Prep Redzone All Catholic League 2nd Team- Offense
There were a lot of players that made a name for themselves this season in the NYCHSFL. The offensive production across this league was incredible and players from all three divisions made a major impact. Here are the selections for…
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Continue ReadingThere were a lot of players that made a name for themselves this season in the NYCHSFL. The offensive production across this league was incredible and players from all three divisions made a major impact. Here are the selections for the “All Catholic” second team offense.
QB’s
One of the best lacrosse players in America proved that he is an elite quarterback. Merrill took the catholic league by storm when the Friars defeated St Joe’s Regional (NJ), Cardinal Hayes and Iona Prep. In those three games alone, Merrill had 691 passing yards and 6 touchdowns, and then with his legs he registered 499 yards and 8 touchdowns. Merrill would end his junior season with 1,452 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He would also pass the century mark with 1,154 rushing yards and 15 TD’s on the ground. He is one of the most dangerous runners in the state and will be a leader for St Anthony’s next season.
Iona Prep turned their season around and a big reason why was the play of Joey Gaston Joey Gaston 5’9″ | 170 lbs | QB Iona Prep | 2025 State NY . The transfer from St Joseph Regional had a huge junior season. He threw for 2,186 and 15 touchdowns. He was one of the most elusive players in this league and was an excellent running option for Iona Prep. Gaston had 739 yards and 9 touchdowns with his legs. He completed 70 percent of his passes and was in complete command of this Iona Prep offense that was rolling in the second half of the season.
Highlights
The freshman sensation proved that he will be one of the top players in the state for the class of 2027. When facing talented defenses, Tommy “The Thrill” Zeh made some incredible throws and helped lead Moore Catholic to another AA-1 championship appearance. He led the AA-1 division in passing yards and touchdowns this past season with 1,532 yards and 15 scores. His poise and accuracy at this level were so impressive, Zeh has an extremely bright future with this Mavericks offense.
RB’s
Give the ball to Nafis! That’s what Farrell did a lot this past season and the junior tailback was a star in this Lions offense. He totaled 1,054 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. He had a memorable performance handing St Anthony’s their first league loss of the season at the time when they were ranked number 1 in the state. In that game, Muhammad had 328 all purpose yards and 2 TD’s to secure Farrell’s first win over the Friars in 20 plus years. He might not be the biggest running back, but he is a tough runner and is seen as lightning in a bottle . The Staten Island native made a ton of plays and will be a vocal point for Farrell’s offense again next season.
Highlights
The run heavy Xavier offense was anchored by the stardom of Mehdi Merah Mehdi Merah 5’10” | 215 lbs | RB Xavier | 2024 State NY . At 5 ’11 and 206 pounds, Merah was a bruising tailback that inflicted damage on almost every defense he faced. The power back used his strength to help move the chains, but we frequently saw how he could use his speed. He pulled off some big plays and guided Xavier to a AA-1 semifinal appearance. Merah was a prototypical smash mouth Xavier player who thrived in this offense and put together an excellent senior campaign.
Highlights
Make it back to back seasons for RJ Pacheco surpassing 1,000 yards rushing. This past fall Pacheco had 1,027 yards on the ground with 12 scores. The shifty running back proved why he’s receiving division one offers. Yet again, he was so difficult to bring down and he brought a game changing factor to this Moore Catholic offense. In the AA-1 semifinals, he had 7 carries for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Pacheco helped send the Mavericks to their 3rd straight AA-1 championship appearance, where he has played in all of those games. Next season he’ll look to lead Moore Catholic to a league title.
WR’s
One of the fastest players in New York treated us to a show this past season. Worrell showed off his lightning speed all throughout his senior campaign. He hauled in 45 catches for 738 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also had two kickoff returns that he took to the house this season. He was burning elite defenders from the Baylor School (TN), Cardinal Hayes, St Anthony’s and so many of the other elite teams on his schedule. Worrell also showed his ability to make difficult catches in traffic in key situations.
Highlights
Another incredible option in this high powered Cardinal Hayes offense. Garcia was the ultimate deep threat for this Hayes team. Garcia’s speed and Belin’s arm strength was a perfect match. Garcia got behind secondaries consistently and would be able to track the ball to make impressive catches. He totaled over 800 yards receiving on the year and was a monster in the slot. He had that clutch factor inside of him and made some big plays when his team needed him.
Farrell didn’t pass the ball as much as last year but the unquestioned leader of their receiving core was Nick Souffrin Nick Souffrin 6’1″ | 190 lbs | WR Monsignor Farrell | 2024 State NY . He didn’t have eye popping stats but his 424 receiving yards were big for Farrell in their successful season. Souffrin is a polished route runner and was one of the most reliable receivers in the entire catholic league. He has an offer from Wagner and just picked up another one from St. Anselm.
Highlights
The AA-2 playoffs was essentially the Nelson Perez Nelson Perez 5’10” | 145 lbs | WR Mount St. Michael | 2024 NY show. In the semifinals against Kennedy Catholic, Perez was the difference maker after recording 7 catches for 133 yards and 2 TD’s. He carried that momentum into the championship game, when he caught another touchdown and made defenders look silly in the open field. He created separation on his routes and his yards after catch is what made him one of the top players in this league. He ranked second in all three major receiving categories in the AA-2 division.
Highlights
Another electric Stepinac receiver, Hooper had a big season for the Crusaders. He caught 44 passes for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns. Hooper is a dynamic athlete with excellent run after catch ability. His moves in the open field were very impressive. He could either slip past defenders or run right past them. Hooper also displayed very good hands and was one of the top threats over the middle in the entire AAA division.
ATH’s
After dominating on the lacrosse field, Davis had a terrific sophomore year on the gridiron. He is one of the most athletic 2026 prospects in the state and the Gaels wanted to get him the ball anyway they could. When it came to rushing, Davis had 47 carries for 470 yards and 7 touchdowns. And as a receiver he collected 31 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. Anytime he touched the ball it seemed like he was creating something. Davis improved tremendously throughout the year and he’s in for a major offseason and junior campaign next fall.
Highlights
Aruta played quarterback this past season but the dynamic athlete for the Eagles was a premier rusher in the catholic league. He was second in the AA-1 division in rushing, as he registered 1,175 yards and 13 TD’s. Aruta was a fearless runner and extended plays from the quarterback position. He made some incredible throws on the run and was very slippery outside of the pocket. Aruta ultimately led St Peters to an 8-3 record and a AA-1 semi finals appearance after being the last preseason seed in the division to start the year.
One of the best overall players in the AA-2 division. Shaw had a monster season for Mount St Michael on both sides of the football. He was the division’s leading rusher with 605 yards on the ground and a total of 14 touchdowns. Shaw was excellent in short yardage situations and had a knack for finding the endzone. He was the offensive MVP in the AA-2 title victory after scoring three times in the Mount’s blowout win over Xaverian. Shaw also led a very balanced defense with 46 tackles on the year.
OL
It was another dominant season for one of the “Bronx Bulldozers”, as Mann had an eye opening junior season. Mann delivered some punishing pancake blocks and his strength certainly increased a ton from his sophomore year. He was very steady in pass protection, and he became a force when he was blocking up field. Mann was a big reason why this Cardinal Hayes team ran for over 2,500 yards this season.
Highlights
St John’s had a lot of success up front despite all the injuries, and it started with the brilliance of Webeh at center. He was known as one of the smartest lineman in this league, but in his senior campaign we saw the aggression and dominance he can provide. He was dominant in the Cougars championship win over Moore Catholic. He will be playing at Hamilton next fall.
Highlights
McGregor followed up a good sophomore year with a stellar junior season. He continues to prove that he has some of the best feet out of any offensive lineman in the state. He has amazing patience and was a force in both pass protection and run blocking. He’ll be the leader of the Friars line next season which returns a good amount of talent.
Highlights
The junior lineman created a daunting duo alongside Nick Rinaldi. Catoggio had a successful second year on varsity and performed very well in a league that features some of the best defensive lineman in the state. He moves very well in space and created some huge lanes for the Flyers run attack. Catoggio’s feet, brute strength and great hands easily makes him one of the top lineman in the ‘25 class here in New York. Expect him to anchor the Flyers offensive line next season.