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Check out our lohud experts' high school football predictions for Week 4

eugene rapay and mike dougherty, rockland/westchester journal news
·9 min read

It's hard to believe that we're about to be one month through the regular season.

Here are some of the top games to watch, along with picks for every Week 4 game to finish out the month of September.

Last week's prediction results

Mike: 26-9 (93-23)

Eugene: 24-11 (86-30)

Suffern (3-0) at North Rockland (3-1)

Friday, 6 p.m. at Town of Haverstraw Sports Complex

North Rockland defeats Suffern 23-16 in football action at Suffern Middle School in Suffern on Friday, September 23, 2022.
North Rockland defeats Suffern 23-16 in football action at Suffern Middle School in Suffern on Friday, September 23, 2022.

Both teams have had this game circled on their calendars since the schedules dropped.

This Rockland rivalry has had a couple of epic finishes in recent years. The Mounties won 27-25 in 2021, then the Red Raiders triumphed last season in a 23-16 victory that came down to a last-minute interception by Ethan Ferrar to stop the Suffern comeback.

The Mounties are riding in hot, winning their first three games in lopsided fashion. Meanwhile, North Rockland will have some extra motivation to bounce back after potentially getting caught looking ahead by Ossining. The Pride handed the Red Raiders their first loss of the season after an undefeated start.

Mike's pick: Suffern over North Rockland

Eugene's pick: North Rockland over Suffern

Pleasantville (3-0) at Lakeland (3-1)

Friday, 6 p.m.

Lakeland defeats Panas 43-14 in football action at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak on Friday, September 1, 2023.
Lakeland defeats Panas 43-14 in football action at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak on Friday, September 1, 2023.

After enjoying a come-from-behind victory in a big win over Rye, the Panthers are gearing up for another Class B newcomer. They'll look to build on their 24-game winning streak against Section 1 opponents.

Both teams have their share of game-changing talents. For Lakeland, it's quarterback Grady Leonard, who is coming off of a 454-yard, four-touchdown performance. He's completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,055 yards, 12 touchdowns and only one interception. This is a passing attack that could present a trap if the Hornets gain momentum and opponents aren't disciplined in their coverage.

While the Panthers have impact players like the Picart brothers and two-way standout Ryan Horigan, they also have experience and tenacity across the lineup and contributors that are comfortable in all game situations.

Mike's pick: Pleasantville over Lakeland

Eugene's pick: Pleasantville over Lakeland

Dougherty: Section 1 dropped the ball in rejecting Blind Brook football merger

Eastchester (3-1) at Brewster (2-1)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Aidan Schultz of Eastchester carries the ball against Mahopac during a varsity football game at Eastchester High School Sept. 10. 2022. Eastchester defeated Mahopac 13-7.
Aidan Schultz of Eastchester carries the ball against Mahopac during a varsity football game at Eastchester High School Sept. 10. 2022. Eastchester defeated Mahopac 13-7.

Since taking a tough season-opening overtime loss to Section 2's Averill Park, the Eagles are flying high. They've clamped down on every single one of their Section 1 opponents so far. During their three-game winning streak, opponents have been limited to a combined 160 yards of total offense. Two of their last three opponents were held to 50 or fewer yards, with exception to Pelham, who had 98 yards of offense.

As for Brewster, the Bears are also trending in the right direction after suffering a close season-opening loss of their own. They posted back-to-back shutout victories over Pelham and Fox Lane, and this will be a solid test for them before they finish out league play against the likes of Somers, Yorktown and Mahopac.

Class A is ultra-competitive and playoff positioning will be tight the remainder of the way.

Mike's pick: Eastchester over Brewster

Eugene's pick: Eastchester over Brewster

Somers (3-0) at Harrison (3-1)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Somers running back Mason Kelly (25) with the carry during their win over Mahopac in football action at Somers High School in Lincolndale on Friday, September 22, 2023.
Somers running back Mason Kelly (25) with the carry during their win over Mahopac in football action at Somers High School in Lincolndale on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Both teams are currently among the top two spots of their respective leagues, which makes Friday's matchup a potential playoff preview.

Somers has been the gold standard in Section 1 Class A and hasn't lost to a Section 1 opponent since the 2019 season. It sets the stage for a Harrison team that would love to make a statement in front of its home crowd.

The Huskies may be limited in roster numbers, but there's no shortage of heart and intensity on a team that has a bend-don't-break attitude. They've continued to find ways to win, and whether it's a close contest or a lopsided victory, they're comfortable competing all four quarters in any game environment.

Mike's pick: Somers over Harrison

Eugene's pick: Somers over Harrison

Stepinac (3-1) at Cardinal Hayes (3-1)

Friday, 7 p.m. at Columbia University

Stepinac's Lorenzo Robinson (26) with a carry during their 34-21 win over DePaul Catholic (Wayne, N.J.) in football action at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Stepinac's Lorenzo Robinson (26) with a carry during their 34-21 win over DePaul Catholic (Wayne, N.J.) in football action at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The Crusaders won't be looking ahead to their big game against Iona Prep next week as they have a big test in front them. Cardinal Hayes will provide a challenge and a gauge for where Stepinac stands among the top of the CHSFL.

The Cardinals' lone loss of the season came in a 52-51 shootout against defending CHSFL champion St. Anthony's. Cardinal Hayes boasts a balanced offense that averages 44.9 points per game. Their first three games were all shootouts, so their confidence on offense can certainly cover for their defensive deficiencies.

Stepinac has plenty of talent on defense, especially in its secondary, so this will be a fun challenge for them. Offensively, quarterback Will Currid is no stranger to posting big numbers as the program's all-time record holder in several passing categories, and running back Lorenzo Robinson has been carving up defenses. Expect a dramatic finish on Friday night.

Mike's pick: Stepinac over Cardinal Hayes

Eugene's pick: Cardinal Hayes over Stepinac

Ossining (1-3) at Carmel (2-1)

Friday, 7 p.m.

Ossining is coming off of a 29-14 win over previously undefeated North Rockland. The Pride forced six turnovers in their upset victory.
Ossining is coming off of a 29-14 win over previously undefeated North Rockland. The Pride forced six turnovers in their upset victory.

Is Ossining turning a corner? The Pride certainly turned heads last week in a game where senior Anthony Lofaro ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense clamped down and forced six turnovers against undefeated North Rockland to win, 29-14.

Ossining will hit the road once again in hopes to make a seismic statement in an upset bid over Carmel.

The Rams returned to form in a 21-7 win over undefeated John Jay-East Fishkill. Carmel brought the heat on both sides of the ball and appears to be rebuilding momentum.

Mike's pick: Carmel over Ossining

Eugene's pick: Carmel over Ossining

Clarkstown South (1-2) at Mahopac (2-2)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. at Lakeland High School

Clarkstown South's Kevin Butler runs through a pair of Harrison defenders.
Clarkstown South's Kevin Butler runs through a pair of Harrison defenders.

These are two teams that are better than their records indicate. After enduring tough first-half schedules, they're at a point where there's little room for error in the second half of the season, since playoff spots only go to the top four finishers in each league.

The Vikings are looking to regroup on the road after a tough 7-0 loss to Harrison. Meanwhile, the Wolf Pac is coming off of back-to-back losses to Yorktown and Somers, two games they were competitive in. Expect a playoff-type intensity from both teams on Saturday afternoon for what could be another tight battle on their schedule.

Mike's pick: Mahopac over Clarkstown South

Eugene's pick: Mahopac over Clarkstown South

Westlake (2-0) at Tuckahoe (2-1)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Tuckahoe defeats Westlake 35-32 in football action at Westlake High School in Thornwood on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
Tuckahoe defeats Westlake 35-32 in football action at Westlake High School in Thornwood on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Both teams won Section 1 titles in their respective classes last season, and they'll aspire to do the same this season.

Tuckahoe will be fired up coming off a loss to Haldane. Meanwhile, Westlake had a better showing in its second game, routing Tappan Zee after staving off Valhalla in overtime in the season opener.

Last time these two teams met, it was a high-scoring 35-32 thriller. Westlake's comeback had fallen short, and the Class D Tigers went on to triumph in their own class and over everybody else in Class C. What will this year's matchup bring?

Mike's pick: Westlake over Tuckahoe

Eugene's pick: Westlake over Tuckahoe

Quick picks

FRIDAY

Mamaroneck (2-1) at White Plains (0-3), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Mamaroneck

Eugene's pick: Mamaroneck

Rye Neck (3-1) at Hen Hud (0-3), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Rye Neck

Eugene's pick: Rye Neck

Arlington (4-0) at Mount Vernon (1-2), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Arlington

Eugene's pick: Arlington

Sleepy Hollow (1-3) at Pearl River (2-1), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Pearl River

Eugene's pick: Pearl River

Port Chester (1-2) at Spring Valley (3-0), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Spring Valley

Eugene's pick: Spring Valley

Yorktown (4-0) at Horace Greeley (2-2), 6:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Yorktown

Eugene's pick: Yorktown

Panas (0-4) at Tappan Zee (2-1), 6:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Tappan Zee

Eugene's pick: Tappan Zee

Rye Country Day (1-1) at Poly Prep (1-2), 7 p.m.

Mike's pick: Poly Prep

Eugene's pick: Poly Prep

Croton-Harmon (1-2) at Ardsley (3-0), 7 p.m.

Mike's pick: Ardsley

Eugene's pick: Ardsley

Nanuet (2-1) at Edgemont (1-1), 7 p.m.

Mike's pick: Nanuet

Eugene's pick: Nanuet

Valhalla (2-1) at Dobbs Ferry (2-0), 7 p.m.

Mike's pick: Valhalla

Eugene's pick: Dobbs Ferry

Nyack (2-1) at Rye (2-2), 7 p.m.

Mike's pick: Rye

Eugene's pick: Rye

SATURDAY

Putnam Valley (2-1) at Briarcliff/Hamilton (1-2), 12 p.m.

Mike's pick: Putnam Valley

Eugene's pick: Putnam Valley

Kennedy Catholic (1-2) at Holy Cross (1-2), 1 p.m.

Mike's pick: Kennedy

Eugene's pick: Holy Cross

Monsignor Farrell (3-1) at Iona Prep (2-2), 1 p.m.

Mike's pick: Iona Prep

Eugene's pick: Iona Prep

Ketcham (0-3) at Yonkers Brave (0-4), 1 p.m.

Mike's pick: Ketcham

Eugene's pick: Ketcham

John Jay-East Fishkill (3-1) at Yonkers Force (3-1), 1:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: John Jay-East Fishkill

Eugene's pick: John Jay-East Fishkill

Byram Hills (2-2) at Irvington (0-3), 1:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Byram Hills

Eugene's pick: Byram Hills

Bronxville (1-2) at Haldane (3-0), 1:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Haldane

Eugene's pick: Haldane

New Rochelle (1-3) at Scarsdale (2-1), 1:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Scarsdale

Eugene's pick: Scarsdale

Ramapo (0-3) at Woodlands (0-2), 1:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: Ramapo

Eugene's pick: Ramapo

Clarkstown North (0-3) at Fox Lane (1-2), 2 p.m.

Mike's pick: Fox Lane

Eugene's pick: Fox Lane

Millbrook School (1-0) at Harvey (0-1), 2 p.m.

Mike's pick: Millbrook School

Eugene's pick: Millbrook School

Albertus Magnus (1-1) at Hastings (0-3), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Albertus Magnus

Eugene's pick: Albertus Magnus

Poughkeepsie (1-3) at Peekskill (2-1), 6 p.m.

Mike's pick: Peekskill

Eugene's pick: Peekskill

Pelham (0-3) at John Jay-Cross River (1-2), 6:30 p.m.

Mike's pick: John Jay-Cross River

Eugene's pick: John Jay-Cross River

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud high school football: Week 4 predictions