The wait is over.
Week 0 kicks off the 2026 high school football season, and ATS Network has selected eight matchups for our first Featured Games slate of the year.
From CHSFL rivalry games to PSAL programs testing themselves against out-of-state competition, the opening weekend should give us our first real look at several teams expected to make noise this fall.
Here are the games we’re watching. CLICK TO SEE THE ATS PICKS
Tottenville vs. Rumson-Fair Haven
Thursday, August 27 — 7:00 PM
Tottenville gets an immediate test against a strong New Jersey opponent. For the Pirates, it’s an early opportunity to show where they belong in the PSAL and Downstate New York conversation.
Friendship Academy vs. Eagle Academy II
Friday, August 28 — 6:00 PM
Eagle Academy II gets its first opportunity to turn offseason expectations into results. Friendship Academy provides the first measuring stick for an Eagle II team we’ll be watching closely as the PSAL season develops.
Erasmus Hall vs. Millville
Saturday, August 29
This could be one of the most interesting games of the weekend. Erasmus Hall enters a new season with another talented roster but some important new faces in major roles. Millville gives the Dutchmen a quality New Jersey opponent right out of the gate and an opportunity to make an early statement.
Fordham Prep vs. Archbishop Stepinac
Saturday, August 29 — 1:30 PM
Our first CHSFL matchup gives Archbishop Stepinac an immediate opportunity to establish itself as one of the teams to beat in the league. Fordham Prep has an opportunity of its own: shake up the early CHSFL picture before it ever has a chance to settle.
Kellenberg Memorial vs. Chaminade
Saturday, August 29 — 1:30 PM
Forget preseason projections. We’re getting an actual CHSFL result immediately.Kellenberg and Chaminade know each other well, and this early matchup should provide our first meaningful data point as the CHSFL hierarchy begins to take shape.
Monsignor Farrell vs. Holy Spirit (NJ)
Saturday, August 29 — 4:00 PM
Monsignor Farrell begins 2026 with an interstate test against Holy Spirit. Farrell enters the year as one of the CHSFL programs with high expectations, and this matchup gives us an early opportunity to see how those expectations translate to the field.
Curtis vs. St. Peter’s
Saturday, August 29 — 7:00 PM
This one gives us something we don’t always get: a direct PSAL-versus-CHSFL matchup. Curtis and St. Peter’s meet in an early Staten Island battle that should give us a useful measuring stick for both programs — and maybe a little borough bragging rights along the way.
Xaverian vs. St. John’s Catholic (MD)
Sunday, August 30 — 1:00 PM
Xaverian closes out the Featured Games slate against St. John’s Catholic from Maryland. It’s another early interstate challenge for a New York program and a chance for Xaverian to establish some momentum before the CHSFL season gets rolling.
Now It’s Time to Play
Preseason rankings and projections give us something to debate.
Week 0 finally gives us something better: RESULTS!
ATS Network will be following these eight games throughout opening weekend as the first pieces of the 2026 Downstate New York football picture begin to fall into place.
And before kickoff, make sure you check out the ATS Featured Games section to see who ATS is picking — and cast your vote in ATS vs. The Community.