PRZNY Team Previews: Iona Prep Gaels

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season: 11-2 (State Champions)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iona Prep returned to the top of New York high school football last season. Despite losing some of their top players before and early in the season, Iona was dominant throughout. Their size, depth, talent, and coaching guided them to a AAA title and a Catholic state championship.</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":["1001144"],"_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-688673fd5c401"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year, Davis showed why he was one of the best players in the Northeast. He ran for over 1,300 yards and added another 700 yards receiving. Averaging well over double digits in yards per touch, the North Carolina football and lacrosse commit is a freak athlete. His bench press is well over 300 pounds, and he looked like one of the most explosive players in the state last season.</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":["741078"],"_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-688673fd5c460"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Just a sophomore last season, Sangaray was one of the most dominant defensive players in the Empire State. He collected five interceptions as a true ball hawk and made plays in the biggest moments. He had multiple key touchdowns in huge games a year ago. Sangaray has the size and athleticism to make an enormous impact at the next level—Power Four schools are already knocking at his door.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735876"],"_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-688673fd5c575"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Guzman had an excellent debut as a starter last season. A borderline MLB prospect, he is currently committed to Maryland for baseball. He has an excellent arm and a high football IQ. Guzman makes great reads and takes care of the football. As the leader of one of the most productive offensive units in the state, and a team captain, he's poised for another big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212407"],"_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-688673fd5c5d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pressley has been impacting the varsity level since he was a freshman. He's been an excellent defensive player and has also showcased his skills at running back. An incredible athlete, he could contribute on both sides of the ball this year. He's always around the ball and will be a key contributor this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402255"],"_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-688673fd5c619"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malespin is a senior who has been crucial for Iona over the years. He's the quarterback of an offensive line unit that has dominated in the trenches. His strength immediately stands out—he's one of the strongest pound-for-pound players on this roster. A great wrestler as well, that physicality translates to the field. He'll be one of the league's top linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735875"],"_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-688673fd5c671"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DiNapoli is the other half of Iona's elite lineman duo with Malespin. Both are three-year starters. DiNapoli is very athletic for his size, moves well, and excels in pass protection. He is consistently dominant for this high-powered Iona Prep offense.</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":["402261"],"_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-688673fd5c6b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The talented senior is poised for a terrific season. He had a solid junior year with over 300 yards and could take the next step this fall. Pirrello has gotten stronger and more athletic heading into his senior year. He's a physical receiver who will be dangerous with the ball in his hands.</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>Poistion</td><td>Player</td><td>Class</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1624499' first='Joe' last='Wolf']</td><td>2026</td><td>Big year at WR last season, will be a great target this year</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1339555' first='Landon' last='Wiley']</td><td>2026</td><td>Hurt last year, he's a dynamic athlete who was a great kick returner as a sophomore </td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='535645' first='Orion' last='Trujillo'] </td><td>2026</td><td>Game wrecker on the DL, played great in AAA Title Game</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806237' first='Chase' last='Thompson']</td><td>2026</td><td>Transfer from Tottenville, twitchy edge rusher</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='741084' first='Lamar' last='Lewis']</td><td>2027</td><td>Lengthy and talented DB</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>Zander Pool</td><td>2027</td><td>Talented safety, getting FCS looks</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='741080' first='Austin' last='Farrell']</td><td>2027</td><td>Saw time last year, great DL prospect</td></tr><tr><td>Edge</td><td>Josh Simmons</td><td>2027</td><td>solid edge rusher, primed for a breakout year</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Kayden Cade-Lewis</td><td>2027</td><td>strong and physical guard </td></tr><tr><td>WR/DB</td><td>Mason Matiera</td><td>2027</td><td>solid DB, can also play WR, was hurt last year</td></tr><tr><td>RB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='741082' first='Willie' last='Reaves']</td><td>2027</td><td>Standout on JV, terrific playmaker </td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>DaShawn Harley</td><td>2027</td><td>Big and talented nose guard </td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1355476' first='Dilen' last='Mulaj'] </td><td>2028</td><td>6'8 300 pound sophomore, intriguing prospect</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses (All League Recipients) </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL- Rowan Byrne<br>LB- Matthew Plunkett <br>DB- Matthew Davitt <br>LB- Jayleel Stewart <br>DL- Gabriel George <br>DL- Micah Hunter </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/new-rochelle/iona-prep-gaels/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/new-rochelle/iona-prep-gaels/football/schedule</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iona Prep will start their season on September 6th as they take on local public-school power Somers. It's a highly anticipated matchup between the public and Catholic state champions, both hailing from Westchester. Following that game, they travel to New Jersey to take on Paramus Catholic. Iona will then face all five other AAA teams this season, along with AA-1 powers St. Joseph by the Sea and Kellenberg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->