New York High School Football Games of the Week: August 29-31

With the start of classes right around the corner, that means high school football season is coming in New York.

And while the Empire State is known historically more for its prominence on the hardwood, there’s no shortage of talent on the gridiron with programs set to take the field this weekend. That includes the state’s top two teams traveling outside of the borders for showdowns with out-of-state opponents.

Below are the games to watch this weekend in New York:

The On3 Massey Ratings — which were officially used during the BCS era and have generated college high school sports team rankings since 1995 — rank sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule and margin of victory.

CLICK HERE to watch your high school’s games on NFHS Network now!

Top New York High School Football games

#2 Archbishop Stepinac @ McDonogh (Md.) — Friday, Aug. 30
The Crusaders also had their season ended by Cardinal Hayes last year — but a week before Iona NYCHSFL semifinals. Stepinac starts off a loaded schedule with an out-of-state road game at McDonogh, the No. 5 team in Maryland. Wake Forest defensive line commit Kadear Dembele and Boston College pledge Denzil Williams anchor things in the trenches. McDonogh has plenty of talent of its own though, with a team headlined by Oregon four-star commit Brandon Finney, Penn State verbal Jeff Exinor, North Carolina EDGE commit Kamden Laudenslager, and Syracuse defensive line pledge Elijah Crawford.

#1 Iona Prep @ Delbarton School (N.J.) — Saturday, Aug. 31
Iona fell in a heartbreaking one-point loss to Cardinal Hayes in last year’s playoffs, and they have their eyes set on getting over the hump this season. The Gaels’ talented roster is headlined by Clemson offensive line commit Rowan Byrne, while safety Terron Johnson leads the defense. They’re not shying away from challenges this season, including the season-opening showdown with Delbarton, the No. 4-ranked team in New Jersey.

#3 Cardinal Hayes vs. #19 Erasmus Hall — Saturday, Aug. 31
Hayes became the first New York City team to ever win the AAA state title last season, capping off an epic 2023 season. A repeat is top of mind, with Syracuse quarterback commit Rich Belin, brother and defensive lineman Blake Belin and massive three-star offensive tackle and Orange pledge Jayden Mann leading the way. A daunting schedule awaits, starting with Erasmus Hall out of Brooklyn. Penn State commit Lyrick Samuel is a dynamic playmaker, hauling in 27 catches for 639 yards and 11 TDs in 2023. The Dutchmen are the defending state champions in the PSAL (Public School Athletic League) AAAA classification.

#13 St. Anthony’s vs. Chaminade — Saturday, Aug. 31
Another team whose season was ended by Cardinal Hayes, St. Anthony’s will also be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this season. The Melville-based school beat both Iona and Hayes during league play and will face a similarly tough slate this year that also includes New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco. The Friars fell in Week 1 to Moore Catholic out of Staten Island but will be looking to rebound against Chaminade, who ranks No. 31 in the state.