NEW ROCHELLE, NY — When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: New Rochelle High School
Top players: Scarsdale — Ajani Bowie (5-9, 150), Sr., RB/DB; Max Bunzel (5-10, 198), Sr., RB/LB; Noah Glantz (6-2, 240), Sr., OL/DL. New Rochelle — Jonathan Saddler (6-1, 215), Sr., QB/LB; Romeo Holden (5-11, 175), Sr., SB/S; Jared Baron (5-8, 205), Sr., RB/LB.
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About the game: New Rochelle beat Scarsdale twice last season, including 41-13 in the Class AA championship game. The Huguenots have won four straight in the series, but the Raiders won in 2013.
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The lowdown on New Rochelle: The Huguenots have won their last four games by shutout and have outscored their opponents 189-17 this season. Their starting lineup is loaded with returning skill players from last year’s team. One who has shown improvement is senior Myles Taylor, who returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in Sunday’s 35-0 win over Mount Vernon.
“He’s made a lot of big plays, whether it be on special teams, interceptions on defense or as a receiver,” coach Lou DiRienzo said. “I think he’s taken the next step as a player.”
Coach’s quote: “I think New Rochelle-Scarsdale has turned into a bit of a rivalry the last few years,” DiRienzo said. “It’s always a challenge. They have a very sound concept offensively and defensively and there’s always a wrinkle to their offense. You have to be extremely disciplined to play against their triple-option offense.”
The lowdown on Scarsdale: The Raiders have been impressive in winning their first five games despite returning just three players who started last season. They have been resilient in the fourth quarter, especially during a 19-18 win at North Rockland and a 21-14 win over Clarkstown South. They also rallied from a 15-0 deficit to beat rival Mamaroneck. Bowie, Bunzel and Glantz are Scarsdale’s only returning starters, but quarterback Jacob Brief and wide receiver Evan Maroney (seven touchdowns) are among the players who emerged.
More: Football: Scarsdale rebounds from sluggish first half to remain unbeaten
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Scarsdale coach Andy Verboys said his team may be without key players Saturday due to prior academic commitments.
“The kids have been resilient,” he said, “but it’s going to be tough going into this game, especially if we have to plug new kids in and go up against one of the top teams in the state.”
Coach’s quote: “They’re better than they were last year,” Verboys said. “They’re athletic. They’re big, strong and well-coached. I’m returning only three starters from last year, so it’s going to be almost all new kids stepping on the field against them.”
Josh’s pick: New Rochelle 27, Scarsdale 7
