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High school football: Who's No. 1 in the lohud preseason rankings?

mike dougherty, rockland/westchester journal news
·3 min read
Harrison football players run through a drill during practice at Harrison High School Aug. 19, 2023. Harrison opens the season against rival Rye.
Harrison football players run through a drill during practice at Harrison High School Aug. 19, 2023. Harrison opens the season against rival Rye.

10. Harrison

It’s a case of quality over quantity. The Huskies are not a deep team so injuries will be a season-long concern, but there are multiple threats on the roster, starting with Chris McLaughlin.

Last season: 8-2, lost to Somers in a Section 1 Class A semifinal

Up next: Rye, Saturday

Pleasantville High School head coach Tony Becerra talks to his team at the end of the morning session during the first day of football practice Aug. 21, 2023.
Pleasantville High School head coach Tony Becerra talks to his team at the end of the morning session during the first day of football practice Aug. 21, 2023.

9. Pleasantville

Motivation will not be an issue. The Panthers are eyeing another shot at a NYSPHSAA title, and knowing that Rye is capable of disrupting that plan will keep this group focused.

Last season: 12-1, won Section 1 Class B championship, lost to Maine Endwell in NYSPHSAA Class B championship

Up next: at Byram Hills, Sept. 9

A.J. Miller and Rye are playing in Class B this season and will likely have to deal with last year's champion, Pleasantville.
A.J. Miller and Rye are playing in Class B this season and will likely have to deal with last year's champion, Pleasantville.

8. Rye

A.J. Miller and Jake Kessner are going to be a problem for most defenses. And while the Garnets are newcomers to Class B this season, they are the favorite going into the season.

Last season: 9-2, lost to Somers in the Section 1 Class A championship

Up next: at Harrison, Saturday

Impact players: These are the players who made the cut and are being considered for our Super 11 team

New Rochelle's Corey Dawson pulls down an interception against Scarsdale, during their football game at New Rochelle High School, Oct. 1, 2022.
New Rochelle's Corey Dawson pulls down an interception against Scarsdale, during their football game at New Rochelle High School, Oct. 1, 2022.

7. New Rochelle

After struggling to keep up with the best teams in the section and failing to advance in the playoffs, the Huguenots come back with a talented senior nucleus and are no doubt gearing up for redemption.

Last season: 6-4, lost to Arlington in a Section 1 Class AA quarterfinal

Up next: Newburgh Free Academy, Friday

John Jay East Fishkill Brady Feliciotto avoids getting sacked by a Ossining defender during the Section 1 football game at John Jay East Fishkill in Hopewell Junction, NY on Friday, October 21, 2022. John Jay East Fishkill defeated Ossining. KELLY MARSH/FOR THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL
John Jay East Fishkill Brady Feliciotto avoids getting sacked by a Ossining defender during the Section 1 football game at John Jay East Fishkill in Hopewell Junction, NY on Friday, October 21, 2022. John Jay East Fishkill defeated Ossining. KELLY MARSH/FOR THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL

No. 6 John Jay-East Fishkill

Brady Feliciotto ranks among the most dynamic quarterbacks in the section, but he could use some help. The Patriots do know defense and gave up just 92 points last fall.

Last season: 6-2, lost to North Rockland in a Section 1 Class AA quarterfinal

Up next: FDR-Hyde Park, Friday

Carmel has won back-to-back Section 1 Class AA titles, but are not the preseason favorite to grab another championship.
Carmel has won back-to-back Section 1 Class AA titles, but are not the preseason favorite to grab another championship.

5. Carmel

The nucleus of a back-to-back sectional champion is gone, but the program has not had any issues filling holes in the lineup before. Depth will not be an issue. In time, there will be new playmakers fueling another playoff run.

Last season: 10-1, won the Section 1 Class AA championship, lost to Middletown in NYSPHSAA regional

Up next: White Plains, Sept. 8

They are in different leagues this season, but getting past Carmel is high on the Admirals' list of goals this fall.
They are in different leagues this season, but getting past Carmel is high on the Admirals' list of goals this fall.

4. Arlington

Wisconsin recruit Colin Cubberly headlines a team that is coming back with the kind of big-play talent and big-game experience that create memorable seasons. The Admirals have to be eyeing a Section 1 title.

Last season: 6-4, lost to Mamaroneck in a Section 1 Class AA semifinal

Up next: Kellenberg, Saturday

Somers defeated Union-Endicott 58-21 to win the state Class A football championship at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse Dec. 3, 2022.
Somers defeated Union-Endicott 58-21 to win the state Class A football championship at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse Dec. 3, 2022.

3. Somers

With only three starters back on the offensive side of the ball, there will be some growing pains as role players from last fall’s state championship team get put on the spot. The Tuskers have plenty of new faces on defense, too, but the system ensures they will again be stout on that side of the ball.

Last season: 12-0, won Section 1 and NYSPHSAA Class A championship

Up next: at Ramapo (N.J.), Friday

lohud Watch list: These are the names you're going to see and hear a lot this high school football season

Archbishop Stepinac quarterback Will Currid passes during a drill on the first day of football practice for the CHSAA at at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains Aug. 16, 2023.
Archbishop Stepinac quarterback Will Currid passes during a drill on the first day of football practice for the CHSAA at at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains Aug. 16, 2023.

2. Stepinac

There is all kinds of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball where quarterback Will Currid is on the verge of rewriting several career passing records. He’s got options in every direction. There is almost no margin for error with this kind of schedule, though.

Last season:  8-3 lost to Iona Prep in a CHSFL AAA semifinal

Up next: The Baylor School (Tenn.), Friday

Iona Prep will be solid up front, but must find the next standouts at quarterback and running back to stay atop the lohud football rankings this season.
Iona Prep will be solid up front, but must find the next standouts at quarterback and running back to stay atop the lohud football rankings this season.

1. Iona Prep

We know the Gaels are solid up front. We know the Gaels have multiple Division I recruits. We know the Gaels have some newcomers who are going to make an impact. Replacing Ajani Sheppard and Colin O’Garro will not be easy, though, so there are some questions at quarterback and running back.

Last season: 9-3, lost to St. Anthony’s in the CHSFL AAA title game.

Up next: at Bergen Catholic, Saturday

Mike Dougherty covers high school football for The Journal News and lohud.com. Follow along on X @hoopsmbd.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud high school 2023 NY football presason rankings