The city Catholic High School Football League teams took a hit last week, especially in the Class AAA playoffs where every team but Holy Cross lost. In the Class AA playoffs, Cardinal Hayes, Monsignor Farrell, Mount St. Michael and St. Francis Prep are still in contention, while the Class A final features Bishop Ford and St. Peter’s.
Where do these teams rank this week? Check it out here.
1. Holy Cross (7-2) (Last week: 1)
It wasn’t pretty, in fact it was downright sloppy, but Holy Cross avoided a third consecutive Class AAA quarterfinal loss with a 32-14 win against Fordham Prep Saturday night at Maritime College in The Bronx. Despite three interceptions and a fumble on offense, the hero was Dean Marlowe, who returned one of the Knights’ six interceptions for a 102-yard touchdown. Holy Cross is one win away from competing in the Class AAA title game. But there’s a little team called St. Anthony’s in their way. South Huntington will be rocking Saturday night.
Next: @ St. Anthony’s, Class AAA semifinals (Nov. 14, 7 p.m.)
2. St. Joseph by the Sea (6-2) (2)
It was only three weeks ago that the talk at St. Joseph by the Sea was finishing the regular season undefeated, perhaps as the top seed in the Class AAA playoffs. Now the Vikings are wondering what happened after back-to-back losses, including a 40-29 loss to Iona Prep in the quarterfinals in Huguenot Sunday that ended Sea’s bid for a first-ever Class AAA title. Now there’s a meaningless consolation game to be played before Sea prepares for a Thanksgiving Day clash with Tottenville.
Next: vs. No. 3 Xaverian, Class AAA bowl (Nov. 14, TBA)
3. Xaverian (4-5) (3)
Any chance the Clippers had of keeping themselves in position to upset perennial power St. Anthony’s was lost when quarterback Greg Rando was tackled along the left sideline early in the Class AAA quarterfinal Saturday. The junior severely hurt his ankle and did not return. What followed was a turnover filled second quarter whhich saw the Friars score 35 points on their way to a rout. Rando’s season is likely over, but the Clippers continue against Fordham Prep in the Class AAA Bowl playoffs.
Next: @ St. Joseph by the Sea, Class AAA bowl (Nov. 14, TBA)
4. Fordham Prep (4-5) (4)
The preparation for the annual Turkey Bowl game against Xavier officially begins now after the Rams fell to Holy Cross, 32-14. For the second time this year the Knights defense shut down Fordham Prep’s star running back Bruce Grant, who gained 0 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Max Kinder threw for 178 yards and a touchdown, but was picked off six times.
Next: vs. Chaminade, Class AAA bowl (Nov. 13, 7 p.m.)
5. Cardinal Hayes (7-1) (5)
Quarterback Kwamayne Davis returned from his one-week academic suspension to rally his team from an 18-12 fourth a deficit for a 26-24 win over Kellenberg. Hayes is the only ‘AA’ team to knock off a ‘AAA’ opponent and will have to take on top-seeded Monsignor Farrell in the semifinals. Davis hit Bryant McAdoo on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 5:30 left in the fourth quarter.
Next: @ No. 6 Monsignor Farrell, Class AA semifinals (Nov. 14, 11 a.m.)
6. Monsignor Farrell (4-5) (6)
It appears the Lions found the potion that awoke them from what seemed to be a season-long offensive malaise – a drop down in the level of competition. Farrell scored a season-high 41 points in a blowout of St. John the Baptist in the Class AA quarterfinals. Charles Kamara was impressive running the ball, especially with the absence of sophomore running back Michael Viegas, and the defense was stout again.
Next: No. 5 Cardinal Hayes, Class AA semifinals (Nov. 14, 11 a.m.)
7. Mount St. Michael (3-5) (7)
Mount St. Michael pulled out a tough 21-14 victory over Xavier with heavy hearts Sunday. Junior running back Kyle Rembert died of carbon monoxide inhalation at his Bronx home late Friday night. The Mountaineers have played a better brand of football the deeper into the season they go. Coach Mario Valentini’s crew got contributions from multiple backs and after what will likely be a tough week emotionally, get St. Francis Prep next week.
Next: vs. No. 8 St. Francis Prep, Class A semifinals (Nov. 14, 1 p.m.)
8. St. Francis Prep (2-7) (9)
The Terriers took out a season’s worth of frustration out on the previously undefeated Crusaders from Archbishop Stepinac in an impressive 34-21 Class AA quarterfinal victory. Brendan Stackpole (13-of-19 for 275 yards) had a huge day behind center and senior wide receiver/kicker Bryan Caffrey was solid again, with four catches for 116 yards, including a 50-yard TD. St. Francis Prep faces an emotional Mount St. Michael squad Saturday in the Class AA semifinals.
Next: @ No. 7 Mount St. Michael, Class AA semifinals (Nov. 14, 1 p.m.)
9. Xavier (5-4) (8)
No Class AA team outside of Archbishop Stepinac came into the playoff hotter than the Knights. They had won four in a row and five of its last six games and had one of the best defenses in the division. Xavier, though, could not complete the comeback as it stepped up to play a ‘AAA’ team in Mount St. Michael. Chris Mattina rushed for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Next: @ Archbishop Stepinac, Class AA bowl (Nov. 14, 1 p.m.)
10. St. Peter’s (4-4) (10)
The Eagles got off to a fast start, but needed to hold off a furious rally to beat Christ the King, 27-20, in the Class A semifinals after leading 21-0. Running back Hakim Rice rushed for two scores and threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Baratta. It’s been an up and down season for Mike Cosentino’s club, but they have a chance to finish it with a title.
Next: vs. Bishop Ford, Class A semifinal (Nov. 14, 1 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Bishop Ford (3-6)