Jay looked like their usual dominant self in the first half against White Plains, but tapered off in the second half. They are still the cream of the crop in this region, however, they will need to down shift a gear come playoff time and rev it up for Mt. Vernon. -IC

2. Somers (6-1)

Wow. The Tuskers defense shutout a high-powered Fox Lane offense that put up 35 against Ossining and 39 against Mahopac. Don’t give me, “The ball was wet and it hurt the Fox Lane passing game.” There were a couple sprinkles. It’s football. Congrats to Somers on winning their league. It was a class act to take a knee at the end when they could have ran up the score. In the opening round of the Class A playoffs, the Tuskers take on a 3-3 Nyack squad Thursday who is no slouch by any means. If they move on they will be facing the winner of Harrison/Ossining. It should be very interesting as Somers has a history with Harrison (I was at that sectional title game in 01’ and I still have nightmares from it) and obviously they want their revenge against Ossining. – RD

3. Ossining (6-1)

Ossining thumped Panas in their regular season finale, but Somers’ defeat of Fox Lane was that much more impressive. A good sign for the river crew was that Federico had a solid game on the ground, which he will need to have in order for Ossining to defeat Harrison in their first round playoff game. Brundage and Federico’s success in the running game should be the deciding factor of whether or not Ossining can pull off the upset. In my view, this epic game will go the way of Coach Ricci and co. -IC

4. Mahopac (5-2)

Anthony Castellitto continuing to fight for yards against Carmel — even after his helmet popped off — perfectly summed up the character of this team. They are tough as nails and beyond courageous. It is a shame that their dream season and playoff chances ended in such a heartbreaking fashion against Carmel. However, they put on quite the show, giving the crowd, in my opinion, the best game in Section I this season. With Justin Wagner’s tragic accident, the Indians learned about a lot more than football this season. As Coach Donahoe said, “There is more to life than the outcome of a football game.”  -IC

5. Yorktown (5-2)

‘Town suffered a setback against Scarsdale. It appears that they were forced to go to the air against the beefy Scarsdale defensive line, seeing as Froats threw the ball more than two dozen times. This is not ‘Town’s MO on offense. Their strength lies in a balanced running attack with the occasional pass here and there, getting the defense off balance. They will have to play a beyond perfect game to upset New Ro’.  -IC

6. Putnam Valley (5-2)

PV’s run came to an end in the first round of the Class B playoffs versus a very tough Westlake team. Westlake has a defense that hasn’t let up more than 12 points in a league game all season (only 9 points to Pleasantville). O’Gorman couldn’t get going and their passing game isn’t strong enough to come back from a large deficit. The Tigers look for redemption against Briarcliff this week, who defeated them 14-7 in week one. – RD

7. Lakeland (3-4)

The Hornets have now qualified to play in the post-season five years in a row. The “Lakeland 19” is a special group and plays an old school brand of football. Kelly stepping to the forefront to lead his team to victory was quite the sight. It would be silly to count this group out against Eastchester in their first-round playoff game. An upset is more than a possibility. - IC

8. Briarcliff (4-3)

Da Bears got knocked out of the playoffs by Rye in the opening round. Their offense has been shutout the past two weeks. My bet is that Coach Consorti will have the team ready for PV this week and Briarcliff will end the season with some pride. – RD

9.Hen Hud (3-4)

The Sailors failed to make the playoffs after falling 10-0 to Lakeland. After losing the Killer B’s to graduation, the Sailors still turned in a strong season. With DeSilva and co. coming back next season things are looking up for Hen Hud. – RD

10.Croton-Harmon (2-5)

Upset city! Croton, the forgotten bunch, changed things up and came out on top. It is a credit to John Catano. He was flexible enough to put the ball in the hands of his playmakers in Mainiero and Luntz. Who else thinks the new look Tigers will keep their streak rolling? They have nothing to lose against the Broncos. It is all gravy from here on out. -IC

11. Kennedy Catholic (1-6)

Feels like déjà vu as Kennedy got knocked around by Edgemont for the second week in a row. It’s been a long season for the Gaels and I’m sure they’re looking forward to hoops season and a change of pace. – RD

12. Lincoln Hall (3-4)

The Hall fell to Tuckahoe in OT by a 12-6 final. Tough break for the United. The team has definitely come together and has improved by leaps and bounds since week one against Croton-Harmon. – RD

13. Panas (1-6)

Panas had the misfortune of being Ossining’s punching bag before the playoffs. The game was over by halftime. – RD

14. Peekskill (0-7)

I really thought Peekskill was going to pull it out against Brewster in a battle of winless teams. Look on the bright side, Mookie Jones is going to Syracuse and it’s almost basketball season where the Red Devils shine year in and year out. - RD

It was business as usual for the Indians, as they destroyed the Red Raiders. Clearly the cream of the crop in the AA Central League, Jay has a legitimate shot to dethrone the mighty Hugenots from New Rochelle. With the way Bocklet is playing, it is more reality than fiction. - IC

2) Ossining (5-1)

The river crew bounced back from the stunning loss to Fox Lane. Brundage played like a man possessed, carrying his team to victory with an astounding 31 carries. Anything less than a Sectional Title would be considered a disappointment for this team. - IC

3) Somers (5-1)

Panas gave Somers a run for their money at the Panthers homecoming game before Somers erupted for 21 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Fun fact: Somers has scored exactly 28 points in their last four games, which have all resulted in wins. Something tells me they will have to score at least 28 this week to beat the high-powered Fox Lane offense led by star QB Mike Mathews. If they limit the turnovers against a pesky Fox Lane defense, we could be in for a very close game. Home field could be the difference for the Tuskers. - RD

4) Mahopac (5-1)

Sans Castellitto, the Indians still came through with an inspiring road victory against Poughkeepsie. This team of destiny needs to keep it rolling against Carmel on Friday to earn a playoff berth. It is a down right ugly rivalry and could easily be the game of the regular season. -IC

5) Yorktown (5-1)

‘Town looks to be headed to the playoffs. Rescigno got nailed with a Gatorade bath and I remained dry. It was nice of the team to wait until the coldest day of the fall to nail him. I mean, it was only 80 degrees the previous week in White Plains. You don’t want to get the ‘God Father’ of the ‘Town family sick. -IC

6)    Putnam Valley (5-1)

The Tigers disposed of Ardsley 17-0 in their playoff tune-up game, earning them the #3 seed in the Class B playoffs. PV takes on a 4-2 Westlake team this weekend to open up the playoffs. Westlake should see a steady diet of O’Gorman as well as Considine and the Tigers should move on. - RD

7)  Lakeland (2-4)

The Hornets limited Mike Mathews and Fox Lane to 21 points, which is an accomplishment in itself. They will have to throw it all on the line this Saturday against the Sailors. With a homecoming crowd in place, I don’t see the Hornets losing this game and sacrificing a chance to make the playoff’s six years in a row. Coach Cappelli will have his team jacked up. - IC
Briarcliff (4-2)

Da Bears fell to Nanuet 27 zip this past week, which wasn’t a good sign heading into post-season play. Briarcliff dropped to the #7 seed in Class B and has the misfortune of playing powerhouse Rye (6-0) in the opening round. -RD

9) Hen Hud (3-3)

The Sailors pulled out a close one over Brewster on another come from behind win in the fourth quarter. DeSilva did it all for the Sailors again rushing for two scores and over 100 yards receiving. The comeback kids face off with Lakeland this week, which should be an interesting contest. - RD

10) Lincoln Hall (3-3)

The poor United had to face off with nationally ranked Dobbs Ferry last week. It was a great test/experience for the team to face such a high caliber squad. I think they’ll rebound nicely this week against Tuckahoe. - RD

11) Kennedy Catholic (1-5)

Kennedy fell to Edgemont 49-16. The Gaels look to seek revenge as they play Edgemont again this week. - RD

12) Croton-Harmon (1-5)

The Tigers are having trouble getting things going on the offensive side of the ball. But they are still poised to make the playoffs. –IC

13) Panas (1-5)

The Panthers made a game of it with Somers at their homecoming. The team must have been really pumped up following their first win against Brewster. After two solid performances in a row, I have a feeling Panas will finish the season with some pride and not let Ossining manhandle them. -RD

14) Peekskill (0-6)

The Red Devils came so close to a comeback win this past week, falling 32-22 to Long Island Lutheran. I’m telling you that W is coming and it could happen this week against Brewster. - RD

I knew in the back of my mind that the Indians deserved this top ranking all season. Well, here it is, albeit long overdue. Jay is ascending at the right time, and will hopefully start peaking come the playoffs. This is just a disgustingly good team in all facets of the game. We will see how they fare without Swertfager at center. -IC

2) Ossining

Shocking loss for the river crew against Fox Lane, as the turnovers really killed them. Clarkstown South will give them little sympathy this weekend. It will be another tough test – sans Perez it will be ever tougher. - IC

3. Somers (4-1)

The Tuskers beat the Sailors 28-7 behind three Rob Lombardo TD’s to push his season total to 12. They take on Panas this week, but the real test is next week against Fox Lane. – RD

4. Mahopac (4-1)

The Indians are opening up the playbook as teams are keying in on Autera. Perelle has been the beneficiary. Castellitto, who went down with a shoulder injury, is a key to this team’s successes. Hopefully, for the Indians, he will be back in the lineup this weekend. - IC

5. Yorktown (4-1)

‘Town showed how far the concept of team football can take a team in their win over White Plains. The Tigers had better athletes and a deeper sideline. It is a credit to Head Coach Rescigno and his staff. You can tell that the team really believes in what he is preaching. And to think, this was all without stud running back John Fennessy. You couldn’t help smiling after seeing this team continue their Cinderella season. Luckily, as I interviewed Rescigno, the team didn’t hit him with the Gatorade bath. They were eying him, that’s for sure. It seems every successive game is the big game for the Huskers. This week against Mamaroneck is no different. - IC

6. Lakeland (2-3)

The Hornets were faced with a daunting task in a cross over game against independent Tappan Zee and they almost pulled it out. I don’t understand why Tappan Zee is an independent in the first place. This crew will never give up, but need to play a perfect game to defeat the Foxes. - IC

7. Briarcliff (4-1)

The Bears had a dramatic come from behind win against Edgemont 21-20. Brian Smith took it to the house with a minute to go from midfield. They boldly went for two to win the game. Nanuet should be another test this week. – RD

8. Putnam Valley (4-1)

Putnam Valley defeated an Eric Mercado-less JFK team 20-6. Their stellar defense held the Gaels to 95 total yards. They should improve to 5-1 against Ardsley this week. – RD

9. Hen Hud (2-3)

The Sailors fell to Somers 28-7. The game was closer than the score indicates as the Sailors were able to move the ball, but kept shooting themselves in the foot when they had scoring opportunities. They take on a 0-5 Brewster team that is much better than their record indicates. – RD

10. Lincoln Hall (3-2)

The United defeated Pawling 16-14. Sir Aaron Taylor had two touchdown passes in the victory. The Hall takes on powerhouse Dobbs Ferry this week. – RD

11. Kennedy Catholic (1-4)

The Gaels lost to PV 20-6. Running back Eric Mercado was injured in the first quarter and had to leave the game. Kennedy has another tough game in Edgemont this week. – RD

12. Croton-Harmon (1-4)

Stuck in a losing streak since opening day. - IC

13. Panas (1-4)

Congrats to the Panthers who pulled out that first W against Brewster 21-20. They run into Somers this week followed by Ossining. Ouch. – RD

14. Peekskill (0-5)

Peekskill fell to Tuckahoe 27-6. They take on a 5-0 Long Island Lutheran squad this week. - RD

We all knew a Jajuan Perez-led defense would be stifling, as they have let up a measly 11 points per game. But with the emergence of Kreamer under center and James Brundage (51 yard, 1 TD, in one half of play) coming out of the backfield, they appear to have the firepower on offense to win in a shootout. I am looking forward to their October 5 match-up with standout out quarterback Mike Matthews and the rest of Fox Lane’s dynamic offense. -IC

2) John Jay (2-1)
After a heartbreaking triple OT loss to New Rochelle, John Jay got back to their winning ways, taking down Mamaroneck, 24-14. Although a win is a win, it was far from a convincing victory, as Mamaroneck hung with the Indians throughout the contest.

With a marquee match-up against Gorton looming on September 29, the Indians will have to revert to the way they played against New Rochelle.

The bulldozing running of junior Alan Filauro was a bright spot for the Indians during their win over the Tigers. Look for him to continue progressing.

Quarterback Chris Bocklet, who suffered a head injury against Mamaroneck, is currently listed as day-to-day. He has performed excellently thus far in a pretty complex offense. His talents will be sorely missed if he doesn’t play on Saturday against Gorton.

Back up quarterback Tom Cylenica is slated to go if Bocklet can’t. -IC

3) Somers (2-1)
Somers got back on track this week beating Lakeland 28-14 at home. Rob Lombardo was a beast rushing for 139 yards and a whopping four touchdowns. Lombardo also made a key stop at the goal line at the end of the first half, stuffing Matt Semenza. Semenza was held to a season-low 69 yards on 19 carries as the Tuskers stepped it up on defense. Somers takes on JFK this week at homecoming as they look to improve to 3-1. -RD

4) Mahopac (3-0)
Mahopac and Fox Lane did their best to re-create last week’s high scoring Browns vs. Bengals match-up, as the Indians took down the Foxes, 46-39, in an old school AFL shootout. ’Pac’s offense, who have put up an eye popping 39 points per game over the first three games of season, are clearly one of the upper echelon offenses in all of Section I. They are exhibiting the tendencies of the 2000 Rams, earning the moniker of ‘the greatest show on turf.’

Justin Autera continued his assault on the stat sheet, rushing for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. However, the X-factor coming out of Mahopac’s backfield was Tyler Perrelle. Perrelle, who is on the smaller side but is lightning quick, rushed for 59 yards on six carries and scored two touchdowns (one of which was receiving). Quarterback Anthony Castellitto had a Carson Palmer like evening, throwing for a season best 171 yards and two touchdowns. What makes it even more impressive is that he achieved the numbers while only throwing 10 passes – seven of which went for completions. Yes, folks: he threw for a ridiculous 24 yards per completion.

The only blemish on the Indians’ resume is their propensity to give up points, as they have relinquished an average of 39 of them per game. Tightening up the screws on defense will vault this squad up in the rankings. -IC

5) Yorktown (2-1)
Welcome to the top five, Huskers. It has been a couple of years since the silver and black, wait, I mean, green and black, have had a winning football team. With the stands jam packed on Thursday night in a 22-7 upset win over visiting Greeley; the winning vibes seem to be reverberating once again. Husker John Fennessy was a complete beast on both sides of the ball, recording a sack on offense and rushing for 116 yards and two pounding touchdowns on offense. He, by far, is the heart and soul of ‘Town’s resurgence. With underwhelming Lincoln, who have been outscored a combined 113-6 over the first the games of the season, coming to ‘Town for homecoming this weekend, there is a good chance the Huskers will find themselves at 3-1 going into a week four showdown with White Plains. -IC

6) Lakeland (1-2)
The Hornets have had a tough go of it in the fiercely competitive League A, which includes such powerhouses as Ossining, Somers and Fox Lane. Although the 28-14 loss to Somers may indicate a lopsided affair, that wasn’t quite the case. Lakeland, bearing down on the end zone with time elapsing in the first half, had a chance to tie the game up at 21-21. But the Tuskers’ goal line stand, spearheaded by Rob Lombardo, turned the visiting Hornets away. This, clearly, was a major momentum changer in the game. Matt Semenza, who had averaged 171 yards over the first two games of the season, was held in check, as he rushed for a season-low 69 yards. Don’t read too much into the 1-2 record, the Hornets are in every single game that they play. I see them bouncing back big time against Greeley, which could leap frog them right back into the top five over neighboring Yorktown. -IC

7) Briarcliff (3-0)
The Bears won a nail biter in double OT over the 0-3 Ardsley team by a 10-7 final. Junior Matt Tompkins kicked the game winning 21 yard-field goal in the second overtime. In the fourth quarter, senior standout Garth Muratori returned a punt 65 yards for Briarcliff’s only touchdown of the game. Briarcliff has their work cut out for them this week as they take on a Pleasantville team that has destroyed their competition outscoring their opponents 119-25 in their three wins. -RD

Putnam Valley (2-1)
The Tigers continued their winning ways edging Edgemont 21-7. Putnam Valley’s defense has been outstanding holding teams to an average of seven points per game. Hugh O’Gorman led the Tigers on the ground again rushing for 154 yards on 23 carries. 3-1 is calling the Tigers name as they take on Peekskill this week. -RD

9) Hen Hud (2-1)
The Sailors struggled for most of the game to get anything going against Panas as they were down 6-0 heading into the fourth. After a Panas fumble, Hen Hud capitalized on a beautifully orchestrated screen pass to DeSilva for a 45 yard touchdown. DeSilva would go on to run one in to put the game away. The defense stepped it up big time as Andrew Nieminski was an animal as he totaled 20 tackles. That Matt DeSilva sure can bomb out a punt or two and wow…that kid is fast. The Sailors run into powerhouse Ossining this week but the momentum from this comeback-win could make for an interesting contest. -RD

10) Croton (1-2)
I really thought the Tigers would take down rival Haldane this past Thursday. I guess I was wrong, as they fell, 21-12 to the Blue Devils. They will look to stop the bleeding this Saturday at home against Rye Neck (2-1). -IC

11) JFK (1-2)
Kennedy Catholic falls a bit in the rankings after getting blown out by an angry Nanuet squad 36-8. Nanuet lost to Putnam Valley last week 12-0, so it was like they were taking out their frustrations on poor Kennedy this week. It doesn’t get any easier for the Gaels as they travel to local rival Somers this week for their homecoming. -RD

12) Lincoln Hall (1-2)
The United fell to Bronxville this past week 27-20. Sir Aaron Taylor accounted for two of the Hall’s touchdowns. They take on Valhalla this week. -RD

13) Walter Panas (0-3)
Panas fought tooth and nail with Hen Hud and really dominated the play until it all fell apart for them in the fourth quarter. The Panthers had a 6-0 lead all the way through as they really showed plenty of heart and toughness. Panas moves up a spot as they take on a very tough Fox Lane team this week. -RD

14) Peekskill (0-3)
Peekskill lost to Lourdes by a final of 27-8. They take on Putnam Valley this week. -RD

1.Ossining (2-0)
Welcome to #1, Ossining. Justin Kreamer’s game winning 71-yard pass to Jesse Drinks sealed Ossining’s win over Somers and vaulted them into the number one slot of the NCN football poll. Drinks, who is looking more and more like a Santana Moss clone, picked up a total of 117 yards on four receptions. The combination of Drinks and James Brundage – who racked up 154 yards on 26 carries in the win over Somers – is proving to be a dynamic threat for team’s to deal with. Kraemer has a cannon of and arm and he’ll only get more comfortable with the offense as the season progresses. Sure, you could say that the game against Somers could have gone either way and that the two teams are practically even, but in the non-fiction world, it is all about head-to-head wins and losses.

2. John Jay (1-1)
Said by many to be the game of the year, John Jay played their hearts out in a triple overtime, 23-22 loss to reigning Class AA Section One champion New Rochelle. Keep in mind that this game was played sans their best middle linebacker and number one option at TE: James Whalen. Bocklet, playing like a man possessed, ran for 76 yards and passed for 176, which included a 32-yard TD pass to Alan Filauro. Evidenced by Bocklet’s 18 completions, it appears that he is becoming more and more comfortable with the spread offense, which is an anomaly in high school football. If Jay can continue to progress, they have a shot at running the table the rest of the regular season. A re-match with New Rochelle in the playoffs looms ominously in their future …

3. Somers (1-1)
Somers fell in a heartbreaker to Ossining this past Saturday night by a final of 14-13. It looked like the Tuskers had the game in their grasp until Ossining quarterback Justin Kreamer bombed it out to Jesse Drinks for the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The Tusker running game had some trouble getting going against the monstrous defensive line of Ossining. They had two long runs by Matt Deiana and Rob Lombardo (one of those a 64 yard touchdown run), but beyond that it was a struggle. Somers looks to rebound against a gritty Lakeland team this week on their home turf.

4. Mahopac (2-0)
The combination of Mahopac’s burly line and the beastly running of junior HB Justin Autera is a nightmare in the making for future opponents. Autera, who is only a junior, was ripping off monster runs in a 38-22 win over Ketcham and he averaged a staggering 12.3 yards per carry. With size, speed and strength, Autera is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. In between the tackles he can grind out the yards and has a burst to blow past the secondary. Combine his talents with the strong, steady play of quarterback Anthony Castellitto and the red zone prowess of senior TE Anthony Del Bianco, and you have a formidable offense that should be able to outscore most squads.

5. Lakeland (1-1)
Matt Semenza, who ran for 217 yards and one TD as Hornets shut out the Panthers 24-0, is the most bruising running back within our coverage area. We are talking Earl Campbell-esque. He has the stamina and strength to carry Lakeland on his shoulders. Combine his style of running with scat backs Owen Rice and Chris Leonard, and you have a three-headed monster coming out of the backfield. Even more impressive is the shutout of the Panas offense, which has a very good quarterback in Mike DiDomizio. Joe Mustafa and Semenza both led the unit. Lakeland’s upcoming game on Thursday against Somers will be a marquee match-up.

6. Briarcliff (2-0)
Briarcliff defeated John F. Kennedy Catholic 21-14. The Bears defense looked very impressive as they shut Kennedy out in the second half and forced a fumble for the game winning touchdown recovery. Garth Muratori had a touchdown catch and he also would have had a touchdown return on a kickoff but it was called for holding. Briarcliff takes on Ardsley this week.

7. Yorktown
Yorktown found a weapon in WR Brendan Brunelle, as he scored three TD’s and had 149 yards receiving. The connection of John Froats at quarterback and Brunelle at WR could be the yin to the yang of John Fennesy and Brett Cabrielle running the ball. ’Town will look to get their heads above .500 when they battle the physically imposing Greeeley at home under the lights on Thursday night. This is a huge game for the Huskers, who thought they let one get away in John Jay two weekends ago.

8. Croton (1-1)
Losing to Dobbs Ferry, the defending state champions, 34-7, is nothing to hang your head over. Tigers QB Nick Maniero, who threw a 10-yard TD pass to Tyler Keppler, showed his ability in the loss. He also ran for 82-yards on 13 carries. Hopefully, the game will prove as a valuable learning experience for the inexperienced Tigers. I think they get back on track and take down rival Haldane on Thursday.

9. Putnam Valley (1-1)
Putnam Valley blanked a strong Nanuet squad by a 12-0 final. Their defense was stellar in the shutout, holding Nanuet to a paltry 54 total yards. Senior running back Hugh O’Gorman paced the Tigers on the ground with 18 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown.Pat Considine had three sacks and a fumble recovery on the defensive side of the pigskin. Putnam Valley travels to Edgement this Thursday for a 4:30 p.m. start.

10. Hen Hud (1-1)
The Sailors rebounded nicely this week by blowing out Port Chester 30-8. Halfback Matt DeSilva had 81 rush yards on eight carries and three touchdowns. DeSilva booted a 22 yard field goal, kicked the extra points, and caught two passes for 27 yards. The kid does it all. The defense looked very strong as well led by Mike Billings with 10 tackles. Hen Hud. The Sailors look to keep their winning streak going this week against Panas.

11. John F. Kennedy Catholic (1-1)
The Gaels fell to Briarcliff 21-14. It was a very tightly contested game as Kennedy showed plenty of determination. It could have really gone either way. For the lack of players this team has, they definitely make up for it with heart. Kennedy travels to Nanuet this week.

12. Lincoln Hall (1-1)
Lincoln Hall defeated Haldane in a nail biter with a final score of 27-26. The United showed their tenacity with this first win. Running back Jamal Johney had a 65 yard touchdown run. Quarterback Sir Aaron Taylor had a three yard touchdown pass and ran one in. The United looked much improved and will take on Bronxville this week.

13. Peekskill (0-2)
Peekskill showed signs of improvement this week as they move up a spot. They fell to Albertus Magnus 27-12 but went down with a fight. Quarterback Sergey Cappozzelli had a one-yard touchdown run as well as a touchdown pass to William Zeboris. Peekskill takes on Lourdes this week.

14. Walter Panas (0-2)
Panas got shut-out by Lakeland 24-0 this past week. They take on Hen Hud this week at home.