Week 1 is loaded with measuring-stick games.
Several of Downstate New York’s top teams are stepping outside their leagues—and outside the region—to find competition. Ohio, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Syracuse and Albany are all part of this week’s 12-game ATS Featured Games slate.
Here are five games we’re watching especially closely.
No. 1 Iona Prep at CBA Syracuse
Thursday, Sept. 3 — 7 PM
The No. 1 team in the ATS Downstate NY Top 25 opens with a road test in Syracuse. Iona consistently schedules beyond the CHSFL, and CBA gives the Gaels an immediate opportunity to defend the top spot.
No. 7 Eagle Academy II at Archbishop Hoban
Friday, Sept. 4 — 7 PM
Fresh off a 14-12 win over Friendship Collegiate, No. 7 Eagle II heads to Ohio for an even bigger challenge. Hoban is a nationally respected program that beat Iona Prep a few years ago. A win here would be a major statement for Eagle II—and the PSAL.
No. 8 Chaminade at Bishop Hendricken
Saturday, Sept. 5 — 6 PM
Chaminade entered the season in the ATS Downstate Top 25 and CHSFL Top 10, but now needs a response after its opening loss to Kellenberg. The Flyers travel to Rhode Island for a chance to get right back on track against Bishop Hendricken.
Port Washington at No. 9 Massapequa
Friday, Sept. 4 — 6:30 PM
One of Nassau County’s early measuring sticks. No. 9 Massapequa, also one of the highest-ranked teams in the ATS Section VIII rankings, opens Conference I play against a Port Washington team looking to make an immediate statement.
Battle of the Railsplitters: Lincoln (PA) at No. 23 Abraham Lincoln
Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 PM
Same name. Same nickname. Different cities.
Philadelphia’s Lincoln comes to Brooklyn to face Abraham Lincoln in the Battle of the Railsplitters, giving the PSAL another early interstate test.
The Rest of the Featured Games
Eagle Academy III at St. John the Baptist
Friday, Sept. 4 — 1 PM
Farmingdale at Oceanside
Friday, Sept. 4 — 6 PM
St. Anthony’s at Red Bank Catholic (NJ)
Friday, Sept. 4 — 6 PM
Archbishop Stepinac at CBA Albany
Friday, Sept. 4 — 7 PM
Pope John (NJ) at Cardinal Hayes
Saturday, Sept. 5 — 12 PM
South Shore at Sheepshead Bay
Saturday, Sept. 5 — 1 PM
A.P. Randolph at Xavier
Saturday, Sept. 5 — 1:30 PM
Week 1 should give us some early answers about the ATS Downstate Top 25 and each league’s pecking order.
12 games. Make your picks. Beat ATS.