NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Preseason lohud football rankings
1. New Rochelle: The Huguenots are fast, physical and experienced. They may be so good they find their best competition from one another at practice. The senior class is loaded and junior Khairi Manns could be a breakout star. Next up: vs. Mamaroneck, Sat., 1:30 p.m.
BROWSE: See all 209 of lohud’s Super 11 picks from 1998-present
FINAL RANKINGS: New Rochelle finishes 2016 ranked No. 1
2. Iona Prep: The Gaels will face a more challenging schedule but they have the right senior class to make the leap. If new quarterback Derek Robertson is as good as expected, this will be the county’s best offensive team. They certainly have the weapons. Next up: vs. Bishop Hendricken, Sept. 9, 1:30 p.m.
More: Iona Prep ready for ‘AAA’ challenge
3. Stepinac: Of the top three, the Crusaders were hit hardest by graduation. Some of that could be offset by the return of Trill Williams, who is widely considered the area’s best player and among the best in the CHSFL. Next up: at St. Peter’s, Sept. 9, 1:30 p.m.
More: Trill Williams better in his Stepinac return
4. Somers: You probably can’t replace 3,763 yards of offense and 55 touchdowns without a hitch, but the defending Class A state champ will sure try. Time will tell, but with so much talent back, the Tuskers may be poised to overcome of the graduation of stars Messiah Horne and Matt Pires, our 2016 Westchester/Putnam co-players of the year. Next up: vs. Poughkeepsie, Fri., 7 p.m.
More: Somers will take committee approach on offense
5. John Jay-East Fishkill: Quarterback Richie Eletto leads the way, but the Patriots will need to replace talented playmakers Danny Dietrich and Javion Reynolds. Tom O’Hare has built a consistent program capable of reloading. Next up: vs. Fox Lane, Sat., 7 p.m.
More: Eletto returns confident under center
6. Arlington: In his first season at the helm, Mike Morano’s Admirals made it all the way to the Class AA semifinals undefeated. Star running back Ricardo Yolas will be the focal point behind a big offensive line. Next up: vs. Port Chester, Fri., 7 p.m.
More: Ricardo Yolas not alone in driving Arlington’s hopes
7. Yorktown: The Huskers always seem to find a new dual threat at quarterback and Tommy Weaver seems to be no exception. Yorktown lost plenty of talent to graduation, but still returns one of Section 1’s best two-way players in Brett Makar. Next up: at Lakeland, Fri., 7 p.m.
More: More of the same from Yorktown at scrimmage
8. Rye: Forget about the playmakers for now. The names you won’t hear too often might be the key to Rye’s season. The Garnets return five offensive linemen, led by center A.J. Thompson and two-way terror Owen Hull. Next up: vs. Byram Hills, Fri., 7 p.m.
More: Rye pleased with progress in scrimmage against Mamaroneck
9. Clarkstown South: Mike Scarpelli insists his team is reloading not rebuilding after reaching the Class AA semifinals last season. Impact transfers R.J. Lamarre (Don Bosco) and Sam Franco (St. Joe’s) would make any coach confident. Next up: vs. Ramapo, Fri., 7 p.m.
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More: Clarkstown South retooled and ready for 2017 season
10. Pleasantville: A Class B team this high? Believe it. During Saturday’s home scrimmage, the Panthers were on a different level than Class A Eastchester and Class AA Horace Greeley. The disparity against Class B opponents should be even more pronounced. Next up: at Ardsley, Sat., 1:30 p.m.
More: Jack Howe, Pleasantville take few reps in tuneup