The CHSFL is once again loaded with talent, but one question stands above the rest: Is there anyone capable of knocking off defending champion Iona Prep? The Gaels enter the 2026 season as the team to beat after capturing back-to-back league championships, and they’ll once again have a target on their backs.
While Iona Prep deserves the favorite’s label, this year’s race feels far from a one-team show.
St. Anthony’s may have the most complete roster in the league. Quarterback Anthony Diieso is coming off a strong sophomore campaign and has spent the offseason developing into one of the top young signal-callers in New York. The Friars also return several impact players on both sides of the ball and have all the pieces to make another deep postseason run.
Cardinal Hayes quietly had one of the busiest off-seasons in the CHSFL. The Cardinals bring back an experienced core, have added talent to key positions, and look poised to return to championship contention after a rebuilding year. Don’t be surprised if Hayes is playing its best football when November arrives.
Keep an eye on Chaminade as this year’s dark horse. The Flyers return several key contributors, including quarterback Sean Cerrone, and have enough veteran leadership to challenge anyone in the league. If they can win the close games, Chaminade has the potential to crash the title conversation.
One team that shouldn’t be overlooked is Monsignor Farrell. While the Lions may not be receiving the same preseason buzz as Iona Prep or St. Anthony’s, they have one of the most exciting young duos in the CHSFL in Bryce Moye and Braxton Moye. Bryce has already established himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, possessing the arm talent, poise, and football IQ to take over games. His twin brother, Braxton, gives Farrell a dynamic playmaker on the outside with the size and athleticism to create mismatches against any secondary.
Then there’s Archbishop Stepinac, a program that never seems to stay down for long. The Crusaders always reload with talent and physicality, making them one of the toughest outs in the CHSFL. If their young playmakers develop quickly, Stepinac could be right back in the semifinal picture.
Way-Too-Early Semifinal Predictions:
Iona Prep
St. Anthony’s
Monsignor Farrell
Chaminade
Stepinac and Cardinal Hayes sits just outside that group and could easily change the conversation before October.
Must-Watch Matchups
Iona Prep vs. St. Anthony’s – A potential championship preview.
Cardinal Hayes vs. Chaminade – Two teams looking to prove they belong among the league’s elite.
Farrell vs. Cardinal Hayes – A measuring-stick game with major playoff implications.
Stepinac vs. Chaminade – A matchup that could ultimately determine semifinal seeding.
The CHSFL has become one of the toughest leagues in the Northeast, and with so many talented returning players, every Friday night and Saturday afternoon will feel like playoff football. Iona Prep may still be the favorite, but the road to another championship won’t be nearly as easy as it looks on paper.
