Week 0 gave us our first real look at the PSAL pecking order, and the biggest takeaway is simple: the top of the league may be tighter than we thought.
Eagle Academy II came away with the most meaningful win of the weekend, Curtis looked explosive, and both Erasmus Hall and Tottenville showed there can still be value in a loss when the opponent is strong enough.
Eagle II gets the résumé win
Eagle Academy II opened with a 14-12 win over Friendship Collegiate Academy, one of the stronger programs in Washington, D.C.
That matters because Eagle II entered the season with plenty of talent and plenty of hype. Now there is an actual result to support it.
From an ATS rankings standpoint, this is the kind of win that creates upward pressure. Eagle II entered the preseason Top 25 at No. 7. With Erasmus Hall losing its opener, there is now a legitimate conversation about whether the Eagles have done enough to close that gap.
Curtis makes noise
Curtis had one of the most dominant performances of the weekend, beating St. Peter’s 41-14.
The Warriors came up short against eventual champion Erasmus Hall in last season’s semifinals, but this was a strong reminder that Curtis is still very much part of the PSAL title picture.
A convincing crossover win should also help Curtis when the first in-season ATS rankings are released.
Not all losses are equal
Erasmus Hall fell to Millville 29-20, while Tottenville lost a one-point game to Rumson-Fair Haven, 28-27.
Neither result should trigger a major rankings overreaction.
Erasmus played without its starting quarterback and still stayed competitive against quality New Jersey competition. Tottenville went on the road and took a proven program down to the wire.
That context matters now that ATS rankings are being judged on more than wins and losses alone.
Around the PSAL
South Shore opened with a 12-0 shutout of A.P. Randolph, while Sheepshead Bay fell 36-12 to St. Thomas Aquinas of New Jersey.
Player whose stock is up
Quadare Gomez, Curtis — Gomez scored three touchdowns (including an 80 yard kick return) in Curtis’ 41-14 win over St. Peter’s, helping power one of the most dominant PSAL performances of the opening weekend. His production was a big part of why Curtis should be in the conversation for upward movement in the ATS rankings.
ATS Rankings Watch
Eagle Academy II: Upward pressure after the best PSAL win of the weekend.
Curtis: Strong candidate to move up after a 27-point crossover win.
Erasmus Hall: Could slide slightly, but the opponent and quarterback situation should limit the damage.
Tottenville: A one-point road loss may not hurt much at all.
The big picture
The PSAL hierarchy did not get clearer this weekend. It got more interesting.
Erasmus still has the championship résumé. Eagle II now has a statement win. Curtis looks dangerous. Tottenville showed it can compete with quality regional opposition.
The preseason rankings were about projection.
Now the results start to count.
ATS NETWORK — NY FOOTBALL LIVES HERE