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

<p>Part II of some of the best QB/WR Duos in NYC/Long Island. This part is public school heavy after CHFSL was most of the first part. If you have not checked out part I you can do so <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/04/best-returning-qb-wr-duos-in-new-york-nyc-li-part-i/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Some of these duos already have some serious production and tape together and are some of the biggest threats to win top awards and have quality deep playoff runs while some duos just scratched the surface of what they can do last season and could turn up even more for their senior seasons. So many quality duos in NYC and Long Island that there might be a part III coming soon as well. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='505522' first='Joseph' last='Filardi'] & [player_tooltip player_id='505536' first='Jesse' last='Brooks'] - Half Hollow Hills West</h2>   <p>The first duo on this list will likely also headline the list next year, as both are in class of 2025 and have made quite the duo for Half Hollow Hills West. [player_tooltip player_id='505522' first='Joseph' last='Filardi'] is a true dual-threat quarterback with over 2,600 total yards last season and was one of the few quarterbacks in New York to eclipse 2,000 passing yards. [player_tooltip player_id='505536' first='Jesse' last='Brooks'] was his top target and had 45 receptions to go along with 817 receiving yards and 12 TDs. Filardi has great arm talent but his ability to make throws off platform and create off broken plays are some of the best in his class and the state. Filardi knows when to make throws with touch and when throws need velocity and has the instincts of a top quarterback in the state. Brooks is a true well-rounded athlete. His release off the LOS is elite, and he has long stride speed down the field. Brooks does a good job of tracking the ball down the field and attacks the ball at the catch point. After the catch Brooks is a smooth runner and makes quick simple cuts getting north and south. This duo will continue to dominate defenses on Long Island for the next two seasons and I would predict that they could both chase school, section, and state records with their performances. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='627190' first='Dezmond' last='Smith'] & [player_tooltip player_id='753532' first='Marlon' last='King'] - Midwood</h2>   <p>Midwood is one of the only top PSAL programs that returns both a top QB & WR, after a promising 8-3 season Smith and King will be the focal point of a Midwood team that can make a ton of noise in 2023. Smith had over 1,300 yards passing and has a smooth release throwing the ball. Smith has good arm strength and makes a ton of big plays throwing the ball. Smith moves in the pocket well and does a good job of keeping his eyes down the field and finding open receivers. [player_tooltip player_id='753532' first='Marlon' last='King'] is a do-it-all ATH who is dangerous in all three phases of the game. King has good speed and knows how to win utilizing his quick first step and ability to use elite change of direction. King has a solid catch radius and can come down with some acrobatic catches due to really solid body control. This duo is one of the most intriguing headed into the season and could build off a strong 8 win season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='742741' first='Vaughdrea' last='Johnson'] & [player_tooltip player_id='764212' first='Jadis' last='Chenet'] - Baldwin</h2>   <p>One of the most intriguing duos from a standpoint of their physical tools. Johnson is 6'4 180lbs and has a huge arm in additional to a good ability to make plays with his legs. Johnson has the ability to make throws from different bases and on the run because his long upper body helps him still have powerful arm talent when not in a traditional drop back. Johnson does a good job of adjusting the arc of his throws depending on the level of the field he is throwing too and he also shows really solid poise in the pocket, willing to take hits and still deliver throws. [player_tooltip player_id='764212' first='Jadis' last='Chenet'] is 6'3, 185lbs and looks like he could eventually grow into being a TE but as a WR he is Johnson's most reliable returning target. Chenet does a good job using his size and body to win running routes and knows how to use his position to give Johnson an open target. This duo has all the size and physically traits that are hard to find, more consistency and a more diverse route tree on tape would help showcase their ability even more. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='735895' first='Anthony' last='Vino'] & [player_tooltip player_id='737923' first='Shane' last='Reilly'], [player_tooltip player_id='737924' first='Andrew' last='Eaton'] - Sachem North</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='735895' first='Anthony' last='Vino'] is not only one of the top returning QBs on the island, but he returns an elite top duo in [player_tooltip player_id='737923' first='Shane' last='Reilly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='737924' first='Andrew' last='Eaton']. Vino is a smoother thrower and has a quick release. Vino does a good job of driving the ball down the field and makes really good throws over the middle. Reilly is one of the top returning WRs on the island and is an elite route runner. Reilly can win at all three level and has a really solid release off the LOS. In the Redzone, there are not many players better at creating separation that Reilly. After the catch, Reilly also showcases some quickness and ability to make defenders miss. [player_tooltip player_id='737924' first='Andrew' last='Eaton'] makes some of the most impressive catches in the state; Eaton's ability to high point the football, track the ball over the shoulder, and showcase a wide catch radius are impressive. Eaton also does a good job of getting open off broken plays and is a threat to find open space at any level of the field. This trio returns as one of the state's most dangerous QB/WR trios.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='604403' first='James' last='Spiegel'] & [player_tooltip player_id='764201' first='Lucas' last='Black'] - Riverdale</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='604403' first='James' last='Spiegel'] returns as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in New York and was one of the only players in the state close to the 1000/1000 club of passing and rushing yards. Spiegel has a huge arm and can make big throws down the field. Spiegal shows solid poise in the pocket and although has elite ability as a runner shows patience as a thrower. [player_tooltip player_id='764201' first='Lucas' last='Black'] is not only Spiegels top receiver from last season but the only Riverdale receiver that returns who had more than 2 receptions. Black was a dangerous deep threat for Riverdale last season and will likely get even more targets this season. Black is great at bringing down contested catches and does a good job of being physical after the catch. This duo dominated in Prep School Metro Division C last season and I would expect them to be tough to stop for the second straight season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='751818' first='William' last='Gambino'] & [player_tooltip player_id='640448' first='Michael' last='LoRusso Jr'], [player_tooltip player_id='773474' first='Kevin' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='773488' first='TJ' last='Hill'], [player_tooltip player_id='773473' first='Jordyn' last='Brown'] - Westhampton Beach</h2>   <p>This group for Westhampton Beach includes one of LI's top QBs in [player_tooltip player_id='751818' first='William' last='Gambino'], and one of the island's deepest WR/TE groups. First, Gambino is such a calm, poised QB with a quick, snappy release and the ability to move and make decisions quickly. Gambino shows really solid instincts and the ability to see an open guy and quickly deliver accurate passes. This group of playmakers Gambino is working with showcases not only good size and physicality but these guys all are well-coached, solid route runners, and good blockers. LoRusso Jr has really consistent hands and does a good job of creating separation. LoRusso Jr could be the best route runner along the sidelines in this class where he can create separation but leave space to stay in bounds. [player_tooltip player_id='773474' first='Kevin' last='Smith'] does great work from the slot and is a threat after the catch, Smith is the quick twitchy receiver of the group. [player_tooltip player_id='773488' first='TJ' last='Hill'] is a really solid blocker who is one of the most reliable targets for Gambino, seems always to sneak open, and has good hands. Although this article is "WR" centric [player_tooltip player_id='773473' first='Jordyn' last='Brown'] needs to be included. The TE is a physical player who is a reliable pass catcher in the middle of the field. He can lineup both with his hand in the dirt but also standing up in the slot. A very versatile target for Gambino who, if was on a team without three very talented receivers could be a focal point of an offense. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='604401' first='Brayden' last='Stahl'] & [player_tooltip player_id='604443' first='Jack' last='Melore'] - Smithtown West</h2>   <p>When you look at the stats, [player_tooltip player_id='604443' first='Jack' last='Melore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='604401' first='Brayden' last='Stahl'] create one of the most impressive duos. Melore had 69 receptions and over 1200 yards as a receiver, leading the entire island. Melore excels in almost every facet of the game, and Stahl compliments him well by carrying a cannon for an arm. Melore may not be the fastest player, but he has a knack for getting open and is just a baller in every facet of the game. Route Running, Hands, Blocking, Catch Radius, Ball Tracking, Instincts Melore has everything. Stahl has great anticipation, and the chemistry he and Melore have is on a level above most other duos in New York. Stahl does a good job of making plays on the run and can make throws all over the field. Stahl's tape is filled with passes at all three levels on the sidelines and through the seam, showing he can place the ball anywhere. This duo look to build off a strong season and take the next step and turn their dominant box scores into a deep playoff run. </p>

Part II of some of the best QB/WR Duos in NYC/Long Island. This part is public school heavy after CHFSL was most of the first part. If you have not checked out part I you can do so here. Some of these duos already have some serious production and tape together and are some of the biggest threats to win top awards and have quality deep playoff runs while some duos just scratched the surface of what they can do last season and could turn up even more for their senior seasons. So many quality duos in NYC and Long Island that there might be a part III coming soon as well.