Catholic League Matchups and Impact Players to Watch in Week 3
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There are some prime-time matchups this week in the New York Catholic League. Some of the best teams go head to head and it includes some of the best players in the state St Anthony’s vs Iona Prep This is…
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Continue ReadingThere are some prime-time matchups this week in the New York Catholic League. Some of the best teams go head to head and it includes some of the best players in the state
St Anthony’s vs Iona Prep
This is a rematch of the AAA Championship from a year ago. Both teams are coming off of massive wins to start the season. The Friars defeated St Joseph Regional (New Jersey) and Iona Prep registered a huge win over New England power Springfield Central
Big time players make big time plays in big time games, and that is what Carey did last week vs St Joseph Regional. Carey did it all against the Green Knights. He had one of his best performances of his career on the defensive line against an excellent team. Carey had a huge tackle on Pitt commit Yasin Willis on 4th down to give his team possession. The Friars would then use Carey on offense as a blocker. They would go down and score and ultimately win the game. Carey will look to have another a big game in a championship rematch.
Highlights
The new Gael on the defensive line has made an immediate impact for Iona Prep. He will be relied on heavily against a very good St Anthony’s offense. Getting pressure on Gary Merrill Gary Merrill 6’1″ | 180 lbs | QB St. Anthony’s | 2025 NY and making him uncomfortable all game will be a key for Iona Prep. George will be a big factor in their efforts to contain him. Against Chaminade, George had his way against the Flyers offensive line. He was quick off the edge and was able to use his hands and strength to get to the quarterback. He also showed off sideline speed to chase down the QB for a sack. George has had a terrific start and he’ll need to have a good game against a strong Friars offense.
Highlights
Monsignor Farrell vs Moore Catholic
The newly formed Staten Island rivalry is a highly anticipated matchup this season. Last year Moore Catholic shocked the city by pulling off a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Lions at home. Now this year, Moore Catholic travels to Monsignor Farrell for the rematch this season in the Lions Den. Monsignor Farrell is coming off of a statement victory over Canarsie 49-6 from last Friday night
The monster defensive lineman for the Lions has started the season off with a bang. Against Canarsie he had one of his best performances. He had a ton of success in multiple ways. Dejesus utilized his quick get off and his agility to his advantage, but his power is what impressed me. He bull rushed through Canarsie guards and he added a new element of destruction to his game. Moore Catholic isn’t as comfortable at the QB spot like last year, getting pressure in that backfield and forcing quick decisions will be key. Dejesus will also need to be great in run defense as he hopes to avoid letting Mavericks running back RJ Pacheco get to the second level.
Highlights
There is no secret, the key for Moore Catholic will be to play well up front and let their star junior running back make plays. The Mavericks got their first win last week over Christ The King and Pacheco ran for over 100 yards and a score on just 10 carries. Because when Pacheco gets into space he has the elusiveness and breakaway speed to be a game changer against a tough Farrell team. They have a good supporting cast with Jayden Melendez Jayden Melendez 5’10” | 165 lbs | WR Moore Catholic | 2026 State NY , Matthias Lighten Matthias Lighten 6’0″ | 180 lbs | ATH Moore Catholic | 2024 State NY and Boakai Veikai Boakai Veikai 6’4″ | 210 lbs | ATH Moore Catholic | 2024 State NY . But the pass game will come much easier if Pacheco gets things going on the ground and plays to the best of his abilities against a terrific defense
Chaminade vs St John the Baptist
Chaminade has a very challenging schedule to start the year and they fell to 0-2 after losing to Iona Prep and Paramus Catholic (NJ). They look to avoid going 0-3 before their rivalry game with St Anthony’s but it won’t be easy. They face off against one of the favorites in the AA division within St John the Baptist who just had a huge win over Fordham Prep 35-7.
For the Flyers, they have two key factors on offense that could change this game. Jack Tully could run wild like St Peters did against the Cougars in Week 1, and Michael Dietrich Michael Dietrich 6’0″ | 165 lbs | WR Chaminade | 2025 State NY could also have a huge game from the slot. In just two games the junior receiver has registered 11 catches, 141 yards and a touchdown. He’s been one of the smoothest route runners I’ve seen and one of the top players for Chaminade. The Cougars have a lockdown corner on the outside within Chris King but they will need an answer for Dietrich over the middle because now in his third game with Tyler Mastronardi Tyler Mastronardi 6’3″ | 210 lbs | QB Chaminade | 2024 State NY we could see a true breakout game with how well he’s been playing.
Highlights
Last week the Cougars played a physical brand of football to say the least and the anchor of that was Luka Skoda Luka Skoda 6’0″ | 205 lbs | LB St. John The Baptist | 2025 State NY . He brought unmatched passion and intensity on the field against Fordham Prep. So I can only imagine how hard he’ll play when he takes on his former school this Saturday. Skoda put together a monster performance against Fordham Prep. He had one of the hardest hits I’ve seen this season which caused a fumble resulting in a turnover. Skoda would then get to the quarterback delivering a crushing hit to force an incompletion. And to top it all off, Skoda sat back in pass coverage and came away with an interception that he took to the house. He will need to have a big game against a very deep and talented Chaminade offense.