transferring in).
Hey Kevin, I stayed for all the games and I thought it was great! Not just because of the result, but I actually seen some amazing plays by a number of teams that competed on all fields that day! Yes, I know it was just a touch football competition, but you still have to have the skill and athletic ability to execute in a 7 on 7 comp. Every team was on even ground with the same rules! Give credit where credit is due. All teams played hard and fought to win. There were some games where some kids were diving to make two hand or one hand tackles(touch)knowing that they could possibly get hurt(and some players did) by diving.Yet in spite of it all, with no helmets or equipment, battled to win! If I’m not mistaken, Pleasentville and Stepenac played that type of football on a double OT game in the semi finals! Well anyway, Thanks Kevin for stopping by. Way to go CROTON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and by the way, somebody out there is worried about Croton’s line, There in the weight room and they will be just fine!
kevin, which games did u watch?
To all of you CHSAA “We’re better than you” people,
You guys brag WAAAAY too much and for the most part don’t know what you are talking about half the time. Through the years Stepinac has been absolutely pathetic in football PATHETIC! Iona Prep had probably their greatest team ever last year…I’ve seen them both play on many occasions throughout the last 50 years, I went to Stepinac in the 1960’s and still root for them, but let me tell you something….. If you don’t think the Rye and Harrison teams through the years would have been competitive with them ….you are 100% wrong. It’s only June and already it looks like all you want to talk about how good you are. Put up some winning seasons over a long period of time before you start spewing. You schedule a game against a decent team from New Jersey and you come on here saying you are playing a “nationally ranked” team. I agree that you haven’t been going out and recruiting every decent player you can find although many posters have accused you of this. Lots of kids would rather play in the CHSAA than at a bad public school BUT now that the economy has tanked I wouldn’t be shocked to see Iona return to it’s longtime mediocre level and Stepinac to it’s dormant level in the AA league against the Cardinal Hayes’ and Cardinal Spellmans of the super league that you both claim to be part of. The Chaminade’s, St. Anthony’s and Farrell’s will continue to win like Rye and Harrison have done in the public school ranks while Iona and Stepinac return to form….bad form.
Frank Fusco alternated at Quarterback for Haldane with Rafael Famighetti.
Jim
You are a complete joke- If Rye played in the CHSFL AAA they would get their butt kicked and that is a fact. I find it amusing that you call the NJ team that Iona is playing a decent team. ARE YOU KIDING ME- BERGEN Catholic would manhandle Rye-last year while you were beating the likes of Nanuet and Byram Hills- Iona was playing St. Anthony and Chaminade. Maybe once this century Rye will get ranked by the liks of ESPN Rise and MSG.
Also you can hoot and hollar about Rye winning the “NYS State Title. That is a watered down State Playoff which dooes not include Long Island,PSAL and CHSFL. As far as I am concerned Orchard Park was the NYS State Champ as you can see from the NYS Sportwriters rankings. Class B is a joke and so you are you if you think Rye would win games in the CHSFL.
pleasantville and the sleepy hollow game if they play in the playoffs is going to be a battle they both will have two strong front lines on defense and morra showed some glimpses of stardom in that rye game last year.
Jim, I dont think you comprehend the english language very well. Iona and Stepinac arent going around bragging, what they are doing is making sure that everyone understands the difference between a kid playing FB in the CHSFL AAA vs Class B. The AAA is like the SEC, Farrell, Xavarian, St. Anthony’s, Chaminade, Holy Trinity and St. Joe’s would squoosh every team in Westchester County other then New Ro. The issue isnt whether kids get recruited or not, its just the point that you can not compare Section 1 AA, A, B, C or D to the CHSFL. Even a team like Cardinal Hayes who finished in 18th place last year has a tackle going to Pitt and their other tackle going to Delaware and 4 juniors getting recruited by D1 schools. A couple weeks back I read that Stepinac has 8 or 9 kids playing college football next year. I bet Rye, Harrison and Somers don’t have 9 combined????? Iona and Stepinac are on a different level then section 1, New Ro can hang with them cause of their athletes, but both those programs are run like college programs and they have to be to compete in the league they play in. I went to a Rye game last year, they happen to be one of the best coached teams in Section 1 but there o/d line is tiny and other then Ramalho they had 0 physical players and they have dominated Harrison in recent years, so please stop comparing public to catholic, cause its like apples and cherries.
Jim
It looks like you want to start with a little trash talking about the CHSFL AAA whic is your perogative. I will attempt to reply with some class.
You stated that Iona Prep will return to being mediocre. First point is that over the last 4 years Iona has been in the CHSFL AAA Championship game twice and the semifinals twice. I do not call that being mediocre. Iona also has very good talent at the younger levels which includes a very talented incoming class next year.
Most observers of the CHSFL AAA will acknowledge tis league as strong top to bottom so you will see a number of teams having around .500 records. Their are no weak teams in the league. last year Iona beat Farrell only 10-0 and Farrell did not qualify for the playoffs. Another example of the balnce and strength of the league is the fact Mount St. Michael is a number 9 seed out of 12 teams in the league.
Your comment about Iona Prep playing only a decent NJ Catholic school in the Meadowlands is way off base because Bergen Catholic is widely recognized as one of the top teams in this region.
While I like Rye and hope that they have successfull seasons I would like to know who they would beat in the CHSFL AAA. I would also like to know how you think Iona would fare if they played a section 1 schedule.
You also make comments about how teams were from the 1960’s etc. That has no bearing on the present day. Back in the 1940’s Fordham University was playing in the Sugar Bowl. Programs like Don Bosco and St. Anthony have built superior programs just in the last 15 years.
Again…Iona has been good for the last few years…they have only been playing in AAA for a short time. Stepinac has always been awful…repeat…has always been awful. No one knocked the CHSAA. All you guys do is knock Section 1 teams. You say that you only want to talk recent history, yet call Bergen Catholic one of the top teams in the region when they are probably the fourth best team in their own league. I agree that competition in CHSAA AAA is great and the teams are very good, but this whole thing started with you guys comparing an unproven sophomore to two of the best players EVER in New York State history, and saying he is already better than one of the best players in Section 1 over the last four years…and your answer for this and all other matters relating to HS football is…”CHSAA AAA….CHSAA AAA… CHSAAA. You have a great league but you are not nearly as good as you think you are. Did you pay attention to the recent HS lacrosse season? I did. I am not as smug as some of you guys…you never will hear me say that Iona’s lacrosse team, despite dominating a “weak” schedule did not have any great players. They couldn’t beat tiny Class B Rye this year despite Rye being a little down and Iona having their best ever senior lax class….they obviously then don’t belong on the same field as Yorktown and the better bigger schools either. Using your arguments for football can it be said that the Iona lacrosse team was thus not good and these players competed against weaker teams and their records as a team and individuals mean nothing?
The laugh of the day is that Rye had no physical players besides Ramahlo. ......I’m sure you saw Rye play…you are the DUMMY…not me you idiot….and check your college rosters. Rye presently has players at Navy, Syracuse, St.Lawrence,Hamilton, John’s Hopkins, and Georgetown amoung others. Several players that had football feelers chose college lacrosse instead(TJ Smith at Ohio State is one that comes to mind), and I did not include Ramahlo or anyone from last year in my list of colleges with Rye players
Jim,
We’re talking about football, not lacrosse, right? Before your initial harangue calling “Stepinac” awful and Iona “mediocre” I didn’t see one negative comment towards Rye or any other Section 1 school. You got upset that someone said an outstanding freshman at Stepinac “might” be in the category of some of the other great big backs in recent Westchester history in a few years or that he was more talented than a particular FB at Rye. Sorry your delicate sensibilities were so insulted. Rye has a fantastic football legacy and great community support. No one denies that and no one has anything bad to say about Rye in that respect.
You say you went to Stepinac in the 60’s? Have you ever heard of Bob Hyland, Tony DeMatteo or Tommy Lee? Stepinac had some outstanding teams throughout the 60’s – what games were you watching? If my memory is correct, Stepinac did have one or two forgetable seasons in the late 60’s or early 70’s, but playing in a league with St Francis Prep, Farrell, Mount, St. John the Baptist, Chaminade, etc, just goes to show you that if your team is weak you can easily end up with a 1 or 2 win season. As much as I think Stepinac has one of the better football programs in Westchester, I would say Iona’s has been even better, at least in the last 20-25 years. Certainly, New Ro, White Plains, Gorton, Roosevelt and North Rockland have had many outstanding teams as well, obviously.
As far as your lacrosse analogy, you’re absolutely right that the CHSAA is not a powerhouse in lacrosse and Iona’s CHSAA competition (outside of Fordham Prep) is probably comparable to Rye’s football competition. Westchester lacrosse seems to be the second best lacrosse area in the state behind Long Island. Most kids in New York city don’t play a lot of lacrosse, but they do play a lot of football and basketball, which is what I believe this blog is about. If Iona Prep lacrosse tried to step it up this year playing several Section 1 powers, I say good for them, if they lost they still played a high level of competition outside of their league and tested themselves against the best around. Are you going to argue that Rye’s football team steps outside of their league to play the best competition around? I guess they’re limited by Section 1/NYPHSAA’s arcane scheduling rules.
Jim,
Quick question that I don’t know the answer to, where is Ramalho playing football next year? I applaud the walk-ons at Syracuse and Navy from Rye, being a walk-on at a I-A football school is not an easy task and quite an accomplishment.
Jim
So now you are comparing Iona Lacrosse to Rye- I have enough sense to know that Rye does have a stronger lacrosse program than Iona. My children attend Resurrection in Rye and all the kids in my sons 1st grade class have Rye Youth Lacrosse shorts. Iona is making an attempt to build a solid Lacrosse program so they might one day field a stronger team.
You are completely wrong about Bergen Catholic not being one of the top teams in the region. Year in and year out they are ranked by several news services as a top team in the east. You say they are decent because they are ranked behind Don Bosco, St. Joseph Montvale and St. Peters Prep. You need to see these NJ Catholics play before you make these type of comments.
Also your comments about Stepinac being pathetic is outlandish. last year Stepinac easily beat a White Plains team that made it to the semifinals of the Section 1 AA playoffs were they gave New Rochelle a very tough game. This is the same Stepinac team that did not qualify for the eight team CHFSL AAA playoffs. that should tell you something right there about the strength of the league.
You still did not answer the question of how Rye would fare in the CHSFL AAA and how Stepianc and Iona would do in section 1.
This is not Lax page, talk Lax somewhere.
Talk lax somewhere else please
I am friends with numerous coaches in the CHSFL and based on my interpetation Stepinac would of been the 4 seed in the AAA playoffs if they beat Xavarian the last game of the season and would of played a banged up Chaminade team that they nearly beat at Chaminade at home (and would of set up a potential semi-final rematch with Iona). Which in my opinion was the most physical game of the season in Westchester County in 2008.
Background for Jim and the rest of the non-Iona guys. Xavarian’s QB went to Purdue, there OG went to Virginia, Wr went to Holy Cross and MLB went to Hofstra it was there Homecoming game and Stepinac lost 28 to 22 with potentially the best player in the league (Mo Easterling) going down the 3rd play of the game and Tyrell Goodman going down early in the 2nd quarter.
I mention all this because that game is what seperated the 4-9 seeds in the AAA.
I never thought I would wish for more Harrison-Rye debates!! At least they play and have a history.
CHSFL teams will not play a Section 1 team. It is not in their best intrest. If they win, everyone will say they should of. If they lose they will never hear the end of it and it will put their recruiting back years.
Enough of the shoulda, coulda, woulda!!
CHSFL
Stepinac accounted for themselves very well last year in the CHSFL AAA as they also played a very physical St. Joseph team from Staten Island tough.
Stepinac is currently an overall top 7 program in Westchester.
[...] Original post: 7-on-7 heaven [...]
CHSFL:
VERY GOOD POINTS.
IONAPOWER:
VERY GOOD POINTS AS WELL. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT YOU ARE AS GOOD AS YOUR COMPETITION AS IN ANY SPORT. STEPINAC WHO FINISHED AROUND 500 LAST YEAR DESTROYED WPLAINS FOR THE 3RD YEAR IN A ROW – WHO IS A “AA” SCHOOL.
I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW SOME PEOPLE JUST LOOK AT WINS AND LOSSES AND NOT THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION.
?
All you have to do is look at college football- Look at the SEC- Last year teams like LSU and Georgia had about 3-4 losses and that was because of the strength of the league.
This year I can see Iona Prep going lets say 7-3 because they are on the road at St. Anthony, St. Joseph, Holy Trinity of Long Island, and Xaverian. Home games include Farrell, Chaminade, and Holy Cross with a game againt Bergen Catholic.
If anyone does not think that is a brutal schedule then they are clueless. Iona would have to get a lot of breaks and some luck to go undefeated. Realistically they will have a few losses which will then cause some people to question whether they are one of the better teams in this area.
CHSFL:
GREAT POST!
No need for you to interpret. I was told directly by a coach from the CHSFL AAA league that the Xaverian game was a play in for Stepinac to get to the AAA playoffs. And they lost so what did they do they went and made it BACK to the CHSFL AA Championship… and trust me they appear to have enough offensive talent to cause a lot of AA headaches… Is it me or is obvious that public school advocates are a little jealous. Yes the CHSFL gets alot of respect but THEY DESERVE IT…. just like New Rochelle and the other top public schools get a ton of respect becuase they deserve it…
IonaPower or IonaPrep Crazed:
Why wasn’t Mack at the 7 on 7?
To all Doubters of the CHSFL –
There is a reason why these kids parents are sending them to Catholic schools. Lets forget about the so called “scholarship” athletes for a minute. Iona Prep and Stepinac have over 100 other players in their programs who are paying the full ride to play there. Whats the explanation for that. Even if we all agreed that the schools gave out athletic scholarships (which we DON’T agree on) you still have 95% of the team paying to attend the school! Why are they there? You can’t use the free ride excuse for them!!! Plain and simple the opportunity at a Private school is better than at a public. For example Mt Vernon H.S. Football vs Cardinal Hayes Football. Neither program is having tons of success in their division but Hayes is still sending kids to D1A and D1AA schools each and every year. They have a kid who has been offered by Rutgers and Syracuse and another who has been offered by Rutgers and Uconn who will be seniors this fall. Why do you think that is? Why do u think they go 2-6 and still send kids D-1….. must be a tough league to play in…
What do you think?
IonaPower
Where was Mack at?
The best example of why the CHSFL is a strong league is Cardinal Hayes. As someone mentioned before on the blogs.. They sent 1 kid D1 this year and 1 kid D1AA. They already have 2 kids who have been offered for next year by schools such as Rutgers, Syracuse and U Conn. With 2 more expected to go D1AA.
What was their record last year? 6-5. Preseason rank of 19 out of 21! This year they are ranked #18 with 4 college scholarship athletes returning… MUST be a tough league to play in!!! Stepinac missed the playoffs in the AAA, and graduated 9 college football players… MUST BE A TOUGH LEAGUE…..
The CHSFL has a Kicker going D1… Do you have any idea how hard it is to go D1 as a place kicker?????
Crusader Watch
I heard that he was either playing over the weekend at the AAU Tournament called the Rumble in the Bronx or was visiting UCONN.
IonaPower
How many kids from Iona’s championship team do you think will play college football?
Crusader Watch
I would say between 5-8 kids at various different levels from Division 1A through Division 3.
if we’re talking about local high school football, you can’t forget about Rye Neck! They are on their way to a great season.
FOLLOW THE BLACKHATS!
football fan… seriously
Iona boys….Do you really think I was “talking” lacrosse or making a football point by comparing it to another sport. Go back and read what I wrote…if you can comprhend it….I am saying you don’t have to be in the top league to be a top player or even a top team for that matter. Being a doormat in the CHSAA does not make you a good team. As for Tommy Lee….he is a longtime friend of mine. Do you remember Bill Henry and Bobby Santangelo and thr rest of the guys from the “great” 2 loss team of 1967? At the time they were called the best team ever at Stepinac and if you think they could have beaten teams like Sleepy Hollow, Ossining and Harrison that year…you’re nuts. Bob Hyland was a stud for Stepinac, but that does not mean the teams at Stepinac were good cause they weren’t. Ask him if you don’t believe me.
Jim
Since you seem to feel the CHSFL AAA is overated where do you rank it in relation to the various section 1 leagues or any other league in the metropolitan area.
jim:
you are a complete tool. you sound like you are ashamed that you went to stepinac and you are bashing the school. you stated that stepinac has been aweful? iona just got good? bob hyland – nfl / eric ogobo – nfl – the choquette brothers????? section 1 is weeeaaaakkk and everyone knows it – i would pay to see harrison / rye / somers / sleepy hollow / ossining play in the chsfl “aa” forget the “aaa” – did you play at stepinac or were you the towel boy that got beat up?
?.....Yes I was a towel boy just as you are a tool boy. BTW, how does Stepinac stand record wise vs White Plains since they started playing? Your three year 3-0 record is a ripple not a wave. Iona same question vs NR ?
Iona Power…I rank the CHSAA as the #1 league. That was never my point if you go back and read what I said. Just because someone played in the NFL does not make the kid’s HS team good. The big kid from Harrison who got a full boat at Wisconsin, Weineger, was maybe the fifth best player on his HS team and maybe two or three lineman were as good or better HS players than him. He was the 6’6” 285 guy so he got the shot. Although most of the best HS players I’ve seen went on to play in college….some of the best of them didn’t. A good friend plays football at Union College in Schnectady…a good D-3 program. They dress about 90 for home games and travel with 60. Two seasons ago about 6-7 kids from Bergen Catholic were recruitted and wound up there. None traveled as freshman and only two were still there for sophomore year. So yes , seven kids “played” college football, but five had the proverbial cup of coffee and two became warm bodies…with a chance to play their junior and senior seasons. Again, this is not the way to judge a HS team. Do I think Class B football is as good as CHSAA AAA football…of course not, but have I seen A and B teams that could step up for a game or two and compete ? You better believe it. The 1999 Harrison team and the 2005 Rye team come to mind. Ask Coach D at New Rochelle what he thinks about those two Class B squads if you think I’m such a dummy. I’m also not embarassed that I went to Stepinac…just telling you what I think.
Jim
I am sure you were a stud athlete back in the 1960’s.
I have spoken with a coach of a major section 1 aa program who has been around for many years and is highly successfull about this topic.
One of his points was that the main difference between section 1 AA and the CHSFL AAA is the depth and balance between the teams. He was sure that the top teams in a given year would be able to do well in the CHSFL. I would agree with that point.
Your point about New Rochelle vs Iona is again now a poor example as the teams have not played for so long. Also the dynamics of Iona Prep have changed in that it is a more diversified student body than it was when the were playing in the 1970’s and 1980’s
Using New Rochelle and Iona Prep as an example I think we would all agree that over the last 3 years the programs have been at the same level. Three years ago Iona was 6-5 and made the semi’s and New Rochelle probably won 10 games. I think if the roles were reversed Iona would have won 10 games and New Rochelle would have taken some losses. Realistically Iona will have some losses this year with a team that has more talent than last year due to the balance of the league. Section 1 has a number of excellent teams but the bottom half of a number of divisions is very weak which is a major advantage for the power teams in each league.
CFF
i heard stepinacs defense was good during the 7 on 7.
Ok Jim, since you seem to have such a firm grip on Westchester Football tell me who would beat Stepinac in Westchester County over the last couple years? And if you say Rye, I am going to no longer acknowledge any of your posts.
Here is my list:
1. Iona
2. New Rochelle
Maybe Ray Rice can talk John McGhee qb of New Rochelle to rethink about staying with the fottball program! He has been a shining star for New Rochelle and I hate to see him not play in his last year.
Jim,
I remember Lee, Henry, Santangelo and others. Stepinac lost to an undefeated Iona team in front of about a million people in a 40-38(?) shootout. If I’m not mistaken the only other loss that year was to St Francis Prep. Also, if I’m not mistaken Stepinac beat New Rochelle that year. Are you saying that New Rochelle wasn’t as good as Rye, Harrison, Ossining etc in the 60’s? Iona won the championship that year led by QB Howie Burke. Bob Hyland’s teams at Stepinac were excellent from what I remember. I know in addition to Bob, several of those guys played college football as well. I also think at least one of Hyland’s teams beat New Rochelle. If we all can agree that White Plains and New Rochelle were the top Section 1 teams in the 60’s, I don’t think it makes sense to call Stepinac “awful” if they were beating New Rochelle. Stepinac and White Plains didn’t start playing each other until the 70’s I think. Admittedly, WP has the upperhand in the football rivalry with Stepinac, fortunately it seems the tides have turned in recent years. As far as the Iona/NR, I think its close to even and I would’ve picked Iona each of the last several years since the graduation of Ray Rice.
One of the great teams at Harrison or Rye could likely compete or beat a below average Stepinac team. No one has said otherwise. The original comments came from you when you objected to someone else making a comparison between the freshman running back at Stepinac to a young Bernstein or Maldonado. You really didn’t make any actual points, you just called Stepinac’s teams “awful” and IOna’s “average”. Stepinac and Iona right now are probably in the top 3 teams in Westchester as someone else said above over the past few years so using hazy and false recollections about 40 years ago isn’t the best way to prove a point about today.
Keep in mind that if either New Rochelle or White Plains make it past one playoff game, they do not play their cross town rivalry game against the CHSAA team hence, for example, Iona never faced the Ray Rice team at NR. Stepinac has actually won a few over some not so good White Plains teams after getting manhandled for a long time. For your information, Scarsdale was much better than New Rochelle during the late 60’s. During the early 60’s Rye beat Scarsdale like a drum. Lot’s of players on lots of HS team play college football. Bob Hyland’s Stepinac teams still were not good. What makes you think that someone beating New Rochelle in any given year is a prerequisite for greatness? AA football in section 1 does not have a trmendous amount of balance. North Rockland has also been good through the years,and Roosevelt (Yonkers) also had a nice run, but that is about it. “A ” ball with Harrison, Ossining, Nyack, Yorktown and a slew of others has been where the best competition and balance is and this year Rye will be in the mix with these teams. Yeah they have been dominating the B’s here in the section, and other than a great Sleepy Hollow team a couple of years ago have gone pretty much unchallanged over their recent run BUT the Chinango Forks and Oneida teams from upstate were VERY good. I think Stepinac would have had their hands full with Ossining, Nyack Rye, Harrison and the like over the last couple years….and ?....Rye was better than Stepinac over this period whether you like it or not.
there is only one thing for sure about the up-coming football season in section 1 and that is… jim is a tool!
Jim
Sorry Jim last year Rye would not have beaten Stepinac.
I watched Rye against Byram Hills, Harrison, and Nanuet while I watched Stepinac against Iona Prep, Fordham Prep and White Plains and in my opinion the level of competition that Rye saw was weak. Stepinac had more speed and size than Rye. Maurice Easterling would have presented major problems for Rye just like he did against Iona Prep.
The question for you Jim is last year who on Rye’s schedule could be mentioned in the same breath as teams like New Rochelle, Iona Prep, North Rockland, Carmel Ossining St Anthony etc.
Jim,
I don’t even believe you went to Stepinac anymore because there is no possible way that a graduate from that fine institution could be as misinformed as you are. You didn’t read me say those Stepinac teams were “great”, I just objected to you calling them “awful” – they probably fell between good-very good and maybe a little better than that with Tommy Lee or Bob Hyland. New Rochelle was never awful, so if a few Stepinac teams beat New Rochelle’s teams at the time I’d deduct that Stepinac was far from awful. Don’t you remember those great Big 5 matchups with New Rochelle, Iona, Stepinac, Mount and Mt Vernon? Even in a bad year, Stepinac was probably still top 10 a football team in Westchester. In a good year, they’ve probably always been top 3-4 or better.
Your logic is that Rye beat Scarsdale in the early 60’s, Scarsdale then beat New Rochelle in the late 60’s (so you say), so you use that rational to say Rye was as good as anyone in the entire decade? Please, thats absurd. Let me know the last time Rye beat New Rochelle, White Plains, Roosevelt or North Rockland. Rye is the best “small school” football program in Westchester and maybe the state. I love the football tradition Rye has and the rivalry with Harrison. But please, 9 times out of 10 Rye cannot match up with a Stepinac, Iona, New Ro when it comes to speed in the backfield or size on the lines. You agree the CHSFL is the best league in the state, yet in the 60’s Stepinac finished near the top of the CHSFL 3 or 4 times, yet you still call them “awful”. You sound like an old-benchwarmer with a mysterious ax to grand 40+ years later. I’d like to see that conversation. As far as the last couple years, I don’t know anyone outside of Rye who thinks Rye could beat Stepinac. Ask neutral observer Kevin Devaney what he thinks. Is there anyone on Rye who could catch/stop Rashaad Slowley or Maurice Easterling?
Lastly, I’m excited to see Rye play this year in the A league. I think they still have a chance to win it. Should be good to watch them play against better teams.
Jim, when was the last time you watched Stepinac play? 1985? News-flash, they dont run the wing T anymore! In fact, they dont even huddle anymore and they are a sophisticated offensive and defensive team with 5 or 6 high caliber athletes that teams like Rye never played against. This is a rebuilding year for them and they still have 3 or 4 of the best players in County (Gilligan-Evans,Powell,Goodman). You are completely clueless. As for teams that can compete: Nyack and Ossining have the players to hang with Stepinac but they are not coached on the same level in terms of complexity, discipline and in game adjustments. Both those programs are used to being the more athletic team on the field, Step doesnt have that luxury playing in the CHSFL. Artie and Dino do a great job for their programs but unfortunately they would not be able to matchup on the perimeter with Stepinac in 2007, 2008 and based on seeing them at White Plains last week, 2009.
Tyrell goodman is going to be one of the best players next year hands down
Jim
Before you call Iona Prep a mediocre program why don’t you take a look at whta Kevin Devaney wrote for this past year.
Move over, Sammy Maldonado. Make room, Harold Gayden. Jeff Mack might have outdone you both.
The Iona Prep junior had one the greatest individual performance in a championship game this area has ever seen tonight in the CHSFL AAA championship. Mack rushed for 394 yards and seven touchdowns in a 48-35 victory over St. Anthony’s at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Long Island.
Iona Prep finishes the season 12-0, undefeated for the first time since 1967, and ends St. Anthony’s seven-year reign as Catholic champs.
The numbers Mack put up in this game are almost too great to wrap your brain around. Harold Gutmann covered the game and I’m anxious to steal his notebook on Monday and look at this play by play.
Greg Schuster of Clarkstown North set the Rockland County record with 382 yards and seven touchdowns in a 61-56 non-playoff bowl game against Scarsdale last season. If you remember back to 1998, Maldonado scored seven touchdowns and rushed for 355 yards in the Section 1 Class C championship win over Sleepy Hollow. In 1981, Harold Gayden of Sleepy Hollow rushed for 403 yards in a loss to Lourdes. Shockingly, Gayden didn’t get the MVP of the game since his team lost.
Mack won and took home the hardware. We can debate which one is the best forever. But to do it against St. Anthony’s in the title game is really something special.
We can also now discuss Iona Prep’s place among the best teams in the Lower Hudson Valley this decade. I won’t go all-time because my knowledge only goes back to the late 90s.
I’ll always say that the New Rochelle of 2004 was the best I’ve seen — yes, even though it lost and the 2003 team won it all. In my opinion, here’s the short list of the best teams of the decade:
1. New Rochelle 2004
2. New Rochelle 2003
3. Nyack 2000
4. Iona Prep 2008
5. Mount St. Michael 2006
6. Nyack 2003
7. Iona Prep 2005
8. Edgemont 2000
9. New Rochelle 2000
10. Harrison 2002
Croton Tigers won this tourney not any of these fore mentioned teams. Can someone on here appreciate the new talent, a class C runner up and now this impressive performance in this shootout. Lets drop the Stepinac gig. Tralli and Dorien were a class act, does nobody agree? Not to mention how our two backs looked strong, M. Tralli and Keppler running routes.
Tigers are quick on offense this upcoming season, i think this tourney, while being a rough sketch, may prove that.
Mount Vernon football can beat Stepinac this year. We have a sleeping giant. Coach Wright will get it right this year.
Stepinacs scheduled is so weak Jim will rush for 1,000 yards. Stepinac should be ashamed of themselves.Ford, Hayes, Christ the king? come on please. Stepinac will have 3- 1,000 yards rushers.
For starters, 7 on 7 competitions make better football players and teams. When Wing T teams are doing 7 on 7s, yes it’s stupid to tell who looks good. There is a national invitational for 7 on 7 competition and Texas runs a sanctioned state championship during the summer. 7 on 7s matter when you leave the stone ages.
As for CHSAA vs Section 1 debates, it all depends on the teams. The CHSAA league is by far the best around. They have better teams, players, and more professional styles of play. Every week is a new offense. Stepinac is coming around a little bit, but they’re not a good representation of the league at all. Rye 2005 would’ve absolutely won a AA title in the CHSAA. Playing the entire AAA schedule would’ve left them beat up I’m going to assume like it does to every AAA team. Since Iona went to the spread like 4-5 years ago, they’re the best or 2nd best team in Section 1 every single time no matter what type of record they had, and THAT shows you how good that league is. Look at college rosters and you’ll see it as well. There are kids from the CHSAA all over the ACC, Big East, and Big 10.
Whether that’s talent or just because nobody gets recruited in Section 1 is another story. If everyone would get on board with Keith Fagan and open their minds a bit, maybe that would change as well. You guys seem to not think 7 on 7s, combines, publications, competitions, new offenses, or putting names in front of coaches eyes mean anything.
When I get a schedule that is more conducive to HS football again (hopefully soon), I’ll be back in the mix as Section1Guy, but you guys have to step up and realize the football culture has to change in our area. We don’t have to be Texas, but we could be New Jersey.
John Malone
Great points on the development of Iona since they incorporated the spread offense. More teams in the CHSfL AAA are now running this offense which will make the league that much harder. Xaverian who have had a big rise in the last year runs the spread with their QB Najee Taylor getting a full ride to Purdue. Holy Cross who gave Iona a tough game runs the spread and had probably the most speed in the league. Chaminade has started to run the spread but it was obvious they did not have the speed. You need to have speed to run the spread offense. Farrell which always produces good QB’s also ran the spread.
As far as section 1 teams I have noticed North Rockland who always ran the power I now running the spread. I would not be surprised if you see New Rochelle run the spread in the future. I think Rye should incorporate it as well becuase their QB Eck will be a very good player for the next 2 years.
I watched Eck , at the 7 on 7 . He is very impressive. I hope he gets around to some college camps. He could have some success at them. Nice size kids, with strong arm. I want to see Rye play this year. I would think Rye would throw the ball alittle more this year. Rye’s WR’s look good also.
These are High School Kids, Doesnt matter what conference you play in. In a head to head matchup Stepinac and Rye would be a dog fight.
There has been a lot of talk about the Super 11, so for all you people who are wondering, Here is the list you are sure to see in August!
In no particular order:
1) T. Woodson – Iona
2) J. Mack – Iona
3) L. DiRienzo, Jr. – New Ro
4) R. Schilling – Carmel
5) M. Brereton – Mahopac
6) S. Sulla – North Rockland
7) D. Degree – Ossining
9) J. Tralli – Croton
10) J. Powell – Stepinac
11) R. Nichols – Nyack
That’s it folks, that’s the list, so don’t even try and come up with one on your own, because it won’t be better than that one. print this list out and save it and I guarantee I’ll be right on at least 9 of 11, if not nailed 11 out of 11!!!
j. powell not , dirienza not, bronner iona wr yes, gadson iona de yes, big goergy iona de yes. need more iona prep kids on here.
Great Article in Five Boro Sports about Jeff mack
Jeffrey Mack had finally made his decision. Well, the performance did for him, at least.
Nov. 22, he ran for 393 yards and scored seven touchdowns in a historic, 48-35 upset over juggernaut St. Anthony’s in the CHSFL Class AAA championship game, snapping the Friars’ six-year league reign.
“I should just play football,” Mack, a Bronx native, thought to himself that night after the breathtaking effort.
The next day, he dished out 10 assists in a scrimmage for the Iona Prep basketball team and was told by coach Vic Quirolo, who also runs the football program, he would be an integral part of that team, too.
“I thought why not build on that,” he said.
So, in a nutshell, that’s why Mack, a 5-foot-7 specimen with legs like tree trunks and well-defined arms, is still juggling the two, football and basketball, working on running drills in the morning, playing AAU basketball in the afternoon and lifting weights at night.
He is the better football player – Maryland and Pittsburgh have offered him scholarships – but he is expected to be the starting point guard for the defending CHSAA Class A champion Gaels on the hardwood. He is an important piece to Hassani Stewart’s Raising Champions, a high-profile program that takes part in showcase tournaments across the country. Xavier and Holy Cross have shown interest.
“His speed,” Stewart said, “changes the game.”
Stewart credits Mack with his team’s recent turnaround. He is the first player off the bench, but sees starter’s minutes, as the team’s lead guard, orchestrator and playmaker. Teammate Mike Poole, a rising senior at St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), calls Mack a natural leader.
“He always impresses me,” Poole said.
Poole wasn’t aware of Mack’s many football accomplishments. He was in awe.
“Most people can only concentrate on one sport to be really good at,” he said. “To be good at both, that’s a real talent.”
Stewart, who has seen plenty of Mack’s exploits on a football field, thinks it would be a mistake to pick one sport.
“That’s Charlie Ward in the making,” he said, referring to the former New York Knicks point guard, who was an All-American quarterback at Florida State and also started for the basketball team in the backcourt.
Said Mack: “I’m trying to give my all in both.”
Mack picked up basketball first, at the age of six, a year before taking to football. He was always exceptional on the gridiron, one of the hardest hitters on his team. He was also naturally gifted in basketball; his quickness led to frequent fast-break layups.
When college coaches call Mack’s Bronx home, his father, Rev. Jeffrey Mack, has to ask which sport they are calling for.
Athletics isn’t his only forum of excellence. Mack is an honor roll student at Iona Prep and a drummer and choir singer at his local church. Somehow, he finds time for everything – his studies, his sports and even his musical pursuits.
“It’s nonstop,” he said.
Iona Prep has tutoring sessions, before and after school for athletes. When he comes home, Mack eats dinner, studies and then works out while watching television.
“Whatever he’s doing, he gives 100 percent,” his father said. “He just brings it.”
Mack said he knows there may come a day when he has to make a choice between the two. He will ultimately choose football; it’s the sport with the better upside, albeit far more dangerous. For now, he is happy juggling between the two.
“I’m trying to raise my game in both,” he said.
zbraziller@fiveborosports.com
ionaprepcrazed
bronner gadson and georgy are great players but they are not all super 11 gadson wasnt even a full time starter last year so how can he be super 11 now
ionaprepcrazed
I like the fact that you are excited about the program but it is a little crazy to have 5 players from Iona on the super 11. Lets be happy for now if Mack and Tyrae are on it.
The list needs to be balanced among different schools.
Jack Bramswig of Pleasantville should certainly be a Super 11.
for the Super 11, how about Matt Deiana and Cole Mccormack.
I like that list but I would add Deianna instead of Powell and maybe Mccormack instead of Traili. Kevin what do u think?
Bobby Smalls from Sleepy Hollow should definetly be in the mix for super 11.
John Malone you stated:
“Stepinac is coming around a little bit, but they’re not a good representation of the league at all”
Stepinac won the “AA” chip in 2007 and lost in the chip in 2008 to a very good holy trinity team – not sure how they are not a good representation. They are obviously not on the level of iona / st. anthony’s but i think last season they proved they can play with anyone in the “AAA” in fact they were one of the few teams that gave iona a good game.
ionaprep-crazed:
it is not stepinac’s fault that they have that schedule – if the league wasn’t based on power rankings i would bet stepinac would play in the “AAA” again.
Enough with the comparisons of section 1 and chsfl. New Ro is the only consisitent good football program in section 1 and if they played iona last year they would have lost. Rye is good relatively speaking but you will never know how good b/c they competition is a joke – that’s the reality.
Just like with basketball westchester county is getting a little out of hand on what teams / individuals are good or not good – who’s division 1…etc. – enough is enough already. nice article on jeff mack – but now he is
d1 bball? – did i misread that! it’s getting out of control.
Stepinac was in the AAA for this upcoming season. When Moore Catholic dropped out of league the CHSFL realigned schedule & Stepinac will now play a AA schedule the league has given them.
Stepinac has approximately 500 students. They never have more then 40 varsity players and usually have 3 or 4 sophs or in Gilligan-Evan’s case frosh playing varsity. Coach O’Donnell and his young/aggressive staff do an amazing job competing against schools twice their size. And if you ask anyone on their staff they are not trying to compete with huge schools like St. Anthony’s, they are just trying to develop kids and be a tough team in November, whether its in the AA or AAA league.
Rye is good relatively speaking? Rye football is legendary and has lost 1 game in 4 years, 1 game! Stepinac will never be on their level, and to say Rye is relatively good is absurd. What people fail to realize is that in the last 3,4 years Rye has beaten Harrison when Harrison was atop Class A, and years where people said Harrison could have beaten anybody. These Stepinac fans are pathetic, their team has always been pathetic, except for the last 2 years,n and they will never be a Rye, Iona, New Rochelle program.
“iona fan”
Being the 9th and 10th best team in the CHSFL is hardly representing the CHSAA. Sorry. That’s also the best Stepinac has performed in God knows how long. They also have a Turkey Bowl streak, congratulations. When was White Plains any good in the last few years?
Also, we’re talking about historically not over the course of 2 years. I’ve watched Stepinac play at least 1 game for 22 years that I can actually remember (I’m only 26), and Stepinac has never ever ever been a team that represents the CHSAA.
If you want to use Stepinac as a team that could’ve beaten a lot of team in Section 1 the last two years, okay I’ll give you that considering Stepinac is no better than 9th or 10th ever.
For super 11, there won’t be more than 2 Iona players Woodson and Mack.
Sulla, Nichols, and probably one other Rockland player will make it on. Are there any linemen that are good enough because Brereton and Degree won’t be the only ones.
Deiana will absolutely be on the list. You gotta have someone from Rye and New Rochelle. Is DiRienzo that guy? I don’t know.
Tralli is a nice player but won’t make this list. He’s one of the odd men out.
I don’t see anybody from Stepinac making it.
Iona deserves to have Morris Hilton as super 11 also.
Ionapower.
It is no fairness in this game. The best is the best. Name a better lineback then Morris Hilton. 3 year starting middle linebacker.
Super 11
Dieana from Somers has to be on the list. He had a great season last year.
Eck from Rye although he is only a junior, Lacetti from Ossining should be in the discussion.
Rye, Harrison, North Rockland and Fox Lane usually have at least one stud lineman. Any for consideration this year?
john malone:
after reading your quote…no offense but you are young and need to do your homework/research. there is much more tradition/history at stepinac then almost any high school in the county. this year alone 8 players are going on to college to play – wether it is d2 or d3 or d1aa. you can talk about recent years, 2 years, the past 10 years, the 50s, the 7os…etc…bottom line is that if you want your son/brother/cousin..etc to go to a fine academic school and become a better person / student / athlete – stepinac is a great choice. tradition is tradition and stepinac has tons of it…ask around…and please ask credible people! this goes the same for fordham prep / iona prep / mount / rye / harrison / new ro – all solid schools / programs – one better then the next!
john aside from players just do your research on stepinac alumni who are currently successful high school football coaches…i’ll start with 3 – tony dematteo / vic quirolo / mike odonnell…it’s not just about wins / losses and meaningless journal news rankings and that is the problem with westchester in all sports.
Since there are so many Stepinac posters and a lot of talk about past stepinac teams I’m going to ask a question I’ve asked before on this blog and haven’t had any responses. I former coach of Stepinacs name is Billy Kane. I believe he ran a class act program and a very sucessful one during the years he was there. Do any of you former step fans or players have any feedback on Coach Kane? Only asking for positive reasons as I am very close with his fam and have heard many step stories but need some backround info to validate what I’ve heard. In my opinion having heard past memories it sounds as though Coach Kane knew what he was doing.
ionaprep crazed
Morris Hilton is the best MLB in the area – He also would be one of the better offensive players if he was given the chance.
I remember two years ago when he was going to be a sophomore he tore up the Champions Camp – No one could tackle him.
Last year at iona camp, iona prep was installing the same defense that new rochelle was already running, so they were running drills together. Far and away the two best in the group were morris hilton and Lou Dirienzo. Dirienzo is by far the best linebacker in section 1 being a 3 year starter (not just because of his dad)and should definitely be super 11. Watch any new rochelle game tape from last year and watch him consistently making plays sideline to sideline
10801
I agree that Lou Dirienzo is without a doubt one of the top defensive players in the area. If you are good enough to start at New Rochelle as a sophomore then you are worthy of being a super 11 player.
What is the schedule for New Rochelle looking like? It would be nice to see a cross over game with either Carmel or North Rockland. I have heard that White Plains has some very good JV players from last year so I expect that game to abe a good one.
Im not to sure of the schedule, i think it is the league games and one crossover which hasn’t been determined yet but will most likely be either JJEF, Carmel, or No rock. That being said, i really think new rochelle will get their running game back on track. They are very young, and maybe as fast as they have ever been. Go look at the 40 times from the section one combine.
The New Rochelle 2009 Schedule is as follows:
Week 1 @ MT. Vernon
Week 2 Gorton
Week 3 Lincoln
Week 4 Scarsdale
Week 5 @ White Plains (Friday Night under the Lights!)
Week 6 Cross-Over (Cross-over game will be determined by 2008 & 09 League Record. 1 v 2, 3 v 4, etc.)
Week 7 Sectional Playoffs or Match-up game
Week 8 Sectional Playoffs or Match-up Game
Week 9 Sectional Championship or Match-up Game
Billy Kane- Stepinac, Hennessy- Westlake, John Consorti [ Briarcliffe], Tony Becerra- Pleasantville, Bernie Connolly – Monroe Woodbury, Brian Connolly – Edgemont, Vito Priore- Bronxville, Don Dematteo – Gorton, Tony Dematteo, Roosevelt & Somers, Vic Quirolo – Iona were all Stepinac Alumni who have gone on to be Head Coaches in area. A pretty impressive group I might say. One mistake Coach O’D did not go to Stepinac- He has just been there for 30 years – so everyone assumes he went there.
Joe Cassarella- North Rockland also attended Stepinac But left after a few years
Rob Ianello is the Asst head Coach & recruiting coor @ Notre Dame was a Step grad as well as William & Mary’s Coach Brendan Nugent. I guess that gives Stepinac a little tradition & alot of good people must have learned something good at that awful football program your talking about.
any qbs besides samuels going to make it?
John Malone,
I applaud your enthusiasm for football, but lets have a little perspective. I’m going to guess despite your amazing 22 years of watching Stepinac play football, you didn’t know much about the game when you were 4 years old at the beginning of those 22 years. You always seem to post subtly anti-Stepinac comments, though nothing outrageous like some of the other clowns around here. You’re certainly entitled to root for the teams you like and have your preferences.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Stepinac had a few teams which reached the CHSFL AAA semi-finals, since then they’ve reached and won the AA final several times but not reached the AAA finals. Main reason being, school size. The CHSFL AAA schools (most of them being on LI and Staten Island) are huge in addition to St Francis Prep in Queens. If the CHSFL was set up based purely on school size, Stepinac would never be in the AAA, they would always stay in the AA with similar sized schools. Last year when Stepinac competed in the AAA and came within an injury to Maurice Easterling from being the 5th seed in the CHSFL playoffs I would say thats a pretty good “representation.” You seem to fault Stepinac for not being a top 4 perennial team in the CHSFL. You can’t fault Stepinac for not being a top 4 CHSFL team, unless you also want to fault Ossining, Harrison, Rye or any of the other A sized schools for not being top 4 in all of section 1. Stepinac is equivalent in size to other CHSFL AAA teams as Section 1 A schools are to AA. We’ll never really know if Rye or Harrison is better than a North Rockland or Carmel or White Plains because they’ll never play eachother. At least Stepinac gets to prove on the field every year where they fit in.
Saying Stepinac is not a good representation of CHSFL teams is awfully cryptic. I don’t even know what you really mean by that. If being a good representation of the CHSFL is having very good teams, with excellent coaches, some outstanding players and every year sending several players onto play college football, then I would say Stepinac is a good representation of the CHSFL. If you “representation” only accounts for the top 4 or 5 teams in a given year, then I guess Stepinac isn’t a great representation of the CHSFl and Rye, Ossining, Harrison, etc aren’t good “representations” of Section 1.
John Malone,
I’m impressed you knew all of those local coaches who started their careers playing at Stepinac. There must be something good going on at Stepinac all these years to have all those coaches come out of the program. Regardless of whatever metric you want to use, Stepinac’s football program ranks near the top of programs in Westchester County. Amount of future coaches to come out of a school, amount of players to play at the next level, amount of players to play big-time college football, future NFL players, etc, etc. I’m not saying Stepinac is or was better than New Rochelle or White Plains or Iona overall, but obviously those rivalries were and are competitive. For my money, I thought Stepinac was the second best team in Westchester in 2008. Iona was far and away #1. I would’ve taken Stepinac over New Rochelle in what would’ve been an incredible game. Just my opinion.
Keith Fagan
That White Plains game on Friday Night should be a very good game. White Plains I feel is a program that could have the potential to be right up there in New Rochelle and North Rockland.
An opener against Mount Vernon is probably also a first for New Rochelle,
With that being said you can pencil in New Rochelle for the Week 9 sectional championship and I guess I will be attending Stepinac – White Plains again because Iona and New Rochelle will not be played on Thanksgiving.
Iona Power,
The White Plains Games last year were very good games. In the first game, we kind of had all the luck on our side, and at one point had been out-gained by 100 yards of offense yet had a 2 TD lead. Tough break for White Plains. The second game was just as hard fought. Coach Stevens and his staff at White Plains do a tremendous job, so we know that game will always be very tough to win, and this year in particular very exciting under the lights. I hope the large stands at White Plains are full and we have 2, 3,000 people at the game like we had a couple of years ago when we played John Jay CR. I know that New Rochelle – Mt. Vernon have opened the season against each other before, and I’m pretty sure the last time a Coach D led New Rochelle team lost to Mt. Vernon is was on opening day. Let’s face it, the old cliche of “You can throw the records out when those two teams play each other” is never more appropriate when talking about the New Rochelle – Mt. Vernon rivalry. If you look at the total body of work since Coach Wright has been at Mt. Vernon, you will see a program on the rise, with tremendous coaching and athletes. Mt. Vernon is in the Top 10 in AA in wins since he has been there, so they are never to be taken lightly. Last year was a tough year for them record wise, but look at our game. 14-6 final score, with us scoring a TD with under 2 minutes left in the game to seal it. And, if not for a fumbled snap on their 2 pt conversion try, we might have been losing 8-7 for much of the fourth quarter. All that, and we only return 4 starters (3 players) from last year’s team. So, I guess what I’m saying is, although I do appreciate the compliment, please do not pencil us in for anything resembling the playoffs just yet, we have a bunch of games we need to win before we even think about making the playoffs this year.
Keith Fagan
I actually made the trip up to Cross River and that was some win that night. Crazy atmosphere and great game. The difference in that game was your speed on the perimeter.
White Plains I was told has some very good young talent so I expect a very competitive game. Mount Vernon has some tough kids and some good speed and size. Anything can happen in a rivalry like this. I remember about 25 years ago Roosevelt with Tony Dematteo who won section 1 played Saunders on in their rivalry game at the end of the year and was beat in one of the biggest upsets in the last 5o years.
Looking forward to seeing New Rochelle at the Iona Camp next weekend. I was very disappointed to learn that Iona will not be at the Champions Camp. Major mistake by Iona becuase that camp is physical and they need to get ready for Bergen Catholic.
Good Luck this year
If I’m not mistaken, I believe there’s a nice 7 on 7 scrimmage taking place at North Rockland High School on Saturday June 27th
Iona Power,
I believe that was the 1984 Tim Connolly led Roosevelt squad that lost to Saunders (at the time 0-44) after winning the Sectional Championship vs. North Rockland (and a #1 State Ranking). I’m pretty sure the game ended up on the front cover of a relatively new USA Today newspaper! It’s probably the biggest upset in Section 1 Football History!!
Keith Fagan
I did not attend that game but it was a such a big upset that it still is remembered by many who have followed area football.
With New Rochelle returning only 3 players as starters the Iona Camp will be very important for implementing some of the inexperienced players in your system. I am sure it would have been better to start with a non league game.
On another note what is your feeling as to why Long Island, CHSFL and PSAL do not participate in the NYS State Playoffs. It would have been great seeing William Floyd-New Rochelle, St. Anthony – Monroe Woodbury , Iona Prep -Orchard Park over the last few years. Can you imagine if Iona and New Rochelle played in a final?
Spring Youth football continues tomorrow at Pelham Bay Park, by the 6 train. Come check out top youth in the area. Super stud 6’ 175lbs, runs 200 in 22 second, 8th grader, fastest 8th grader in NY ,wow. At 12noon, be there. Father’s day Football special presentation.
Coach Darlos
Where is this 8th grader going to High School?????
Rain Booooo, but we thank God for no Drought. We still got our work in today, Had about 10 Db’s and Wr’s out today working hard, getting ready for the level.!!!!!!!!! Some New Ro, MV, White Plains, Monroe Woodbury and Iona prep kids were there, puttin work. They dont care where you’re from just what you’re doing when you get here.
College, HS and Youth DB’s and WR’s. Hit me up on email if you interest your kid getting better at these positions. darjams@aol.com, QB’s also
Tryae Woodson-Samuels ran 49 second 400 meters yesterday at National track meet, wow.
I have to agree with Iona fan.Rye has played against cream puff B league teams,with the exception of Forks.I still have to give them credit for what they have accomplished.It will be a different story this year.They will meet much stiffer competition in A.I don’t think they will make it past Mahopac,if they even get that far.Also,Harrison has not had a good team by our standards since 2002.Get the facts straight….
Iona Power,
That is the question, isn’t it? Why doesn’t NY State have the same set-up in Football that it has in Basketball. I think it’s for several reasons. 1) Value. It is my understanding that both LI and the CHSFL feel that their Championships are more meaningful to them than a State Championship would be. 2) Length of season. Another reason why LI does not participate in the State Playoffs is that it doesn’t mesh up with their schedule. LI schools have traditionally started later than the rest of NY State, and with a very large Jewish population, schools tend to use the Jewish Holiday weekend as a bye week. That puts their Sectional Title games two weeks later than the rest of NY State. It’s why the LI Championships are usually around the same time as the State Championships. The same goes for the PSAL which traditionally plays their Championship game in the first week of December. 3) Lack of support for football. For whatever reason, the establishment in NY State is much more pro basketball and anti football. Superintendents don’t want football practice during summer regents, yet they allow games during winter regents. The Spring State Championships are held the weekend before the spring regents. I can give many more examples but I won’t bore you with the details.
That leads into my answer. Here’s what NY State could do if they were willing to extend the season by just two weeks. NYSPHAA, LI, CHSFL and PSAL could all hold their respective Championship Games, then you could have a two week, four team playoff for a “Federation Title” tournament to determine the overall NY State Champion. The problem you would face would be that teams would be playing 15, 16 games, and the anti-football establishment would never allow that to happen, as well as extending the football season into the second week of December. I’ve heard that another reason against extending the football season is that it already over laps with the winter season. Yet you never hear that argument against shortening the winter season which over laps the spring season. The winter season began practice the second week of November, football would over lap about a month. The spring season began the first week of march, basketball overlapped by about a month. Here’s the sad truth. The Football season is currently 13 weeks. The Basketball season is 16 weeks. So, if you extended the football season by 2 more weeks, you’d still have a longer winter sports season than fall sports season!
Keith Fagan
As I am watching the Big 33 Football game on the NFL network the announcers commented on the PA State Championships that went on through December with the eventual champion playing 15 games. Texas and Florida all play up to 15 games. New York and even New Jersey are so backwards.
You are right about the arrogance of Long Island. They feel that they play the best football. I see that from the supporters of Chaminade, St. Anthony and Holy Trinity. Long Island does not have a high regard for football in the Hudson Valley. You had to see the shock on the faces of the St. Anthony fans after Iona beat them the first time.
The PSAL should play the CHSFL and the Long Island Champion should play the NYS Champion. You are realy looking at 2 extra games for the semifinal winners. In the end you will you would see maybe 8 schools in the entire playing from late November.
If the CHSFL and LI powers view their championships at a higher level then they should allow the schools to determine if that is the case on the field. Last year Port Richmond (PSAL), Iona (CHSFL) Orchard Park NYS and Riverhead (LI) should have played in the overall semifinals.
iona should have 4 players in super 11
1) Tyrae Woodson-Samuels-Best Player in Westchester
2) Jeff Mack- Top 5 Rb in NYS
3) Jordan Bronner- Best WR in Westchester
4) Greg Gadsen- Beast DL being recruited by Rutgers and WVU
Srry to people who mentioned georgy but he really is not that good he is overrarted and jeff mack makes him look good. I saw georgy get manhandles a couple of times last year and he didnt look good. Srry
Kieth Fagan, You are right it should be same set as Basketball. Now they taken a game away in section 1, thats crazy. More and More kids are going to play in New Jersey for good reason.
IP – Goergy is a beast as well. So is Morris Hilton.
I think iona whole offense and defense should be super 11 there the best team in the country they are better at every position than any other team
rye fan
No I think Rye is the best team in the country as you have dominated Class B. I thought I saw Rye in the ESPN Rise rankings and I thought I saw them in the MSG Poll along with New Rochelle and Iona.
I thought I heard about Mike Quick calling Dino to scheduel a game at the MEadowlands against one of the top teams in New Jersey.
Rye just totally dominated the 7-7 passing camp last week. Jeff Mack and Jordan Bronner were so intimidated that they went to a basketball AAU tournament instead because they were afraid of those physical d- backs on Rye.
Anyone ever here of safety???? Football and basketball or totally different sports. To play 16 games in football is ridiculous to ask any HS football player. Of course if you are not going to play past HS it is not as a big deal since your career will end. Remember, there are a lot of guys, 45 years old, playing pick up basketball games. How many 45 year old guys playing full contact with equipment football games?
If LI does not want in, leave them out.
IonaPower-
Stop with that nonsense. One or two d1 players dont make a great hs team or league as many on here suggest. rye has lost one game in 4 years, and people want to hate on back to back state champs? maybe reg season wasnt as hard as your overhyped chsAAA. BUT, add in harrison and the tough teams rye beat in the playoffs, and you definitely all know that is why they are a dynasty. stepinac? please. they have never had a great program. ups and downs that come with not knowing what your student body will look like year to year just like iona due to the fact that you poach off and recruit all of the westchester kids and bronx. so please. no team can change their enrollment to show another they can compete. it is what it is. leave it alone. if section 1 is so bad, why do all you catholic league chumps want to see your boyz on the super 11 with some of our inferior players? shut your mouths.
To the Rye Fan, you obviously haven’t seen all the competition out there in HS Football! Iona is a great team, but to say they are the best in the country is nuts!
BigVic
U honestly think u can put rye and ion ain the same category? wow ur are an idiot if u think so. Rye couldn’t even beat New Ro and Yes Stepinac would beat Rye. Stepinac plays a tough schedule and as 2 times more athletes and better players than rye. Im an iona boy and if u think eck can be in the same category as woodson and ramahlo or mcormack can be in the same catgory as mack u aint seen nothing yet
I never said Stepinac grads/alumni were level-headed. We know that much. If you don’t think I do homework/research or know what I’m talking about, then the discussion should just end there. I know enough to know that Stepinac is nothing great in my lifetime. Their entire athletic program has turned itself around in the last few years and you can attribute that to whatever you want. My entire family went to Stepinac, goes to Stepinac, and will go to Stepinac most likely. I did not, obviously. I went to Fordham Prep. (Didn’t we just beat Stepinac for the city title in baseball?
)
I don’t let my feelings for schools or players get in the way of my football opinions.
Stepinac has never been better than 9th in the CHSFL. They’re usually around 10-12. How that correlates to Westchester? In the last couple years, they would’ve done very well.
From 2000-2005, they were not a Westchster powerhouse or even very good in relation.
there should be more ossining players on there
BigVic or is it BigDic
So you are saying the CHSAA is overrated. Why don’t you tell us how many CHSFL games you have seen. It sounds like you have not left your section1 bubble or worse yet you have not seen anyone outside of Rye.
That garbage that Iona was not a great team last year just shows how foolish you sound. Do you think that Rye will ever be asked to play in the Meadowlands against NJ Bergen Catholic. You sound even more foolish trying to compare the level of competition in Class B to a scheduel that Iona will play. First of all Rye would not be in the CHSFL AAA becuase they are not even better than Stepinac who was moved to the less competitive CHSFL AA.
hello, u r soft
IP-
Never said Iona was bad or that rye was better. they are damn good though and you never know. jim made a great point before in that weineger from harrison was the fourth best player on that harrison team, and he got a full boat to wisconsin because of his size. take away one or two speedy RECRUITS and what kind of team do u have?? stepinac is garbage, stop bringing them up in discussion. even their own alumni admit it.
Sleepy will beat rye week 4!!!
do you guys think that rye is going to beat ossining???you must be joking because this is a whole new ball game in A boysss
JOHN MALONE:
I UNDERSTAND YOUR POINTS BUT I FEEL LIKE YOU ARE MAKING IT SEEM LIKE STEPINAC HAS NOT BEEN GOOD AND HAS JUST RECENTLY BECAME GOOD IN ATHLETICS. HAS FOOTBALL HAD SOME DOWN YEARS – YES. BUT IN ITS BAD/DOWN YEARS THEY STILL PROBABLY COULD HAVE BEAT SOME OF THE TEAMS THAT WERE RANKED AHEAD IN WESTCHESTER BECAUSE OF THE RIDICULOUS WEAK SCHEDULES. KEITH FAGAN POSTED NEW RO’S SCHEDULE – I LOVE AND RESPECT COACH D – BUT I LAUGHED WHEN I SAW THAT! THERE ARE ABOUT 10-12 TEAMS IN THE CHSFL THAT WOULD GO 5-0 WITH NEW RO’S SCHEDULE – COME ON!
AS I STATED IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT WINS/LOSSES AND MEANINGLESS JOURNAL NEWS RANKINGS.
bsp delivery if you are/were any good you would understand. Your comment says everything about your game!!!!
crusader:
I agree with you – Last year Stepinac easily handled White Plains. White Plains is by far the best team on NEw Rochelle’s schedule.
Stepinac would be undefeated this year playing that schedule.
IonaPower-
Don’t even bother arguing. These guys have their minds made up, no matter what facts you bring to the table. Last Years Iona team would’ve ran through the best Section 1 team last season had to offer. New Rochelle, Nyack or Rye…. any one of’em.
Everyone else-
It’s the CHSFL Triple AAA…. Need I say more?? Section 1 teams are far too 1 dimensional. 95% Run 5% Pass. Argue if you will but I wont argue… it is what it is.
John Malone,
You’re right, Fordham did beat Stepinac for the CHSAA baseball crown this year. Not bad a bad run for either team. Can you remember the last time Fordham Prep beat Stepinac in football or basketball? I can’t. I’m not as well versed in football records as you are, but Stepinac was one of the top 9 teams in the CHSFL this year, no? They lost a close game without Maurice Easterling and ended up 9th statistically by a fraction and in the AA playoffs instead of the AAA. If they won that game (with Easterling does anyone doubt they would have?) I believe they would’ve finished 4th or 5th while playing a AAA schedule. Not bad for the team that you say has never been better than 10-12, right?
You’re correct that Stepinac’s sports program in general has improved considerably the last several years across the board. If I’m not mistaken, Stepinac’s football, basketball and baseball teams have each finished in the Top 5-6 in Westchester each of the last two seasons in each sport. The only other school that can come close to making the same claim is Iona. Any disagreement?
As far as your comment about Stepinac’s football teams not being great between 2000-05 it seems like an outdated statement considering the recent past. I checked Stepinac’s football website and each of those Stepinac teams finished at or around .500 with the exception of one 8-3 team that reached the AA Finals. I think at least 2 of those Stepinac teams beat Iona (any team that beats Iona in football must be pretty good). Several kids from those Stepinac teams made the Daily News All-CHSFL team (which includes all the AAA schools).
I think the disagreements with your statements regarding Stepinac football break down to this. Any reasonable Stepinac fan feels that you sound a little overly negative toward their football program. If you managed to criticize Stepinac’s basketball program (which it sounded like you did by mentioning the whole sports program) then you really need to do more “homework/research”. You obviously know a lot of the facts regarding Stepinac football i.e. coaches, etc, but no other knowledgable fans (and you certainly are knowledgable) seem to go out of their way to criticize Stepinac’s program like you do. You’re a Fordham grad, Stepinac has been beating Fordham at football for years, we don’t hear your making such critical statements about Fordham’s team. No Stepinac fans are running around saying Stepinac is the best football team in Westchester or anything ridiculous. Stepinac has been one of the top 2-3-4 teams in Westchester the last couple years, thats something you seem to agree with. The Stepinac fans on this site seem to agree with you on that point.
Stepinac has somewhere around the 12-14 largest enrollment in the CHSFL according to a friend I just consulted. Some years they’ll finish ahead of that number, some years below. If every year Stepinac finished as the 12th best team in the CHSFL, the comment they would deserve would be “average”, not “awful” or “a bad representation”, just average, nothing more and nothing less. When Stepinac still has guys like Eric Ogbogu collecting NFL paychecks for 10 years and Bob Hyland (admittedly before my time) walking around with a huge NFL championship ring I wouldn’t go around criticizing their program too loudly. If you want to say Iona has been better over the past 25 years, thats likely true. Or White Plains has been better over the same period, also likely true. Other than that, I would give the Stepinac criticisms a rest.
idk if iona would have ran through new ro last year they had 2 live scrimmages in which both team scored 1 td each in both and new ro had the upper hand in one of them. I think that would have been a great game unlike everyone saying they would run through new rochelle
I’m waking up early tomorrow, so I’ll give this a quick response. You definitely seem like the most rational Stepinac fan out there (and probably the smartest). I don’t talk about Fordham because frankly Fordham means nothing to us up here. They’re 100% in the Bronx with only 40% Westchester kids. Stepinac is talked about because they play against Iona every single season, they play White Plains every single season, and they’re right in the heart of Westchester County with probably 95% Westchester athletes.
I only become overly negative about a program if it seems like they become too big for their britches. Earlier in this thread, that’s what was happening, and that tends to happen with Stepinac a lot. The Fordham thing has nothing to do with it actually. Anything I feel about Stepinac stems from me being a little kid and rooting against my whole family during the Turkey Bowl. I go to Stepinac Turkey Bowls over Fordham Turkey Bowls.
You guys can rationalize all you want. Besides Kevin, I’ll put my 90s and 2000s knowledge up against anybody and in that time Stepinac was not in the top half of Westchester football despite their schedules and everything. If I was home, I’d whip out a program and prove it to you guys because I always use the available facts. Unfortunately, the Turkey Bowl is the only cross representation we get. If you want, you can stretch it with Tiger Camp. I remember Class C Edgemont giving Stepinac a pounding!
john malone:
their is no doubt you have very good info. but the bottom line is that stepinac sports programs as far as baseball / football / basketball / hockey…is one of the best in the county a far as wins / journal news rankings / and most importantly – kids going on to college to play.
and stepinac’s enrollment is under 600.
you also stated:
“They’re 100% in the Bronx with only 40% Westchester kids” i agree that the bronx schools shouldn’t get the journal news coverage – thats what the daily news is for – but the fact is that 40% = just about half the enrollment at fordham is from westchester – thats probably about 400 students.
again – you are as good as your competition and in general section 1 is very, very, weak. the strongest point of the chsaa / chsfl is that their is usually a different champion every year -with the exception of st. anthony’s in football.
new ro wins section 1 every year – it’s so stupid – mvernon wins at the county center every year – so predictable. i can’t believe who new ro plays – that’s embarassing! they should be playing iona every year in the turkey bowl and their regular season they should always be playing n.rockland / mahopac / carmel / wplains…not lincoln / scarsdale / mvernon / gorton – that’s a joke!
John Malone,
A psychoanalyst would have a field day with you rooting against Stepinac your whole life just because your family rooted for them. You don’t have to like Stepinac, just be reasonable in your comments. “Stepinac was not in the top half of Westchester football in the 90’s and 2000’s”???? Were you on an acid trip for 15 years? I’m sure there were years in that time where Stepinac was not in the top 5-10 of all of Westchester football, but not in the top half? Thats insanity. Are you seriously saying that the Stepinac teams with Eric and Chuck Ogbogu couldn’t beat half the teams in Westchester? You’re losing your credibility fast. My senior year at Stepinac, the record was 8-3 in the AAA losing to the eventual champ Mount in the city semi-finals and shut out White Plains. I’d venture to say they would’ve been at least in the top 5 that year in Westchester.
If your only judging Stepinac based on their matchups with White Plains in the Turkey Bowl thats not exactly a reasonable way to say Stepinac wasn’t in the top half of Westchester football, based only on their matchup with one of the Top 3 football programs. White Plains had some outstanding teams in the 90’s and early 00’s (Mike Summers, Quincy Summers, etc). White Plains had many, many lopsided wins over Section 1 AA teams in those years. For the most part, the Turkey Bowl games were usually close and competitive with a one or two exceptions. Put most any Section 1 A or B schools on the field with White Plains in those years and it could’ve been ugly.
Again, feel free to not like Stepinac because your whole family does like them, but don’t make these ridiculous comments like Stepinac wasn’t in the top half of Stepinac football in the 90’s and 00’s. It makes you, an otherwise knowledgable fan, seem irrational and uncredible.
I agree with the question mark.
New Rochelle has a momentum building schedule.
An easy season leads to a very confident and healthy undefeated playoff team.
It very intrestiung how over the past few seasons as CHSFLA has achieved notority most do to the success of there New Jresey counter parts who they play maybe once every two years that now the best football ever played takes place there. I know with the change in american culture with thug mentality there has been a mass exodus from public school which has allowed some private institution to garner a better athelete. But let us not forget the years of domination by the likes of NR (North Rockland or New Rochelle) Roosevelt in there hayday, Rye, and Harrison. Next all you CSHFLA peoplke saying because we’ve won a few games the best basketball is played there as well. Yes Iona prep, Mt. St. Micheal have had pretty good runs lately, but like someone said early with changing economy lets see if they can continue to maintain there dominance or will they fall right we’re they been in the past mediocore!!
football gods,
The past few seasons? What are you talking about? You couldn’t sound less knowledgable about the things you discuss. The NY CHSFL has been considered the most competitive football league in NY State for years and years, long before NJ’s catholic schools really stepped it up to become national football powers. You obviously weren’t paying much attention to the CHSFL, which is certainly ok, but don’t act like because you never paid attention that it didn’t exist. Don’t take my word for it, go ask Joe Paterno or anyone else who has been following football for the past 50 years in New York. Also, several Catholic schools in the CHSFL have been playing the top catholic schools from NJ, Philadelphia, MA for years. You just seemed to notice this year when Iona happened to be one of the teams.
Of course North Rockland, New Rochelle, White Plains, Roosevelt and Gorton each had some excellent, excellent seasons over the years. No one disagrees. Great programs and great coaches.
I have no idea where you got the information about thug mentalities or mass exodus from public schools to private. The actual facts are that schools like Iona, Stepinac and Mount are nowhere near as big as they used to be. Catholic schools in general all have lower enrollments than they did in the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s. Many catholic schools have closed due to lower enrollments.
I hope you’re joking about the basketball comment. I don’t know anyone who would disagree that the CHSAA is the best basketball league in America, not just NY State. What happens in the future for any of the above mentioned schools (public or private) remains to be seen. We’ve seen local public schools that almost lost their entire sports programs due to mismanagement, so who knows?
football gods
YOU ARE JUST CLUELESS!!!
Hands down Iona is the best team around. Now can we stop talking about that and it should be Mack and Woodson on there and thats fine. How about some love for Croton? as they did win their Section, made it to the state championship in Syracuse, and just manhandeled all these a and aa team in the 7v7. Everyone needs to hop of the large sack of Iona and start checking out the unnoticed talent of Croton. Joe Tralli has earned his spot on there and i would not be suprised if Tyler Dorien. (best quarterback at the 7v7) gets a spot on there to.
Step98,
Overall or combined or total… Just look at Stepinac’s record for the last 20 years. It’s not going to be good at all. Obviously, a team or two has been good. Even Fordham Prep lost to Mount in OT in 1997 playoffs. Fordham also lost to Farrell in the playoffs in 1998. So yea it’s possible for teams to have decent years.
My credibility with you doesn’t matter to me too much. I know what I know and it’s way less biased than you. I don’t want to slam individuals involved with Stepinac’s program so there’s no way for me to explain how you’re wrong anymore. Conversation over.
John,
You can’t prove your point so therefore the discussion is over? In that case, seems like a weak point in the first place. How can you possibly cite someone else’s bias when you’ve said things like “my whole family went to Stepinac, but I’ve spent my life rooting agains them”? You’re on record saying the CHSFL is the most competitive league in the state. I looked on Stepinac’s football website and it looks like Stepinac’s record is about .500 over the past 20 years, probably more than half of those years were in the AAA. Certainly not dynasty-like, but I’d venture to say finishing .500 in the CHSFL would qualify you for being in the top half of Westchester football. Dont you agree?
Your statement was “Stepinac is not in the top half of Westchester football teams over the past 20 years.” I still think thats absurd. You could say “Stepinac has not been in the Top 3 of Westchester football teams most of the past 20 years with the exception of the last two years” that would be more reasonable. But you seem not to realize the difference between “Top 3-4 teams” and “Top half”Besides New Rochelle, White Plains, Iona Prep and maybe North Rockland who has had a consistently better team over the past 20 years? Teams like Nyack, Ossining, Harrison, Rye, maybe Edgemont as you say, have had some excellent individual teams that could’ve beaten Stepinac on a one year basis and I’m sure Stepinac could’ve beaten those teams many times among the last 20 years as well.
Let’s just agree that you can’t prove your point and your initial point was way, way overstated.
Hoops fan
Yeah maybe you might be correct in your assesment that chsal has one of the best leagues in the world but that’s only because of the public school talent in NYC its inevitable there would be talent there. But as seen in many of the years past they do well until they compete against there public school counterpart. Just as for year Iona would get mopped up by New Rochelle and Stepinac by White plains, Mount wouldn’t even play Mt. Vernon so I say this to say if your not aware of this thug culture that seems to permieate in the inner city you must live on mars and get your high school football piped in through satellite. I know there are other midigating factors like better education more family values and things of such sort. But we all know the main reason parents are looking for private institutions to send their children is safety. most public schools aren’t as safe as they where some 20 years ago, as evident with security in every school. With that being said lets see with changing economy and people having to tighten belts and there not being that extra money for private school, since all you pvt. school guys say they don’t offer scholarships, if these local pvt. schools maintain their recent dominance or is it like most of us public school fans feel, its a FLUKE!!!!
The competition for Rye will be tough in Class A! They are the team that sticks out, the team everyone wants a piece of. I saw it with HHS, when Harrison moved up, teams were ready, well coach and came after HHS everyweek. Rye will be successful, but I hope they can stay healthy! Teams will be hitting them hard! All I hear Rye beat HHS the last so on years when HHS was at top of Class A. Dont forget HHS had alot of injuries when they played Rye and HHS was beat up from playing Eastchester, Ossining, Somers, Nyack, and Fox Lane w/ there stand-out QB . We will see how Rye fairs out week after week in Class A, instead of Mickey Mouse Class B! LOL