A. Philip Randolph will try to rebound from an 0–1 start and repeat last season’s shutout when it visits James Madison on Saturday at 11 a.m. for a high-stakes 3A opener at James Madison High School Field. The official PSAL schedule confirms the matchup.
The Golden Knights, playing their first game of the season, are seeking revenge after losing to Randolph, 28–0, last November. Both teams came within one victory of last season’s championship, with Randolph falling in the semifinals and Madison losing to eventual champion Sheepshead Bay in the title game.
Randolph enters conference play after losing 28–9 to Xavier, the defending CHSFL AA-I champion. Although the final score was disappointing, facing a strong Catholic League opponent gave the Cougars an early test that could help prepare them for PSAL competition.
Randolph returns an athletic group led by quarterback Manny Opoku, athlete Isaac Suazo and receiver Zahaire Jones. Suazo’s combination of size and speed allows him to affect the game in multiple ways, while Jones provides another explosive option on offense.
Defensively, linebacker Anthony Pitre and 285-pound lineman Jaire Edwards will be important against Madison’s running game. Pitre recorded 37 tackles last season and helped Randolph hold most of its PSAL opponents to single digits. The Cougars’ ability to control the line of scrimmage was a major reason they shut out Madison last year.
Madison returns a talented junior core featuring Rayniel Valerio, Travys Leahy and Gavin Pelzer. Pelzer caught five touchdown passes during his breakout sophomore season and also contributed 21 tackles defensively.
The biggest question for Madison is whether its offense can create more explosive plays against Randolph’s defense. The Golden Knights cannot afford another slow start or allow the Cougars’ athletic playmakers to control field position.
This game should reveal plenty about the 3A championship picture. Madison wants to prove last season’s title-game appearance was only the beginning, while Randolph is trying to show that it remains one of the division’s most complete teams.
Prediction: A. Philip Randolph 24, James Madison 14. Randolph’s experience, defensive front and early test against Xavier give the Cougars the advantage.
