Devaney: Week 1 football picks

Making predictions in the first week of the football season can be an unnerving exercise. As confident as I feel about the teams and players I’ve scouted over the past month, there are so many variables in a game that you could never forecast from watching practices and scrimmages.

So, consider that my disclaimer. Below are my predictions for this weekend’s action — Week 2 in Section 9 and Week 1 everywhere else. Tweet me your predictions: @MSGVarsityHVC or via email: kdevaney@cablevision.com

Sept. 9/10 Hudson Valley Score Predictions

Game of the Week

Rye at Somers: The game, which will air live on MSG Varsity Ch. 14, sets the table for what should be an incredible season in Class A in Section 1. These are just two of the top contenders for a championship. Rye comes into the game with revenge on its mind after Somers upset the Garnets in the opening round of the playoffs last year. Rye has looked superb in the preseason, especially fullback Joe Simolacaj. Look for a big game out of the back and for the Garnets to get a shred of revenge. Prediction: Rye 21, Somers 17

Five Others to Watch

Bronxville at Dobbs Ferry: The top two Class C teams in Section 1 square off in the most important game of their regular seasons. Dobbs Ferry returns 18 starters while Bronxville, the defending Class C state champs, have graduated the core from last year. While that favors Dobbs, you shouldn’t pick against the defending champs. Prediction: Bronxville 28, Dobbs Ferry 21
(Note: watch this game in its entirety on Monday on MSGVarsity.com)

Xaverian at Monroe-Woodbury: This is a major statement game for both schools, which are each ranked in the MSG Varsity Tri-State Top 25. Monroe-Woodbury, coming off a 61-28 win over Warwick, will face a bigger, tougher defense in Xaverian. If this game were played in Week 7 or 8, I’d give the Crusaders a good shot at winning. But it’s just too early for a young squad to rise to this type of challenge. Prediction: Xaverian 31, Monroe-Woodbury 21
(Note: watch this game in its entirety on Monday on MSGVarsity.com)

Ossining at John Jay-CR: Two of the most entertaining offenses in Section 1 square off in what should be a high-scoring affair. Ossining, with quarterback Brian Connolly, will air it out against a big, strong John Jay squad that runs the ball so effectively out of the spread offense. With rain in the forecast, the Indians will ground Ossining just enough to win. Prediction: John Jay-CR 28, Ossining 24

Arlington at Suffern: A veteran Suffern squad hosts one of the most impressive teams of the preseason. Arlington was overwhelming at the Somers scrimmage, showcasing a physicality that few teams can match. Suffern will be able to play with Admirals. But Arlington might be too big and deep. Prediction: Arlington 21, Suffern 13

Mount Vernon at Yorktown: The Knights come into the season with high expections and might be catching a rebuilding Yorktown squad at the perfect time. The Huskers are replacing all of their skill players and almost everyone on defense. Look for Mount Vernon to make a strong statement on opening night. Prediction: Mount Vernon 21, Yorktown 14

The Rest of the Action

Section 1
Clarkstown South 20, Mamaroneck 14
Sleepy Hollow 27, Pelham 24
Croton-Harmon 42, Kennedy 14
Nanuet 28, Edgemont 6
Westlake 20, Ardsley 14
North Rockland 14, Clarkstown North 7
Carmel 14, John Jay-EF 13 (OT)
Ketcham 21, Mahopac 0
Eastchester 27, Scarsdale 21
Poughkeepsie 35, Spring Valley 7
Nyack 35, Brewster 6
Tappan Zee 20, Panas 7
Harrison 28, Lakeland 7
Riverdale 14, Yonkers 12
Pleasantville 28, Putnam Valley 20
Lourdes 27, Beacon 6
Byram Hills 21, Peekskill 6
Horace Greeley 42, Roosevelt 7
Gorton 21, Pearl River 17
Hen Hud 14, Port Chester 7
Saunders 20, Riverside 6
Ramapo 26, Lincoln 12
New Rochelle 35, Fox Lane 13
Irvington 13, Briarcliff 7
Rye Neck 20, Tuckahoe 14
Hastings 19, Pawling 7
Albertus Magnus 12, Haldane 7
Valhalla 21, Dover 7
Woodlands 19, Blind Brook 14
Lincoln Hall 27, Palisade Prep 0

Private/Catholic
Poly Prep 28, Iona Prep 14
Stepinac 44, Middletown 14

Section 9
Warwick 35, Kingston 13
Cornwall 21, Newburgh Free Academy 13
Wallkill 28, Valley Central 7
Red Hook 28, Highland 0
Chester 23, Sullivan West 13
Tri-Valley 20, Pine Plains 15
Millbrook 24, O’Neill 7
Minisink Valley 28, Monticello 14
Spackenkill 35, Goshen 17
Marlboro 34, Onteora 7
 

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