PRZNY Team Previews: Christian Brothers Academy – Albany

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (10-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Brothers took a tough loss against an extremely experienced Carmel team but made it to the state tournament for the second season. The only other loss came in a game against Shenendehowa in week five after they handled their first four opponents easily. They avenged their loss in the Sectional title, another reminder of who remains on top of Section II for the time being. The team was led by a trio of athletes who rotated positions on offense, with D1 prospects Donald Jones and Jake Iacobaccio leading the way and sharing some time with Donald's younger brother Archie, who looks the part as one of the top QBs in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528331"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c65caea1f46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Back-to-back seasons on varsity as an 8th grader and then freshman is impressive in its own right, but when you see what Guzi puts on film in those two seasons, he is a very talented Division 1 level prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to reading what's in front of him, closing on the ball, and effectively and consistently finishing plays with good tackling technique, Guzi is in the conversation for best LB in the state. There are still lots to work on, including adding more to his frame, coverage reps (which are hard to come by at times), and developing his athleticism as he grows, but there is a ton to like here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also, Guzo dominates the weight room, hitting 20 reps of 225 on the bench heading into the sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Three Prospects</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260032"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c65caea1f9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones takes a big step from a 3-headed monster QB situation to having the spot all to himself. He put some great stuff on film last season and showed the type of arm talent that can make throws at all three levels of the field. The smaller sample size was enough film where I was confident in him being the #1 QB in the class because everything looks so natural when you see him play. His overall ranking may be lower as this whole QB class has a lot to prove but Jones right now is leading this group as one of the more dynamic playmakers in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528336"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c65caea1fdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marra may be a little undersized at the LB position, but he plays the position with an elite motor and toughness. He is quick to react, comes downhill fast, and shows some physicality at the point of attack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Violent, Physical, Fast, and Quick are the best ways to describe Marra - there is a reason he was the Section II DPOY last season amongst multiple deserving candidates. Marra makes plays at a higher rate than just about anyone in Section II. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His size hurts him a little as a prospect at the next level, but unlike many of the "small" prospects, how he plays the game shows he can overcome being a shorter linebacker. He plays with natural leverage and is, at times, far too elusive for offensive linemen to get their hands on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283675"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c65caea2014"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1283675' first='Lucius' last='Anderson'] gets the mark as my biggest miss in the 2025 rankings that were posted early spring. The CBA-Albany athlete was a player who I graded out well but not amongst the top top group of WRs, and at the end of this season, don't be surprised if he is pushing for a top 10 WR spot in NY - which is essentially around the cutoff for D1 prospects at that position, something Anderson clearly may be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson returns as the top WR, and this year, does not have a QB rotation to work with but [player_tooltip player_id='1260032' first='Archie' last='Jones'] full time. Anderson is great athlete who separates at a high level down the field and shows strong hands on tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528335"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c65caea204d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A lot of talent is gone from the backfield of CBA-Albany, and [player_tooltip player_id='528335' first='Latrell' last='Martin'] will return as the spotlight at the RB position. He put some good stuff on tape last season as a part of an offense that featured multiple Division One athletes with a clear path to a more lead RB role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin is really athletic. He shows high-level short-area quickness and the ability to make guys miss in space. He has been a very effective defensive back for years, being amongst section II's best at the position, but there is a chance we get a big breakout at the RB position for him this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Name</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Position</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='528334' first='Lorenzo' last='Lanni']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR/CB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Expect a jump in offensive production, solid two-way player</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1283855' first='Aidan' last='Good']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Solid returning LB prospect</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1213152' first='Anthony' last='Coluccio']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">TE</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>One of the better TE prospects in NY, great DIII prospect and could end up at a higher level with a strong season</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1213147' first='Alex' last='Stabinski']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Returning OL prospect</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Joseph O'Shaughnessy</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>OL prospect to know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1624653' first='Teddy' last='Gialanella']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">K</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>Returning K/P</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='751267' first='JT' last='Vogel']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Jacob Vogel</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DE</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Nic Mello</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='528344' first='Jerome' last='Dawson']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know, former PRZ Next camp top performer</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Steven Thomas Jr</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">QB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1302037' first='Timothy' last='Hitchcock']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1648702' first='Thomas' last='Toher']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1583490' first='Jack' last='Hulett']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2028</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lukasz Kozakiewicz</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2028</td><td>Young Prospect to Know</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses/Commitments</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB/ATH - Donald Jones - Albany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB/ATH - Jack Iacobaccio - Monmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH - Christian Ryan Anderson - Endicott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1398460,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-08-21-at-4.02.19-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1398460" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team will run entirely through [player_tooltip player_id='1260032' first='Archie' last='Jones'], and a strong group of playmakers surrounds him. Although they lost Donald Jones and Jake Iacobaccio, the offensive playmaking positions are where they had the most depth and should be able to transition some new WRs and RBs into the mix quickly. They have a typical Section II schedule and have the usual games circled. Shenendehowa will bring back some offensive firepower, and the 9/27 game could be the game of the year in Section II. Guilderland, Shaker, and Saratoga Springs offer strong QBs to face off with [player_tooltip player_id='1260032' first='Archie' last='Jones'], and Niskayuna loses a lot of talent but finds a way to recoup into contenders year after year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things Going For The Brothers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return one of the top young quarterbacks in the state</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have a deep talent pool in the 2027 class, some of which have already contributed</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return the top LB duo in New York in [player_tooltip player_id='528336' first='Jake' last='Marra'] and [player_tooltip player_id='528331' first='Aiden' last='Guzi']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1 Area To Be Concerns</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing the athleticism in the duo of Donald Jones and Jack Iacobaccio is very tough, the explosiveness they brought to the field will be hard to recreate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am really high on some of the CBA-Albany youngsters. I think that Guzi won't be the only sophomore with big contributions this year, and CBA-Albany will surprise some people with how easily they move past the loss of Jones and Iacobaccio. There are certainly questions regarding their ability to compete in the state tournament because their OL will be a bit smaller than most, but they have the best prospects in Section II. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->