For the last couple of years, PSAL football fans have looked at the classifications next to a team’s name—3A or 4A—and assumed they tell the whole story. Bigger enrollment, bigger schools, and a higher classification often create the expectation that a 4A program should beat a 3A program.
This past weekend proved that football isn’t played on paper.
Three highly anticipated crossover matchups featured 3A schools taking on 4A opponents. On paper, the underdogs appeared to have the odds stacked against them. By the final whistle, every one of them had pulled off the upset.
Like UMass shocking Rutgers to open the college football season, the PSAL’s 3A programs made their own statement.
Stuyvesant 29, Brooklyn Tech 26
The Peglegs erased expectations with an impressive victory over Brooklyn Tech. Led by quarterback Finn Chadwick, Stuyvesant showed poise when it mattered most, rallying to earn a hard-fought 29-26 win. It was a reminder that execution and resilience can outweigh size and preseason expectations.
New Utrecht 29, Port Richmond 22
New Utrecht entered its matchup against Port Richmond as another team many expected to struggle against a 4A opponent. Instead, the Utes played disciplined football, capitalized on key opportunities, and earned a statement 29-22 victory over the Raiders. Their performance reinforced the idea that preparation, coaching, and execution can level the playing field regardless of classification.
Sheepshead Bay 26, South Shore 12
Perhaps the biggest surprise came in Brooklyn, where Sheepshead Bay knocked off South Shore 26-12. The Sharks were led by senior quarterback Jayden Browne, whose leadership helped fuel an impressive all-around performance. Sheepshead Bay controlled the game from start to finish, proving they belong in conversations far beyond their classification.
James Madison 28, New Dorp 0
Another 3A program that made its presence felt was James Madison, which delivered one of the weekend’s most impressive performances with a 28-0 shutout over 4A opponent New Dorp. Powered by a star-studded junior class, the Golden Knights dominated in all three phases of the game, controlling the line of scrimmage and never allowing New Dorp to find any rhythm. It was a complete team performance and a statement victory that further reinforced the growing narrative from Week 1: 3A teams are more than capable of competing with—and defeating—their 4A counterparts.
So, how much do divisions really matter?
The reality is that classifications serve a purpose—they help organize competition based primarily on school size. But they don’t measure coaching, player development, chemistry, experience, or heart. Those are the qualities that often determine who wins football games.
This weekend was a perfect example. Three 3A schools stepped onto the field against 4A opponents with little outside expectation of winning. Stuyvesant defeated Brooklyn Tech, New Utrecht topped Port Richmond 29-22, and Sheepshead Bay handled South Shore 26-12. Three games. Three upsets. Three reminders that labels don’t win football games.
Maybe these were just Week 1 surprises. Or maybe they’re a sign that the talent gap between 3A and 4A is much smaller than many people think. As the season unfolds, these wins may prove to be more than just upsets—they may be the beginning of a shift in how PSAL football is viewed.
One thing is certain: after this weekend, no one should underestimate a 3A football team again.