New York High School Football Games of the Week: Sept. 5-7

High school football season has officially arrived in New York. While a handful of the state’s top teams played over the Labor Day Weekend, the slate is full across the board this week.

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 some of the state’s top 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!

#5 Archbishop Stepinac vs. Archbishop Spalding (Md.) – Friday. Sept. 6
Stepinac started off a loaded schedule with an out-of-state road game at Maryland powerhouse McDonogh, which ended in a 40-14 blowout loss. They’ll get another shot at a contender from the Old Line State when 2-0 Archbishop Spalding welcomes them to town. The Cavaliers handled Ohio powerhouse Hoban in Week 1 before securing a 26-10 win over D.C-area opponent DeMatha.

#3 Somers vs. Ramapo (N.J.) – Friday. Sept. 6
The Tuskers open their season with a tough cross-state battle on Friday as New Jersey top-25 program Ramapo heads to upstate New York. They’ll be looking to repeat this season after going 13-1 in 2023 and winning the NYSPHSAA state title.

#4 Massapequa vs. #24 Oceanside – Friday. Sept. 6
The reigning Long Island area champions will begin their quest for a second consecutive state title this weekend when they host Oceanside, whom they beat 42-0 at the end of last season. These two teams will face off again in October as well.

#11 Monsignor Farrell vs. #19 Rye – Friday. Sept. 6
The Lions, who hail from Staten Island, pulled off one of the biggest wins of last weekend in the Northeast by beating Bishop Hendricken, the No. 1 team in Rhode Island. Another challenge awaits as they face Rye, the defending Class B state champions.

#2 Cardinal Hayes vs. Catholic Memorial (Mass.) – Saturday, Sept. 7
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. The Cardinals beat No. 20 Erasmus Hall in Week 1 and will get Massachusetts’ No. 2 team this weekend.

#1 Iona Prep vs. Springfield Central (Mass.) – Saturday, Sept. 7
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 opened the season against New Jersey’s No. 2 team, Delbarton School, but fell 34-7 in a lopsided beatdown. They’ll look to turn things around this week, facing the No. 5 team in Massachusetts.