Carmel, Somers Lead Strong Contingent on Local Grids – 2024 Football Preview

By Ray Gallagher, Examiner Sports Editor @Directrays

Optimism runs rampant at places like Class AA CARMEL and Class A SOMERS where the Rams and Tuskers, respectively, return as Section 1 champions as we embark upon the 2024 campaign. We’ve been pretty spoiled of late in this neck of the woods as champions and challengers are thriving throughout the Examiner-area region.

There’s a new sheriff in town at NYS runner-up Carmel High where first-year Coach Brendan Connolly returns just three starters on each side of the ball after three-peating as Section 1 champs under interim Coach Tom Donahoe, under whom Connolly served as an assistant, and former legendary Coach Todd Cayea. Carmel football is the crown jewel of Putnam County and 

All-NYS senior RB Tristan Werlau will be the horse the Rams ride in 2024. Werlau, among the most explosive and efficient RBs in the state, is stoked to get going.

“The team and I are super excited for this year,” Werlau admitted.  “We really want to show everyone that we will continue to be a top contender. Ever since the end of last year, falling one game short, it really set a fire under us to get better and learn from everything. A lot of us now know what it takes to be great, and we’ve been putting in the work every day since the end of last year.”

And Somers All-NYS junior RB Dean Palazzolo and All-NYS senior RB Mason Kelly, along with newly-minted QB Miguel Iglesias, will provide some of the juice in Putnam and Northern Westchester counties, respectively, as the Rams and reigning NYS champion Tuskers take aim at yet another trek to Syracuse in early December to challenge for the state title.  

“Yeah, we definitely lost a lot of players, but we are definitely still looking good and strong this year,” the game-breaking Palazzolo said.

We have 15 other teams in Class AA posing as challengers to Carmel’s title, and the top six teams in League A (power league) will survive and advance to the playoffs, with the top two teams from League B making the cut. Despite the recent coaching carousel, Carmel expects to not only contend but hold off down-county challengers like WHITE PLAINS and New Rochelle, not to mention 2023 runner-up Arlington, which has lost a lot to graduation but has a newly established winning culture.

Somers is among 13 challengers for the Class A crown, but few have been remotely close to challenging the Tuskers in the last few years. Examiner-area teams, including BREWSTER, FOX LANE, LAKELAND, MAHOPAC and YORKTOWN will have a go at the Tuskers, but few if any teams in Class A can reload like Somers has over the last 13 years while winning an astounding seven sectional titles. That classification is loaded and now features a ridiculously consistent Rye program, which has moved back to Class A as the reigning Class B champs. 

“I’m super excited for this season,” Mahopac senior OL/DL Landon Varley said. “We had great numbers at both block and tackle camps, and the guys are already working hard to get ready for the first game. I think we’re gonna surprise some people this year. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Looks like Yorktown drew the short straw and will see the Rye Garnets in a non-league crossover game on Oct. 20 when the Huskers play host. Somers drew vastly improved Harrison on Oct. 13 for its crossover match while Mahopac will meet up with Clarkstown South in what could be a pivotal regular season finale on Oct. 25 while Lakeland takes on South in a Week 1 matchup (Sept. 6), in which the Hornets are hoping QB Anthony Frobose not only fills the bill but establishes himself as a game-breaking signal caller before taking his D-I baseball talents to Rutgers in 2025. He hasn’t played under center since the eighth grade, but he spins a 90+ heater on the diamond, so capability is not in question.    

Further south, we’ll take a wait and see approach at PLEASANTVILLE where the former two-time defending champion Panthers were sent packing in last year’s Class B finals by the juggernaut that is Rye, which has moved up to Class A this season. The Picart era, as awesome as it was with QB Aidan and RB/WR Daniel, is over, and there’s a new call to duty for game-breaking talents like RB Louis Sdao and TE Brian McPhee, who hope to fill some mighty big shoes. The Panthers are poised to become one of the eight teams in a 14-team Class B field to qualify for the sectional tournament via the Piner Point System, which only Class B will use in 2024, plus a Pearl River club that is truly on the come and a Bronxville outfit that figures to be in the mix, so Pleasantville will need to be atop its game to reach the semis. As will Examiner-area clubs like  BRIARCLIFF/HAMILTON, BYRAM HILLS and CROTON-HARMON, plus a HEN HUD team that has some serious buzz about it, and a WESTLAKE club that won the 2022 Class C crown before bowing in the 2023 Class C finals. 

The Class C circuit features a Dobbs Ferry team that has traditionally wrought havoc on Section 1, including 12 sectional titles since 2001, so it won’t be easy on Examiner-area teams like PUTNAM VALLEY and VALHALLA or any of the seven Class C teams to reach the 2024 finals, though there are some high hopes in PV, where versatile senior Caden Glenn, a menace on both sides of the ball, should be featured, and a new direction for the Valhalla Vikings under first-year Coach Dan DeMatteo.

You’ll also find three local outfits (Panas, Peekskill and Greeley) among the seven rebuilding Independent programs operating out of the Hudson Valley Football League that cannot qualify for the Section 1 playoffs.

Here’s a look at what they’re saying.

 

CLASS AA

CARMEL

Coach: Brendan Connolly, 1st year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 11-2 (NYS runner-up)

Top Returning Players: Sr. Tristan Werlau (All-State, Section & League RB/LB); Sr. Brian McGrory Sr. QB/DB; Tamba Kassoh Sr. RB/LB; King Mercer Jr. OL/DL; Dwane Hibbert Sr. RB/DE; Teddy Galbraith Sr. TE/DE; Aiden White Sr. WR/DB

Key Adds/Newcomers: Altin Shala Sr. OL/DL; Aidan Whalen Sr. OL/DL; Al Lepore Sr. OL/LB; Thomas Connolly Sr. WR/DB; Frankie DeGrazio Jr. WR/DB

Top Offensive Threats: Werlau, McGrory; White; Connolly; Galbraith 

Top O-Linemen: RT, Mercer

Top Pass Rusher: Kassoh

Top Coverage Guy: White

League Favorite: We always feel like we have a great chance with how our kids come to work everyday. 

Goals: Keep working on ourselves and getting better each rep. Focus on the micro to make the macro easier. 

Coach’s Comments: We are extremely excited to get the season underway, there is an abundance of opportunities to be had by everyone involved with the program. We graduated the majority of our starters but have the utmost confidence in the guys that are replacing them because of all the work they have been putting in to get better at their craft. Our energy has been great, the kids are working hard for one another, we are excited to get going on Saturday. 

 

CLASS A

SOMERS

Coach: Anthony DeMatteo (4th year)

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 13-1 (NYS champs)

Top Returning Players: Sr. Miguel Iglesias (All-Section, QB/DB); Sr. Mason Kelly (All-Section, RB/ LB); Jr. Dean Palazzolo (All-Section, RB/KR/PR); Sr. Adian Coolican (DB); Sr. Ryan Brush (WR/DB); Sr. Ben Harris (OL/DL)

Key Adds/Newcomers: Very Young and inexperienced 

Top Offensive Threats: Palazzolo, Kelly, Inglesias 

Top O-Linemen: LT, Ben Harris

Top Pass Rusher: DT Jaron Faulkner

Top Coverage Guy: DBs Iglesias, Coolican, Brush

League Favorite: Somers

Section Favorite: Somers

Goals: Section Championship

Coach’s Comments: We bring back top-level skill but turnover almost the entire offensive line. If we can get the new guys up to speed, we will be ready to go.

Social Media: @SomersFootball 

 

YORKTOWN

Coach: Pantelis Ypsilantis (5th Season)

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 8-2, lost in sectional semifinals

Top Returning Players: Kaden Gonzalez, QB/DB Sr., All-Conference; Chad Bowen, RB/LB Sr.; Tyler Galante, RB/DB, Jr.; Dennis Mitchell, OL/DL Sr.; Michael Desiderio, OL/DL Jr.; Art Krasniqi, OL/DL Jr.; Rocco Lore, OL/DL Jr. 

Key Adds/Newcomers: Joe Hunter, RB/LB Sr.; Brady McEnroe, WR/DB Sr.; Ryan Schluter, OL/DL Sr.; J.T. Carney, WR/DB Jr.; Evan Kurth, WR/DB Jr.

Top Offensive Threats: Gonzalez, Galante

Top O-Linemen: Mitchell, Desiderio, Krasniqi

Top Pass Rushers: Lore, Bowen

Top Coverage Guy: Galante

League Favorite: Somers

Section Favorite: Somers

Coach’s Comments: We are very excited about this team and hope to work to be competitive in a very tough Class A. We lost a lot of great players and leadership which opens up opportunities for returners and newcomers to step up. We have a nice group of returning players and a few newcomers who will help add depth and competition to the team. 

Social Media: @YtownHuskers

 

MAHOPAC

Coach: Dominick DeMatteo

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 6-4, lost to Harrison in quarterfinals

Top Returning Players: Kyle Pinto, Sr., K/P; Landon Varley, Sr., OL/DL; Dean Ulaj, Sr. OL/DL; Jack Clifford, Sr. RB/DE; Nate Mascoll, Jr. RB/WR/LB; Michael Trinchitella, Jr. OL/LB; Matt Bentivenga, Jr. OL/DL; Matt Dugan, Jr. TE/DE; Matt Reilly, Jr. TE/DE; Nick Tardio, Sr. WR/DB; Anthony Eppolito, Sr. WR/DB; Lorenzo Echandy, Jr. WR/DB

Top Offensive Threats: Mascoll

Coach’s Comments: The 2023 season marked the fifth winning season for our program over the past seven years. It was our fourth consecutive winning season and third consecutive trip to the Section One playoffs. Since the spring 2021 season we have truly “turned the corner” as a program. All this has been accomplished while participating in arguably the most competitive section, class and league in the state; Section One – Class A – North League. Although we graduated some impactful skill players, we are excited about our returning varsity players and rising JV players.  Currently, we have 45 12th and 11th graders as well as 32 sophomores in our program.  We are very excited about our roster numbers and the experience we return with our OL/DL and at TE.

Social Media: @MahopacFB

 

LAKELAND

Coach: Ryan Shilling, 3rd year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 6-4 (Class B semifinalist, lost to Pleasantville, beat Pearl River in quarterfinals)

Top Returning Players: Nicholas Ferrante (Sr. All-League G/DE); Nick Alleva (Sr. RB/LB) 68 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 1 TD; Anthony Frobose (Sr. WR/QB/DB) – Rutgers Baseball commit; Robbie Policastro (Sr. RB/DB); Kyle Ronk (Jr. LT/DL) 

Key Adds/Newcomers: Michael Zumatto (So. RB/LB); Anthony D´Errico (Jr. WR/DB); Christian (CC) Savastano (Jr. QB/DB); Joseph LaPeruta (Jr. QB/DB)

Top Offensive Threats: Frobose (8 games, 16 receptions, 291 yards, 3 TD, 1 KR TD, 1 INT); Policastro (551 rushing yards, 6 TD); Michael Dicioccio (Sr. WR/DB) – 5 receptions, 84 yards, TD – played behind several really good receivers last year just like Kyle Gallagher did the year prior

Top O-Linemen: LT Ronk, will be his 3rd year starting at Left Tackle – replaced Andrew Mendel as a freshman after he was injured in week 1

Top Pass Rusher: Ferrante (49 tackles, 10 TFL, 6 sacks)

Top Coverage Guy: DB Dicioccio

League Favorite: 1. Somers 2. Yorktown

Section Favorite: Somers, Rye, Harrison

Goals: The main goal that we are striving for is to earn a spot in the class A playoffs. From the coaching staff down to the players, we really want to continue to build on the success we have had the last two seasons. We didn’t make the playoffs in 2022, but we were able to finish .500 against a really challenging class A schedule. Last year, we used that momentum to have a very solid year in class B where we went 6-4 and reached the class B semifinals before losing to Pleasantville. Now, back in class A, we have our work cut out for us in the Class A North league, but the goal remains the same.

Coach’s Comments: We are a very young team this year. We lost 16 seniors from last year´s squad and return just eight. Fortunately, we are returning four offensive linemen that either started or played a significant amount on the offensive line (Ronk, Sr. Nicholas Kaufman, Ferrante and Sr. Daniel Hurley). We are replacing a lot of production from our skill positions, including Grady Leonard who threw for over 2,000 yards last year and had total 29 touchdowns, as well as Sean Perry and Kyle Gallagher who combined for over 1,400 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. That is to be expected at the high school level, though, and we are really excited about some of the athletes that we have coming up. The names and the play-style may be a little different than the last couple of years with Grady behind center, but we have a lot of confidence in the players we have coming up through our system because of their skill level and the coaches I have on staff developing them. 

Among the 13 teams in the Class A pre-season rankings, we were ranked 12th. In our respective seven-team league, we were ranked last. With this being said, the expectation is that every game is going to be a challenge. We also scheduled Clarkstown South for our Week 0 game – one of the stronger teams in the Class A South League. As mentioned above, our goal still is to make the playoffs. In order to do that, we need to compete every week and continue to get better on a day to day and week to week basis. 

Social Media: X @CoachRShilling

 

FOX LANE

Coach: Andrew Giuliano, 4th year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 4-4, Quarter final loss to Eastchester

Top Returning Players: Sr. QB John Czernyk, Sr. RB/DB Declan Connors, Sr. WR/DB Will Rudolph, Sr. WR/DB Logan Mammola, Sr. OL/DL Cam Bahari, Jr. H/LB Luke Ryan

Key Adds/Newcomers: Sr. WR/DB Will Broghammer, Jr. H/LB Justin Sarote, Jr. OL/DL Joe Cerrone

Top Offensive Threats: Declan Connors, Will Rudolph 

Top O-Linemen: Cam Bahari, Joe Cerrone

Top Pass Rusher: Kenny DeLa Cruz

Top Coverage Guy: Logan Mammola, Will Rudolph

Section Favorite: Somers, Rye, Harrison

Goals: Win week 1

Coach’s Comments:  We have a core group of Seniors who have started since sophomore year. We look to lean on them for their leadership and experience. We also got some solid kids coming up from JV plus a few newcomers who showed promise this June.  So, we are excited to get together to begin camp. We have a very strong league in Class A North with strong coaching, and geographically we are all very close to one another.  It should make for some great matchups though the entire season which we are looking forward to.

Social Media: X @foxlaneFB, Instagram @foxlane_football

 

BREWSTER

Coach: Ed Mulvihill, 13th season

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 4-5

Top Returning Players: SR KJ Dillon QB,  SR.;  Nick Smith DB,  SR.;  Marco Parrello DB, SR.;  Luke Johnson OL/DL, SR.;  Ryan Brace LB, SR.;  Josh Walker RB, JR.;  Jack McKenney DE, SR,;  Harrison Schmidt WR, SR.;  Jason Weller WR, JR.;  Tre Ficarra WR,  JR.;  Chase Prohaszka WR  

Key Adds/Newcomers: SR.  JT Ercole WR;  JR.  Luke Cunningham  LB/TE;  JR.  Matt Tempesta OL/DE;  JR.  Paul Rienzi DB,  JR.  Frank Tumminello DB;  SR.  Abe Sanchez  DE

Top Offensive Threats: WR Tre Ficarra,  WR  Harrison Schmidt,  WR  Nick Smith,  QB  KJ Dillon,  RB  Josh Walker

Top O-Linemen: LG  Luke Johnson

Top Pass Rusher: LB  Ryan Brace,  DE  Abe Sanchez

Top Coverage Guy: DB  Nick Smith

League Favorite:  Somers

Section Favorite: Somers

Goals: Playoffs

Coach’s Comments:  We are looking to be competitive in all of our games this season.  Defensively, we played well last season with three shutouts. We’d like to add to that this season.  Offensively, we need to be more consistent and spread the ball around to our playmakers. If our offensive and defensive lines can stay healthy and begin to gel we can play at a higher level than last year.

Social Media: @BearsBrewster

 

CLASS B

PLEASANTVILLE

Coach: Tony Becerra, 21st year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 9-1 (Section Finalist)

Top Returning Players: Sr., Brian McPhee (TE/LB); Sr., Louis Sdao (RB/LB); Sr., Daniel Fuccillo (OL/DL); Sr., Nick Reich (WR/DB); Sr., Shane Mueller (WR/DB); Sr., Nick Natale (OL/DL); Jr., David Hundzynski (RB/LB); Sr., Joe Sokich (K/RB)

Key Adds/Newcomers: Sr., Tyler Challice (QB/DB); Sr., Aidan Cotter (TE/LB); Sr., Chris Coyle (TE/LB); Sr., Henry Mancini (OL/DL); Jr., Mason Rizzi (QB/DB); Jr., Jesse Straus (WR/DB); Sr., Jack Sullivan (OL/DL); Sr., Jonah Wein (OL/DL); Sr., Dylan Jennings (OL/LB);

Jr., Hawkeye Clampitt (RB/DL); Sr., Liam Clancy (RB/DB)

Top Offensive Threats:RB Sdao; TE McPhee

Top Pass Rushers: OLB McPhee; DL Fuccillo; DL Sullivan

Top Coverage Guys: OLB Hundzynski; DB Mueller; DB Nick Reich

League Favorite: Bronxville

Section Favorite: Pearl River

Coach’s Comments: It’s no secret that we graduated a lot of production with a group who lost only three games in the last three years, with all three losses to the eventual state champs. The group we have coming in are eager to prove themselves and have been working hard towards that end.

Social Media: X @Pville_football

 

BYRAM HILLS

Coach: Simon Berk, 4th Year (43-17)

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 3-5 – did not qualify for playoffs

Top Returning Players: Sr. Tyler Marescot WR/DB, All-League; Sr. Daniel Leff RB/LB;

Sr. Matteo Amiccuci OL/DL; Sr. Evan Petta TE/DE

Key Adds/Newcomers: Sr. Aidan Padley QB, Sr.; Jordan Tolchin WR/DB, Jr.; Luke Weiss RB/DB, Jr.; Dylan Gasch OL/LB, Sr.; Michael Nezaj TE/DE

Top Offensive Threats: Marescot, Leff, Weiss

Top O-Linemen: Chase Matusow, Miguel Heredia, Amiccuci, Liam Porter

Top Pass Rusher: Petta, Amiccuci

Top Coverage Guy: Marescot, Sr. Michael Bordoni

League Favorite: It’s wide open

Section Favorite: Byram Hills

Goals: Represent our community with pride and win every rep. 

Coach’s Comments: This year’s team is humble and hungry after a frustrating 2023 campaign.  Many of our offensive and defensive linemen are returning bigger and stronger than last fall.  Offensively, we’ll look to spread the ball around to our many playmakers.  DC Mike Bruno has built a unit that is able to be sound in the run game as well as bring pressure off the edge. Our goal is to continue to improve throughout the season and be playing our best football into November.  

Social Media: @ByramFB

 

HEN HUD

Coach: Cole Coyle, 2nd year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 2-6, did not qualify for Class B playoffs

Top Returning Players: Joseph Abboud, Senior – QB/LB – Top notch running QB.  His passing has improved tenfold.  Being pretty heavily recruited at the moment; Mason Dietz, Senior – G/DT – All-Conference last year – Best interior lineman in Class B.  Size, strength, smarts.  Being very heavily recruited at the moment.  Has room to grow on the defensive side of the ball; Justin Parkes, Junior – RB/WR/CB  – All-League last year.  All-Section type player.  He will be everywhere for us this year.  He’s electric; Connor Leach, Senior – G/DT – Grinded in the weight room this off-season and will be a Captain for us; Brendan Rosario, Senior – WR/CB – Quick hands, quick feet, quick decision making.  One cut and he’s gone; Shane Hayes, Senior – T/DE – Big, tall, strong, good hands.  Moves well for a tackle and DE

Key Adds/Newcomers: Hunter Kennedy-Brown, Sophomore – WR/S – Natural wide receiver, great hands, good speed, high football IQ, Great athlete; Salpreme Taylor, Sophomore – RB/CB – SPEED.  Need to find ways to get him the ball;  Billy Magliano, Sophomore – WR/S – Plug and play two-way starter for us this year.  Knows the playbook like the back of his hands. Has a knack for getting under the opponent’s skin in the best way possible; Yamil Melendez, Junior – T/DE – Big, strong, smart, athletic; Eric Selvaggi, Junior – RB/LB One of the more athletic kids on our team; Shawn O’Mara, Junior – H/LB – He’s a thumper.  Seeks out contact.  Fast and strong; Chase Salameh, Senior – TE/DE – Coming out for football for the first time.  Freak athlete.  6’3″, 220 lbs.; Nathan Freedman, Senior – TE/LB – Coming out for football for the first time.  Savvy, smart; Jack Hiltsley, Senior – WR/CB – Coming out for football for the first time.  Super talented athlete and eager to learn. Loves the grind.  Starter for us in Basketball and Baseball.  Thrilled to see him on the gridiron this year

Top Offensive Threats:  Abboud (29/57 for 391 yds 4 TDs & 3 INTs, 69 rushes for 334 yds, 6 TDs); Parkes (40 rushes for 279 yds & 4 TDs, 6 rec for 60 yds); Kennedy-Brown;  Freedman; Hiltsley; Brendan Rosario; Eric Selvaggi; Taylor

Top O-Linemen: Mason Dietz

Top Pass Rusher: Yamil Melendez; Dietz; Connor Leach; Chase Salameh; Hayes; D’hadi Lovelace Junior – DE; 

Top Coverage Guy: Parkes; Rosario; Kennedy-Brown; Billy Magliano Sophomore – S; Taylor

League Favorite: N/A

Section Favorite: N/A

Goals: Class B Playoffs

Coach’s Comments: Looking forward to year 2 at the helm and improving in all phases of the game.

Social Media: X @HenHudSailorsFB, @coachcoyle_

 

WESTLAKE

Coach: John Castellano, 10th yr. at Westlake, 35th overall

Last year’s record & Playoff Result: 8-1, undefeated league champ, lost in Section 1 final

Top Returners: Sr. James Miele OL/DL (All-League); Sr. Jack Losito TE/LB; Sr. Jake Zaino RB/DB; Sr. Brayden Lingeza QB/DB; Jr. Anthony Nigrelli OL/DL

Key Newcomers: Sr. Marco Piazza OL/LB; Sr. Cole Barnett WR/DB; Jr. Nicholas DiNapoli RB/DB; Jr. Matthew Pippo RB/LB; Soph. Harry Hudd RB/DB; Jr. Charles Hannon OL/DL; Jr. Luca Piazza RB/LB; Sr. Nicholas McClure RB/DB; Soph. Joe Scarano RB/DB; Jr. Luan Celaj OL/DL

Top Offensive Threats: Lingeza, DiNapoli, Barnett; Pippo

Top O-Line: Miele

Top Pass Rusher: Piazza

Top Coverage Guy: Lingeza

League Favorite: Pelham/Ardsley

Section Favorite: Ardsley, Pleasantville, Pearl River 

Goals: Compete for a league championship and advance to the playoffs.

Coaches Comments: After graduating 18 seniors from last year’s team, we are a young, inexperienced but very athletic group. We are striving to get better each and every day and I believe as we gain experience we will be.  

Social Media: Instagram- @westlakewildcatsfb;  X @WestlakeVFB

 

CROTON-HARMON

Coach: Joe Bucello, 1st year

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 4-4

Top Returning Players: Sr. Luca Camillieri (OL, LB); Sr. Robby DeLasho (QB, WR,DB); Sr.  Spencer Heath (OL/DL); Jr. Colin Davenport (WR,QB, DB); Jr  Damien Lavelle (RB/S); Jr. James Jones (OL,DL); Jr  Sean Hunt (OL/LB)

Key Adds/Newcomers: Jr. Conner Fahey (TE,LB); Jr  Mikey Sena (WR,RB,DB); Jr. Alex Jones (RB,DL); Nathan Duval (RB/LB); So. JJ Zamora (OL/DL)

Top Offensive Threats: DeLasho

Top O-Linemen: C, Heath

Top Pass Rusher: LB Camillieri

Top Coverage Guy: DB, Lavelle

Goals: To become one, a single unit united and undivided

Coach’s Comments: I’m honored and excited to coach the Croton-Harmon Tigers. I might not know if we are going to be champions this year, however, we are going to learn how to work and act like champions.

Social Media Acct: X @football_CHHS; instagram: @CrotonVFootball

 

CLASS C/D

PUTNAM VALLEY

Coach: Ryan Elsasser, 14th season overall 

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 5-3, 3-1 league 

Top Returning Players: Caden Glenn (All-Conference, 2x All-League TE/SL OLB/DE); Mateo Dobra QB; Andre Tarrant LB/HB; Dylan Tucker LB; Joseph Esposito C; Nicholas Mazzola OL/DL

Key Adds/Newcomers: Mike Turner OL/DL; Mike Frye FS; John Alfaro K; Jay Constantino DB/WR; Andrew Grippo WR

Top Offensive Threats: Glenn, Dobra, Tarrant 

Top O-Linemen: Esposito, Mazzola

Top Pass Rusher: Edge Glenn, Dylan Tucker 

Top Coverage Guy: DB, Constantino, LB Glenn

League Favorite: Putnam Valley/Dobbs Ferry

Section Favorite: Putnam Valley/Dobbs Ferry

Goals: Be back in a Sectional Championship Game 

Coach’s Comments: We have been building the program back the past few years and I have been waiting for this group to get here. We have high hopes on the staff for what we can accomplish this season with the diverse talent on the roster. We have added Coach Cappozzi to the varsity staff this season. He has been off to the races getting the kids set up for success. Being back in Class C we know what to expect and what to work on. We have some big shoes to fill for those guys that graduated out, but if we come together early we should be able to work together to battle each week. This is a close group of athletes, if they play for each other with a common goal they have a chance to go far. 

Social Media: X @CoachElsasser

 

HALDANE

Coach: Ryan McConville, 11th Season

2024 Record & Playoff Result: 8-3 (Section & Regional Champions)

Top Returning Players: Seniors Fallou Faye #15 DB; Brody Corless #21 RB/FS; Jake Thomas #13 WR/SS; Nate Stickle #52 OL/LB

Key Adds/Newcomers: Jr. Merrick Williams # 3 RB/LB; Sophomores Alex Guagler # 22 RB/LB; David Powlis #8 QB; Cooper Corless #5 WR/DB; Nick Lemon #70 OL/DL

Top Offensive Threats: SR: Jake Thomas

Top O-Linemen: SR: Nate Stickle

Top Pass Rusher: Edge, Mike Phillips & Will O’Hara

Top Coverage Guy: DB, Fallou Faye

League Favorite: Dobbs Ferry

Section Favorite: Tuckahoe

Goals:We want to build off last year success, and find a way to compete in a very tough league and again in the sectional finals vs a very tough Tuckahoe team

Coach’s Comments: I think we have guys who can make plays and create scoring opportunities. It’s about developing their confidence and putting them in the right spots to do so.

Social Media: @HaldaneFootball

 

VALHALLA

Coach: Dan DeMatteo, 1st year 

2023 record: 3-5 

Top returning players: Tyler Ratti HB/DB; Danny Lynch OL/DL; Brian Moulard HB/DB; 

Josh Bergey RB/QB/DB; Luke Foisett RB/LB 

Key adds/newcomers: Brayden McGinty WB/DB, Shane Theil OL/DL

Top O-line: Luca Cavallo 

League/Section favorite: historically, Dobbs Ferry 

Goals: Having a great summer getting to know my players and seeing what I have. Transition is smooth so far. I have tough, coachable kids who love football. Historically, Dobbs is the top team in class C. They are what and where we aspire to eventually be. We have a great supportive administration and community. 

Social Media: Instagram @Valhalla.football; X @dematteocoach 

 

INDEPENDENTS

WALTER PANAS 

Coach: Bill Castro, 5th season

2023 Record & Playoff Result: 2-5

Top Returning Players: Sr. Christian Ramos (QB), Sr. Kareem Lumpkins (WR), Sr. Hayden Murray (OL/DL) Jr. Christian Salomon (WR/DB), Jr. Jack Doherty (RB/LB), Jr. Thomas Mekuto. (RB/LB)

Key Adds/Newcomers: Jr. Declan Fleming (WR/DB), Sr. Carter Dawson (OL/DL)  So. Caleb Sahadeo (OL), Fr. Leland Kane (OL)

Top Offensive Threats: Ramos, Lumpkins

Top O-Linemen: RT Murray

Top Pass Rusher: DE Murray

Top Coverage Guy: DB Salomon

League Favorite: Greeley

Section Favorite: Somers

Goals: HVFL Championship

Coach’s Comments: We are very excited for this upcoming season. Christian Ramos has impressed throughout the spring and summer at the QB spot and has a strong receiving corps to distribute the ball to. Defensively, we will look to build off a strong defensive season that sees six returning starters. 

Social Media: @Coach _Castro