PSAL football league play starts this week: Games to watch

Last season, PSAL 3A football had two teams above everyone else — Sheepshead Bay and A. Philip Randolph.

James Madison was a tier below but with plenty of talent returning plus a 28-0 non-league win over 4A New Dorp, the Knights are looking to prove they can go the distance. What better opportunity than hosting A. Philip Randolph to open league play?

“We were extremely young last year,” said coach Tommy Salvato, who guided Madison to a 3A championship game appearance nonetheless last season. “Now those kids are back. They did a good job in the weight room in the offseason. I think they’re a year better.”

Travys Leahy surpassed 200 yards on the ground in the non-league win over New Dorp. Salvato said Rayniel Valerio had a strong game at quarterback, and Madison got the ball rolling in the right direction. Kenneth Lucien made the transition from linebacker to defensive line and helped anchor a Knights defense that shut out New Dorp.

“We’re better than we were last year on defense,” Salvato said. “I can tell you that. That’s a fact, as far as I’m concerned.”

Randolph dropped non-league games to South Shore and Xavier, but the Cougars believe the pieces are coming together at the right time.

“I love how we’re coming together just in time for league play,” Randolph coach Eric Perlowitz said. “The guys are really starting to understand their roles, understand what’s expected of them and how they can help the team win.”

Randolph returns one of 3A’s best quarterbacks in Manny Opoku, who accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense last season. Jahson Joseph, Isaac Suazo and Zahaire Jones are playmakers to look out for on a Cougars team seeking redemption after falling short of a 3A title a year ago despite being the top seed in the playoffs.

“Madison is a very good, very well-rounded team,” Perlowitz said. “They’re well coached, a lot of kids returning. I’m excited that we’re starting our season with a heavyweight matchup like this.”

Conference 4A

Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn) at Lincoln, Friday, 6 p.m.

The Eagles were the most successful PSAL team in non-league play, picking up wins over Archbishop Hoban (Ohio) and Friendship Academy (D.C.). Chase Hyacinth and Sincere Hester lead a defense that slowed down both out-of-state powers. They visit a perennial powerhouse in Lincoln, where the Railsplitters will rely on Mekhi Negron to ignite their running game and Amyr Ivory Jr. to lead a secondary that will face one of the best receiving corps in the PSAL.

DeWitt Clinton at Brooklyn Tech, Saturday, 11 a.m.

Last year, these teams opened the season in a thriller won by Brooklyn Tech, 38-26. Cole Scanlon had 315 passing yards and four touchdowns, and he returns for the Engineers along with weapons Caleb Fisher and Vincent Cumbo. Clinton’s offense is guided by receivers Edwin Caba and Stanley Sacarello, as their athleticism will be tough for secondaries to contain all season.

Conference 3A

Truman at Franklin K. Lane, Friday, 6 p.m.

Lane brings back quarterback Dwayne Roberts and wide receiver Devontae Francis. The duo connected for two touchdowns in a pair of non-league wins, while Keallun Louie has impressed at running back and Karson Hylton is an excellent pass rusher. First-year Truman coach Haris Lekaj enters his debut with a defense led by Jahquest Kirby and an offense powered by senior Jansear Batista.

John Jay at Midwood, Saturday, 2 p.m.

The Jaguars picked up two impressive non-league wins over Bayside and Transit Tech. Quarterback Tahjir Tomlin and running back Deshawn South are the leaders in the backfield, while Miguel Jackson and Aaron Benjamin will be important in stopping the run. Midwood is led by one of 3A’s top running backs in Carl Joseph.

Conference 2A

Transit Tech at Boys and Girls, Saturday, 12 p.m.

Transit Tech put itself on the map with a win over 4A opponent DeWitt Clinton, but now it plays Boys and Girls, which made the 2A title game last year. Both teams are experienced and are among the top small-school teams in the city. It’s one of the best quarterback battles in 2A between Devin Smith of Transit Tech and Alex Lopez of Boys and Girls.

PICKS

Erasmus Hall

Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn Tech

Curtis

James Madison

Franklin K Lane

John Jay

Boys and Girls

East Harlem

Thomas Jefferson