Leading off today: Mike Libert and Elio Velez track the New York City high school football scene for the New York State Sportswriters Association. Here's Mike's weekly rundown of where the top teams stand at the moment:
Class AA
#1) South Shore (8-0, Last Week: #1) It was yet another superb defensive outing for what looks to clearly be the best team on that side of the ball in New York City this season. The Vikings held Brooklyn Tech to just over 50 total yards in the game while Zuberi Mobley '22 ran from two scores in a 33-0 victory for our overall #1 team. Next: Friday @ #8 Abraham Lincoln.
#2) Tottenville (7-1, Last Week: #2) With the Pirates already having an eye on next weekend's showdown with Erasmus Hall you could say it wasn't Tottenville's best performance of the year. But Justyn Ellam had two TDs rushing and nearly 100 yards on the ground to help the Pirates to a 30-16 victory on the road over Port Richmond. Next: Friday vs. #3 Erasmus Hall.
#3) Erasmus Hall (7-1, Last Week: #3) From start to finish it was a complete effort on both sides of the ball for the Dutchmen as Jordan Armstead '20 had a pair of TDs on the ground and one in the air. His outstanding opening half allowed Erasmus Hall to pull away early and coast past Canarsie at home 39-0. Next: Friday @ #2 Tottenville.
#4) Midwood (7-1, Last Week: #4) The top four teams in the PSAL have clearly separated themselves from the pack at this point as Midwood made another statement on Sunday afternoon. Tyrese Weeks '20 ran for 133 yards and 3 TDs in a 48-8 win over a very talented JFK team. Next: Sunday @ Boys and Girls.
#5) Msgr. Farrell (5-3, Last Week: #5) It was a solid effort without question by the Lions as they took on CHSFL favorites St. Anthony's on Staten Island on Friday. Vin Wagner '19 put together a solid game in the backfield as the senior had 106 yards and a TD but it wasn't enough against the powerful Friars and Msgr. Farrell fell in this one, 38-16. Next: Friday vs. #6 Cardinal Hayes (CHSFL Quarterfinals).
#6) Cardinal Hayes (2-4, Last Week: #6) In a game that featured a ton of playoff implications for seeding purposes, the Cardinals hung tough on a cold Sunday night as Sofian Massoud '20 passed for three TDs to keep Cardinal Hayes close. But the offense stalled on the possible game-winning drive and Stepinac was able to hold on and down the Cardinals, 23-20. Next: Friday @ #5 Msgr. Farrell (CHSFL Quarterfinals).
#7) Lehman (7-1, Last Week: #8) It was 100-plus yards on the ground and in the air for Marc Duplessy '19 as the Lions QB threw for 147 yards and two TDs while also gaining 104 yards and two more TDs on the ground. Lehman took a 42-26 victory over Boys and Girls on Sunday to remain in prime position for a deep playoff run. Next: Friday @ #9 JFK.
#8) Abraham Lincoln (5-3, Last Week: #9) The defense proved to be incredibly stout in holding Harry Truman scoreless on Friday evening, while the offense was clicking on all cylinders from start to finish as well with Lloyd Williams '20 running for 119 yards and four TDs to have the Railsplitters run away to a convincing 52-0 win. Next: Friday vs. #1 South Shore.
#9) JFK (5-3, Last Week: #7) Nothing went right on the road for JFK on Sunday afternoon as the Bronx power went to Brooklyn to take on Midwood. The defense couldn't get a stop while the offense couldn't get going as the Knights never got any traction and ultimately fell 48-8 in a game that JFK will look to forget as quickly as possible. Next: Friday vs. #7 Lehman.
#10) Curtis (3-5, Last Week: NR) Needing a win to keep their PSAL playoff hopes alive, the Warriors got a huge game out of the youngest player on the field as Sam Martin '22 ran for 221 yards on 21 carries, rushing for three TDs in what would be a huge come-from-behind, 23-20 victory over Staten Island rival Susan Wagner. Next: Sunday @ New Dorp.
Class A
#1) Bayside (8-0, Last Week: #1) While the Commodores did have another impressive day throwing the ball, they got the ground game going as well on Friday during their 35-6 victory over Springfield Gardens. Jordy Chen '20 had 160 yards on the ground and two TDs in the win to keep Bayside atop the PSAL and our NYC rankings. Next: Friday @ Jamaica.
#2) James Madison (7-1, Last Week: #3) With the defense pitching its third straight shutout and fifth of the year, the Golden Knights would get two TDs from Alex McBurnie '21 to see James Madison run past Frederick Douglass Academy 24-0 and stay among the top threats in Class A in New York City this season. Next: Sunday @ #8 Eagle Academy II.
#3) Fordham Prep (5-3, Last Week: #2) Nothing went right for the Rams on the road on Friday night as they fell to one of the CHSFL's best in Kellenberg 41-0. The defense struggled to contain the Firebirds' potent offensive attack, and with the offense sputtering whenever they crossed midfield, the obstacle on the road proved to be too much to overcome. Next: Friday vs. St. John the Baptist (CHSFL Quarterfinals).
#4) Xavier (5-3, Last Week: #4) Getting four TD runs from bruising back Daniel Vittiburga '19, the Knights were able to score early and often in what would be a 40-0 victory on