Varsity Insider

OK, we’re going to do things a hair differently, at least on my end. I’m going to give you my four games of the week with predictions, followed by a “pick six,” which are my picks on six more top games this week. Those are the 10 picks that will count in our weekly contest.

If you’re new to the contest, please just post your scores for the Top 10 games each week underneath this thread. The person who picks the most right for the season is the winner. Last year, we had a couple dozen participants. Hopefully, this year we’ll have more.

The only caveat: You must use the same user name every week.

Enjoy!

THE TOP 10 -

GAMES OF THE WEEK
Yorktown vs. Somers
When: Friday, 6
Where: Walter Panas High School
Key players: Yorktown — Nick Mariano (6-0, 185), Sr., QB; Christian Dedvukaj (6-1, 220), Sr., TE/DE; David Varian (6-1, 250), Sr., OL/DL. Somers — Stefano Bicknese (6-1, 185), Sr., RB/DB; Joe Lombardo (6-1, 195), Sr., FB/LB; Tim Cousin (5-8, 160), Jr., QB.
Key matchup: Yorktown’s young defensive front vs. Somers’ big offensive line
Outlook: Somers is one of the section’s biggest teams up front. That group will be a difficult matchup for Yorktown, which returns just one starter on its defensive line. But Somers will also have to prove it has the quickness to contain Mariano, who is equally dangerous as a runner breaking out of the pocket. Lombardo has an ankle sprain and is questionable, which could leave the Tuskers without their best linebacker. Expect both offenses to have their moments.
Prediction: Somers 24, Yorktown 21

Nyack vs. Ossining
When: Friday, 7:30
Where: MacCalman Field, Nyack
Key players: Nyack — Deshawn Rodriguez (6-2, 225), Sr., TE/DE; Derwhon Bartley (5-10, 210), Sr., FB/LB; Stanley Dragon (6-2, 315), Sr., OL/DL. Ossining — Steve Candelaria (6-0, 190), Sr., RB/DB; Andy Balcomb (5-7, 160), Sr., OG/LB; Trent Lofaro (5-11, 190), Sr., OT/DL.
Key matchup: Nyack secondary vs. QB Justin Davidov and the Ossining passing game
Outlook: These two have come about their rivalry organically in recent years – by playing classic games, some of them in the postseason. They’ll renew pleasantries in what is a key early game. Nyack’s young defensive backs will have to handle a passing game that will be all the more dangerous because of Candelaria’s running. The Indians will have to mature quickly to fend off hungry Ossining.
Prediction: Ossining 27, Nyack 20

New Rochelle vs. Clarkstown South
When: Saturday, 1:30
Where: New Rochelle High School
Key players: New Rochelle — Khalil Edney (6-3, 180), Sr., QB; Joe Clarke (6-2, 200), Sr., TE/OLB; Jason Ceneus (5-9, 185), Sr., RB/DB. Clarkstown South — Thomas Lent (6-1, 180), Sr., RB/LB; Ryan McManus (5-9, 160), Sr., QB; Mark Annunziato (6-1, 200), Sr., OL/DL.
Key matchup: New Rochelle offensive line vs. Clarkstown South defensive front
Outlook: New Rochelle’s biggest lineman, Justin Douglas, is dealing with an ankle injury. The Huguenots aren’t the biggest team, especially without him. South has a strong defensive front that could prove troublesome if New Rochelle can’t prevent penetration. If the blocking holds up, Edney should thrive, particularly with weapons such as Ceneus and Clarke back healthy. McManus may need to get hot to balance out South’s offense if the Vikings hope to pull off the upset.
Prediction: New Rochelle 21, Clarkstown South 10

North Rockland vs. Mahopac
When: Saturday, 1:30
Where: North Rockland High School
Key players: North Rockland — John Dapolito (6-0, 210), Sr., FB/LB; Nick Connell (5-11, 190), Sr., RB/LB/S; Eric Favors (5-11, 200), So., G/NG. Mahopac — Chris Rhue (6-0, 185), Sr., QB; Mike Simone (6-2, 210), Sr., TE/DE; Joe Castellitto (5-9, 185), Sr., RB/DB.
Key matchup: Mahopac’s running game vs. North Rockland’s defense
Outlook: Mahopac has rebuilt its roster after a tough 2011, but it will be tested immediately against the defending Class AA champion. The Indians will rely primarily on the running of Rhue, Castellitto and Co. for offense. They will have to produce against a defense that will be smaller and less experienced up front but also features an abundance of talented skill players. Mahopac’s defense will need to contend with North Rockland’s improved speed on offense as well.
Prediction: North Rockland 24, Mahopac 7

PICK SIX
Friday:
John Jay 34, Tappan Zee 20. The Indians just have too much firepower.
John Jay-East Fishkill 13, Arlington 10. Two teams with several new faces, but one or both with be in playoff contention before all is said and done.

Saturday:
Harrison 35, White Plains 14. The Huskies as are experienced as the Tigers are unproven.
Woodlands 33, Bronxville 21. The ball will move early and often in this one. Right now, Woodlands just has more places to go with it.
Croton 13, Pleasantville 7. There is still plenty of talent in Croton to withstand an improved Pleasantville team.
Rye 21, Pearl River 10. Rye’s weakness might be up front, but Pearl River probably isn’t the team to exploit it.

THE REST
Fox Lane 22, Panas 19
Hen Hud 17, Beacon 13
Eastchester 21, Byram Hills 14
Brewster 24, Greeley 17
Carmel 28, Mount Vernon 8
Nanuet 13, Putnam Valley 6
Suffern 27, Mamaroneck 20
Lourdes 20, Westlake 12
Lakeland 34, Yonkers 6

Saturday:
Hastings 13, Valhalla 7
Tuckahoe 22, Pawling 12
Spring Valley 27, Port Chester 21
Sleepy Hollow 28, Riverside 6
Gorton 14, Saunders 7
Lincoln 20, Peekskill 7
Poughkeepsie 35, Pelham 14
Ketcham 29, Ramapo 14
Ardsley 14, Kennedy 7
Dobbs Ferry 21, Haldane 7
Albertus Magnus 21, Palisade Prep 6
Rye Neck 13, Blind Brook 7
Clarkstown North 20, Scarsdale 14
Iona Prep 35, Poly Prep 21
Briarcliff 7, Roosevelt 0
Irvington 22, Edgemont 7
Stepinac 35, Monroe-Woodbury 28