Best Returning QB/WR Duos in New York: NYC/LI Part I

<p>New York and Long Island have so many teams that I split this up into two parts to feature more returning duos. Some really strong players and teams are featured here, but I will acknowledge there are a ton of teams who return either their top receiver or their top quarterback but not both disqualifying them from this series. This was something I ran into with the other parts of the state, but in New York, a strong 2023 class left a ton of good quarterbacks without their top receivers and even more top receivers playing with new arms this season. However, some teams return their top players who dominated their leagues last season, while some of these teams listed showed a lot of promise either throughout the season or with QBs and WRs in big roles but not quite as the top guy on their roster. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='450891' first='Cristian' last='Pinto'] & [player_tooltip player_id='476866' first='Nick' last='Souffrin'] - Monsignor Farrell</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='450891' first='Cristian' last='Pinto'] and [player_tooltip player_id='476866' first='Nick' last='Souffrin'] return for their senior season as one of the top duos in New York after displaying a strong connection last season. Souffrin is the only player who was in the Top 10 receiving yards for the CHSFL last season that returns and Pinto looks to take advantage of a large 2023 quarterback class leaving the CHSFL and compete to be the best quarterback in the Catholic League. Pinto is confident throwing in tight windows and does a really good job of using his athleticism and quickness to create off broken plays. Souffrin has elite body control and does a really good job of tracking the ball down the field and making plays. Souffrin also has a really solid release off the LOS and can create separation well on short and intermediate routes. Souffrin and Pinto are in line for a big season as Monsignor Farrell is graduating WR 2-4 from last season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='277898' first='Will' last='Currid'] & [player_tooltip player_id='241145' first='Jahi' last='Gary'] - Archbishop Stepinac</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='241145' first='Jahi' last='Gary'] may have been WR3 last season but the 6'5 target already has an offer from Old Dominion and is penciled in as WR1 this season with some graduations to the WR room at Archbishop Stepinac. [player_tooltip player_id='277898' first='Will' last='Currid'] is already QB #1 in the class of 2024 after a 3,000+ yard season as a thrower which featured four players over 500 yards. Good news for this duo is that of those 500+ yard receivers Gary is the only one that is back in 2023. Gary and Currid showed they can stretch the field and Gary's size is a huge advantage. However, in Stepinac's offense that features a ton of work within 15 yards of the LOS Gary showed flashes of being more than just a 6'5 deep threat. Gary is a good route runner and uses really quick cuts and body positioning to win early in his routes and create separation. Currid is one of the most accurate throwers in this class, and this duo showcasing a true QB1 WR1 connection should be one of the most exciting things to watch in New York this fall. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='627193' first='Michael' last='Wheat'], [player_tooltip player_id='773594' first='Kevin' last='Pilewski'] & [player_tooltip player_id='627180' first='DJ' last='Lisbon'] - St. John the Baptist</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='627193' first='Michael' last='Wheat'] is a dynamic dual-threat QB/ATH who can turn any play into a huge gain and [player_tooltip player_id='773594' first='Kevin' last='Pilewski'] showed in a couple of games last season he has solid arm talent and can make throws all over the field. Part of the reason St. John the Baptist has two quarterbacks included here is partly because of the way [player_tooltip player_id='627193' first='Michael' last='Wheat'] plays and the fact that their QB situation is one I am not 100% familiar with in terms of their plans in 2023. However, with the loss of elite playmakers [player_tooltip player_id='234312' first='Elijah' last='Alvarez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='233650' first='Jayson' last='Zeva'] at RB and WR [player_tooltip player_id='627193' first='Michael' last='Wheat'] could play a role that includes multiple positions like RB/WR/QB due to his skillset. Regardless, Wheat and Pilewski both have shown the ability to make throws down the field and have good arms. That arm talent matches up well with returning WR [player_tooltip player_id='627180' first='DJ' last='Lisbon'], one of the state's most dangerous deep threats. Lisbon has elite length and good athleticism and does a great job of making contested catches and high-pointing the football. We could see Wheat and Lisbon light it up this season, or we could see Pilewski showcase the elite playmaking of Wheat and Lisbon as playmakers. Options are there for St. John the Baptist, and they have some great talent returning. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='241154' first='Rocco' last='Rainone'] & [player_tooltip player_id='241127' first='Josiah' last='Brown'] - Holy Trinity</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='241154' first='Rocco' last='Rainone'] stepped into a full-time starting role this season after splitting time at quarterback as a sophomore. Rainone returns with the #2 overall player in New York, [player_tooltip player_id='241127' first='Josiah' last='Brown'], who, although projects as a defender at the next level, showcases really good production as a receiver. Holy Trinity losses their 2nd and 3rd options with [player_tooltip player_id='233589' first='Dylan' last='Braithwaite'] already enrolled at Rutgers and Dre Kirton committed to New Haven. Holy Trinity has some really solid talent in the pipeline with [player_tooltip player_id='505384' first='Jayden' last='Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='505537' first='Chase' last='Cruz'], but all eyes will be on Brown as Holy Trinity takes a step up in competition this season. Brown has elite speed and is a really solid route runner. The 2-year varsity starter is a threat after the catch and really can thrive in a Holy Trinity offense that showcases a really strong short and intermediate passing game. Rainone is a poised passer who makes solid quick decisions. Rainone shows really solid flashes of elite ball placement and the ability to use his touch to make tight-window throws. Rainone showcases the physical traits and arm talent but will have to rely on Brown this season and improve his consistency. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='773469' first='Yandiel' last='Javier'] & [player_tooltip player_id='535759' first='Issac' last='Glaudin'], [player_tooltip player_id='627179' first='Vaughn' last='Washington'] - Holy Cross</h2>   <p>One of the most underrated groups in New York, Holy Cross showcased a really potent offense at times last season. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='773469' first='Yandiel' last='Javier'] showcased really solid potential in his first season as a starter. Javier has solid ball placement and shows he can make throws at all three levels. The inexperience showed at times and led to only a 51% completion percentage, but with a strong group of receivers returning, Javier can make a huge jump in year 2, improving his decision-making and consistency. At wide receiver, Holy Cross has two really solid prospects who thrive at creating separation and can win from multiple alignments and good tape of a complete route tree. Both Washington and Glaudin can win after the catch and were often featured running the ball. Glaudin is a little smaller, has great quickness, and is a twitchy athlete, while Washington is a longer receiver who is a smooth athlete and can win on routes at all three levels. A strong WR duo with an up and coming quarterback prospect puts Holy Cross on the list. </p>

New York and Long Island have so many teams that I split this up into two parts to feature more returning duos. Some really strong players and teams are featured here, but I will acknowledge there are a ton of teams who return either their top receiver or their top quarterback but not both disqualifying them from this series. This was something I ran into with the other parts of the state, but in New York, a strong 2023 class left a ton of good quarterbacks without their top receivers and even more top receivers playing with new arms this season. However, some teams return their top players who dominated their leagues last season, while some of these teams listed showed a lot of promise either throughout the season or with QBs and WRs in big roles but not quite as the top guy on their roster.