Patch Predicts: Football Week 2

Yes, it's high school football on Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon—an early-season schedule flutter that moves local teams off their normal Saturday game days for interesting match-ups. All three local teams won their home openers last Saturday—predicted here last week—and this week should mean more success for at least two: Bronxville and Tuckahoe–with Eastchester faced with a the toughest test of the week to stay undefeated.

Thursday, September 16

Bronxville (1-0) at Haldane (0-1): The Broncos exploded for 44 first-half points en route to a 44-0 victory over a struggling Valhalla team and this week's visit to Haldane may prove to be just as decisive a win. Haldane lost 34-0 to Dobbs Ferry last week and Bronxville is more imposing. Bronxville's powerful offensive line can handle nearly any opponent at the Class C level with ease–quarterback Dillon Mitchell leads a skilled backfield with twin brothers Jackson and Christian Conway (who combined for 120 yards in the first half last week) Jack Grass and Brad Davies carrying the ball. Look for Mitchell to use wide receiver Ryan Hackett in the passing game if the game requires it. Defensive linemen Stephen Shoemaker and Kieran Borcich lead a stable of Broncos defenders.

Prediction: Bronxville 34, Haldane 0

Tuckahoe (1-0) at Rye Neck (1-0): A tougher test for the Tigers this week at rival Rye Neck, which won its opener 48-28 over Lincoln Hall. Tuckahoe quarterback Kevin Garabitos showed his all-around skills by rushing for 123 yards and passing for 60 more and leading his backs with a total of 465 rushing yards. Jarret Sommers (101 yards) Gary Jennings (66) and Luis Esquilin (93) each carried the ball in a powerful offense. Running back Shatise Chappel, who scored three touchdowns against Lincoln Hall and Vinny Salinitro, who scored twice, lead the Panthers offense along with quarterback Ryan Aquino. 

Prediction: Tuckahoe 28, Rye Neck 14

Sunday, September 19

Eastchester (1-0) at Nyack (1-0): Okay, now we'll find out if the injury-plagued and inexperienced Eagles can move the ball against a strong defense while dealing with an active and efficient offense. The host Indians, who blanked Spring Valley 28-0 last week in the opener, got two scores from junior Mark Castellano and senior Donald Davis–a speed and power backfield duo. The Eagles got a boost from Greg DiCarlo at running back and all-around performance from Guiseppe DeLuca, who scored on a punt return and kickoff return and pass reception. Look to quarterback Tom DiCarlo to help keep the Eagles in the game, but Nyack is strong and should prevail.

Prediction: Nyack 22, Eastchester 8.

Patch's Week 1 Results

Prediction: Eastchester 20, Saunders 6 

Score: Eastchester 40, Saunders 0

Prediction: Bronxville 34, Valhalla 13

Score: Bronxville 44, Valhalla 0

Prediction: Tuckahoe 24, Hastings 13

Score: Tuckahoe 46, Hastings 13