2026 PRZNY Team Previews: Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="font-size: revert;white-space: normal;font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--system-fonts)">Want to stay updated with the latest news and articles from Prep Redzone NY? Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;</span><strong style="white-space: normal;font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--system-fonts)"><a href="https://x.com/PRZcory">PrzCory</a></strong><span style="font-size: revert;white-space: normal;font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--system-fonts)">&nbsp;so you never miss a beat!</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (6-5)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a tough Season for first year Coach AJ Magee, but we can't overlook the challenging squads the Crusaders played. Lincoln and Central Catholic (MA) were two easy tricky squads the Crusaders disposed of to start the year. Ending the season they had an easier schedule with games against Cardinal Hayes, Xavier, Kellenburg, and St.Joseph By the Sea. After ending the season with two straight loses against St.Anthony's and Iona Prep, In the first round of the playoffs, they faced Chaminade. Another close game with the Flyers, ended with a 18-14 loss, and the end of the season for the Westchester Squad. </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":["1257685"],"_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-6a58d72488529"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaughran is a dominant LB/ATH prospect who can play on both sides of the ball. I like his motor, and he plays with a ton of intensity. He is an excellent tackler, who showcases a good IQ, and the ability to make plays on the ball. Gaughran, is an exceptional athlete who has elite skills, and should be the top prospect for the Stepinac Crusaders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X-Factors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["121685"],"_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-6a58d72488691"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wrona transfered in from Don Bosco Prep, and should be the starting QB for the Crusaders this upcoming season. He has a good frame, along with a strong arm and good accuracy. His decision making skills, are elite, and he has showcased his skills on the 7v7 Circuit this spring already. Wrona is a name to watch for the Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575230"],"_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-6a58d72488790"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1575230' first='Jayden' last='Gonzalez'] is a WR who will take over this fall. The 2027 prospect has dominated the spring with impressive performances at camps across the north east. Gonzalez has elite hands, and is an excellent route runner, showcasing his ability to gain separation across the field. I like his skillset, and his ability to get open makes him an elite prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1364039"],"_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-6a58d72488893"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davitt is a massive lineman who falls underrated. Standing at 6'9" 295-Pound, his frame is elite, and perfect for the D1 Level. Davitt showcases good strength and elite hand placement on the line, creating holes in the run game, and excelling in pass protection. Davitt is a massive force on the Line who with a good season, can propel the offense to big numbers in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1639438"],"_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-6a58d72488996"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last up in the X-Factors is the veteran DB of this squad, and the core of the Stepinac Defense which has lost a ton of talent. Akoko has elite hands, and is excellent art tracking the ball across the field. He has a high motor with elite footwork catching up to plays at will. [player_tooltip player_id='1639438' first='Prince' last='Akoko'] will be a named heard many times this fall for Stepinac. </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"><tbody><tr><td>Name</td><td>Class</td><td>Position </td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1364040' first='Jahmai' last='McNeil']</td><td>2027</td><td>QB</td><td>With a two-QB system last season, We could see McNeil have some key snaps.</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1087160' first='Nicholas' last='Harrison']</td><td>2028</td><td>WR</td><td>Harrison is an elite talented young WR who will easily be a name to watch this fall. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1105253' first='Ethan' last='Espinal']</td><td>2027</td><td>WR</td><td>Another WR in the 2027 class, who is a solid prospect to watch.</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1105251' first='Dylan' last='Freeman']</td><td>2027</td><td>DB</td><td>Another talented DB for the Crusaders, who should be opposite of Akoko. </td></tr><tr><td>Gio Bowley</td><td>2027</td><td>WR</td><td>Another talented WR who I like given his elite speed, and footwork. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1575787' first='Issac' last='Muniz']</td><td>2027</td><td>ATH</td><td>Muniz can play all overt the field, and has a high motor and excellent IQ. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1358101' first='Qualiq' last='Gary']</td><td>2028</td><td>DB</td><td>A young playmaker on the Stepinac roster I am curious to see play this season.</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1328895' first='Angelo' last='Santamaria']</td><td>2027</td><td>LB</td><td>Veteran Linebacker, I expect to have a major role and be an outspoken leader on this team. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1292163' first='Max' last='Bucci']</td><td>2027</td><td>OL</td><td>Bucci is another talented lineman who holds down the Center Position with elite hands. </td></tr><tr><td>Juelz Martin</td><td>2027</td><td>OL/DL</td><td>Martin is a lineman who can play on both sides of the ball. His versatility and footwork make him a prospect to watch. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1635673' first='Jeron' last='Byam']</td><td>2028</td><td>OL</td><td>Byam is one of the top 2028 Lineman in the state, and has an elite frame which should make him a wrecking ball on offense. </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1639424' first='Samuel' last='Richardson']</td><td>2027</td><td>DL</td><td>A key defensive prospect in the 2027 class for the Crusaders, he should be a major threat to the interior line.</td></tr><tr><td>James Lilly</td><td>2027</td><td>K</td><td>The next man up for Kicker, Lilly should be an impact player in close game situations. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- 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":["1513205"],"_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-6a58d72488aac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pierre was the crown jewel in the transfer window for the Crusaders. Coming from Rockland County across the bridge, Pierre is an elite prospect who showcases strong feet and outstanding muscle allowing him to break through the line and rush for massive gains. He will be a top player 100% and I am excited to watch him play this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE-Eddie Keeler-Alfred</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB-Nieem Hardy-SUNY Morrisville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR-Richie DeMarco-Bates</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB-Nasir Williams-Utica</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB-Grayer Hong-Transfer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB-Kyle Patterson-Buffalo State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB-[player_tooltip player_id='1271411' first='John' last='Smith']-Wyoming Seminary (PA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR-Jordyn Eaton-Ithaca</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EDGE-Ka'Mauri Guinyard-AIC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH-Julani Graham-Southern Connecticut</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR-Ian Thomas-Manhattan Track</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB-Neron Wilmot-N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB-Derek Watson-N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB-Lucas Magliano-Alvernia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TE-Jode Morency-Hampton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL-Rodney Walker-Utica</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL-Elias Murray-Rhode Island</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>K-Luke Harvey-Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/153veLGoyY27_OKQPqxhyNPOAikXFYtPZOtIuDHzxXBo/pubhtml?gid=889450060&amp;single=true">https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/153veLGoyY27_OKQPqxhyNPOAikXFYtPZOtIuDHzxXBo/pubhtml?gid=889450060&amp;single=true</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders have another tough schedule ahead of them this season, but luckily a ton of home games are on tap for Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders. Three straight games against CBA-Albany, Immaculata (NJ), and St. Anthony's. They also have matchups with Iona Prep, and Monsignor Farrell as well. This veteran team lost a ton of seniors, and had some key positions lose playmaker. The transfers and underclassmen will have to step up this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->