The PSAL playoff picture tightened this weekend. Erasmus Hall delivered its most explosive offensive performance of the season, Curtis bounced back from its first loss, and Tottenville handed Lincoln a setback one week after the Railsplitters’ statement win over Curtis. In the lower classifications, Bryant survived a battle of unbeatens while A.P. Randolph and Eagle Academy III continued to strengthen their postseason résumés.
Erasmus Hall sends a message in 4A
Erasmus Hall overwhelmed South Shore 55–12, following last week’s narrow victory over Tottenville with its highest-scoring performance of the season. The Dutchmen have now won four of their last five games after opening against difficult out-of-state competition. Their record may not look dominant, but their recent play says something different. Erasmus remains one of the most dangerous teams in 4A.
Eagle Academy II remained unbeaten through a 12–0 forfeit victory over Canarsie, although there was no on-field performance to evaluate this week.
Curtis answers, JFK takes a step back
One week after Lincoln handed Curtis its first loss of the season, the Warriors responded with a 38–6 victory over JFK. That was an important result for Curtis. The Warriors entered the weekend needing to show that the Lincoln loss was a setback rather than the start of a slide, and they did exactly that.
For JFK, the result interrupts a stretch that included wins over Lincoln and Fort Hamilton. The Knights have shown they can compete with strong 4A teams, but the gap against Curtis was significant.
Tottenville slows Lincoln
Lincoln entered the weekend coming off one of the biggest wins of the PSAL season, a 41–26 victory over previously unbeaten Curtis. Tottenville brought the Railsplitters back down quickly. The Pirates handed Lincoln a loss Friday night, keeping themselves firmly in the 4A conversation after their two-point loss to Erasmus Hall the previous week.
For Lincoln, the result reinforces the challenge that comes after a statement win. The Railsplitters proved they can beat a top team. The next step is showing they can produce that level consistently.
With Erasmus, Curtis, Tottenville, JFK and Lincoln all capable of beating quality opponents, the 4A playoff field is becoming much more interesting behind unbeaten Eagle Academy II.
Randolph and Eagle III keep rolling in 3A
A.P. Randolph continued its strong run with a 34–14 victory over Truman. The Cougars have established themselves as one of 3A’s leading contenders and continue to stack convincing results as the postseason approaches.
Eagle Academy III was even more dominant, shutting out Lehman 42–0. That follows a 50–0 victory over Roosevelt the previous week, giving Eagle III consecutive shutouts by a combined score of 92–0. Both teams are beginning to separate themselves from the middle of the classification.
Bryant survives the battle of Unbeatens
Bryant defeated Transit Tech 12–6 in one of the weekend’s biggest 2A games. The defending champions improved to 5–0 and handed Transit Tech its first loss. After shutting out previously unbeaten Campus Magnet the week before, Bryant has now beaten undefeated opponents in consecutive games. The Owls have not needed explosive offensive performances to make their point. Their defense continues to travel, and that matters even more as the playoffs approach.
Boys and Girls Responds
Boys and Girls delivered a convincing 34–0 win over Grand Street Campus after an inconsistent opening stretch.
Flushing also handled Columbus 32–6, while KIPP NYC College Prep edged Jamaica 12–6.
Bryant has created some separation at the top of 2A, but the teams underneath still have time to strengthen their postseason positioning.
Smith Wins a Key 1A Matchup
Smith defeated Lafayette 36–20, ending the Patriots’ three-game winning streak. Lafayette had scored 100 points across its previous three victories, making Smith’s result one of the more notable 1A performances of the weekend.
Stevenson also earned a 24–22 win over Frederick Douglass Academy, adding another close result to a classification that remains difficult to separate.
ATS Weekend Standouts
Lorenzo Lopez — Bryant
Reported 104 total yards, one touchdown and an interception in the Owls’ win over Transit Tech.
Curtis
Responded from its first loss of the season by beating JFK 38–6.
Erasmus Hall Offense
Produced a season-high 55 points against South Shore.
Eagle Academy III Defense
Recorded its second straight shutout and has not allowed a point over its last two games.
ATS Takeaway
The 4A race just got more interesting. Eagle Academy II remains unbeaten, but the teams behind the Eagles are trading results. Lincoln beat Curtis, then lost to Tottenville. Curtis responded by beating JFK. Erasmus beat Tottenville and then exploded for 55 points. Nobody behind Eagle II has been able to completely separate.
In 3A, Randolph and Eagle Academy III continue to strengthen their cases. In 2A, Bryant has done more than remain unbeaten — the Owls have beaten two previously undefeated teams in consecutive weeks.
At this point, records alone don’t tell the story. Who you beat matters.
What to Watch Next
Curtis at Erasmus Hall — October 31
Curtis gets another major 4A test against a Dutchmen team playing its best football of the season.
Eagle Academy II vs. New Dorp — October 30
The Eagles look to remain unbeaten as the regular season winds down.
Bryant at McKee/Staten Island Tech — October 30
Another important test for the defending 2A champions.
Stuyvesant vs. FDR — October 30
The Peglegs get another opportunity to strengthen their 3A postseason position.
Lincoln at Fort Hamilton — October 31
Lincoln looks to rebound after its loss to Tottenville.
The playoffs are getting close. The separation is starting now.
