Vote now for lohud high school football player of week 1
After another action-packed week, it's time to take a look back at some of the standout performances from Westchester, Rockland and Putnam.
Meet this week's finalists that had big games on the gridiron. The players' credentials are listed above the fan poll, which will be live until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The winner will be announced on lohud social media accounts on Wednesday night.
Now, let's the meet the candidates. And if the poll at the bottom of the page doesn't load, please click here.
Angel Aquino, Yonkers Force
He played a key role in the Force's win over the Yonkers Brave to claim the Superintendent's Cup. The standout receiver caught six passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns. He also had the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion in their 35-26 win.
Connor Benke, Tuckahoe
Benke was one of the catalysts in the Tigers' 21-19 win over rival Bronxville, their first over the Broncos since 2008. Benke had nine catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also had an interception and a fumble recovery on defense in the winning effort.
Armani Brown, Peekskill
He provided some lockdown coverage in the Red Devils' game against Spring Valley. Brown made two interceptions and broke up two passes. He also caught a touchdown pass on offense.
Declan Connors, Fox Lane
Connors was unstoppable in the Foxes' season-opening 27-6 win over rival Horace Greeley. He piled up 209 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries. He also had six tackles, including one for loss, and an interception on defense to round out his all-around performance.
Tommy Cottrell, Stepinac
A standout lacrosse player committed to LeMoyne, Cottrell was a machine on defense in the Crusaders' 21-16 win over Monsignor Farrell. He was crucial in Stepinac's ability to thwart Farrell's second-half comeback and helped his team hold on for the win. The outside linebacker racked up 17 tackles on defense, including 11 solo tackles, and two pass breakups in the victory.
D.J. DeMatteo, Mahopac
DeMatteo was forced to be a spectator in Mahopac's one-point playoff loss to Harrison last season. In their rematch this past week, he was an impact player on both sides of the ball. He completed 7 of 10 passes under center for 162 yards and four touchdowns, and on defense as a linebacker, he made six tackles in the Indians' 28-14 come-from-behind win on the road.
Ethan Ferrar, North Rockland
The senior safety and wide receiver was an impact player on both sides of the ball in the Red Raiders' 39-23 win over Mamaroneck. Ferrar had two carries for 25 yards and a rushing touchdown. He also caught a 25-yard touchdown pass in the win. Defensively, he had an interception, four tackles and one pass breakup. Ferrar also chipped in on special teams, taking two kickoff returns for a total of 93 yards (46.5 yard average).
Kaden Gonzalez, Yorktown
The reigning lohud Football Player of the Week is back after following up with another big performance to help the Huskers improve to 2-0. Gonzalez threw five touchdown passes in the first half alone in a victory over Clarkstown North. All in all, he completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and five touchdowns.
Chris Iuliano, Rye
The Garnets' tailback ran for 134 yards and four touchdowns on just 13 carries in their lopsided win over Lakeland.
Jeph Joseph, Suffern
He was a workhorse and a two-way impact player in the Mounties' road win at New Rochelle. Joseph racked up 183 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Defensively, he also added 10 tackles to help Suffern win, 23-6.
Tommy Kivlehan, Tappan Zee
The Dutchmen quarterback led the offense with an efficient 14 of 19 showing in the pocket, with 174 yards and a passing touchdown. He also ran for a score in the 19-0 win over Ramapo.
Henry Mackie, Mamaroneck
His Tigers may have fallen short in a 39-23 game with North Rockland, but Mamaroneck actually outgained the Red Raiders by a solid margin and Mackie was a big reason why. The senior quarterback had a valiant effort in the loss, racking up 245 rushing yards and a touchdown on 40 carries. He also completed 7 of 15 passes for 90 yards and a passing touchdown.
Ricky Meister, Putnam Valley
The Tigers' tailback had another big day on the ground, rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries in their 28-10 victory over Albertus Magnus.
Alexis Morel, Port Chester
The Rams' sophomore was integral in their 21-12 win over Panas. Morel ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. He also completed his lone pass attempt for a 21-yard touchdown pass in the winning effort.
Daniel Picart, Pleasantville
The reigning Section 1 Player of the Year was dominant in the Panthers' season opener, a rematch of last year's Section 1 Class B finals with Byram Hills. He ran for 185 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries. Picart also had a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and caught a 65-yard pass to round out his all-around five-touchdown day in the 42-10 victory.
Michael Rende, Ardsley
He had a hand in every touchdown and made plays on both sides of the ball in the Panthers' hard-earned 23-20 victory in a back-and-forth affair with Nyack. Rende ran for two touchdowns and threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Chenard. Defensively, he also made two crucial interceptions in the win.
Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud high school football: Vote for Player of the Week
