Category: League Awards

As the cliche suggests, “Defense Wins Championships”….And for two of our three selections today; that prophecy turned to fruition!!! Each of them a consummate playmaker who “makes things happen” whether the ball is in their control or not; this threesome was credited with generating 12 opposing turnovers (7 interceptions, 5 fumbles caused) to accompany the 200+ combined tackles they recorded!! Signifying the past (senior), present (Junior), and future (sophomore) of all that is the hard-nosed, “take no prisoners” mentality of the NYCHSFL, these consummate shutdown gems emptied the gas tank week in and week out in and were unapologetic in the carnage that ensued!!! We bow our heads and pay homage in recognition of the transcending values/characteristics displayed by our 2025 O’Connor honorees—-Joseph Henn (AA-2; Holy Trinity), Robert Milacci (AA-1; Xavier), & Mamadee Sangaray (AAA; Iona Prep)!! Reggie Francklin (Holy Cross; 2007/2008) and Kennedy Catholic’s Cole Esposito (2017/2018) the only

What do you get when you cross a revolutionary talent, a generational talent, and a “tough as nails” stallion?   The answer is that you get 5,954 yards and a mind-blowing 70 touchdowns out of a trio that not failed to amaze at every stage of the 2025 Catholic football season!!! Two of our winners leading their schools to titles, while the third was the lifeblood of a resurrection in Queens; the respective bodies of work assembled by these gentlemen will not soon be forgotten!!! It is with the utmost pride and gratitude (for the countless memories) that we welcome the following to the Riverso Memorial annals—-Isaiah Smith (AA-2; Christ the King), Peter Heaney (AA-1; Xavier), & Crew Davis (AAA; Iona Prep)! The most prolific performer in the entire NYCHSFL regardless of classification; Smith took Metro Catholic football by storm in his first season as a Royal (transferred in from Malverne)

A combined 765 pounds of “Grade A” beef; the 2025 Thomas winners were responsible for aiding their respective schools in stockpiling over 12,000 yards and 132 touchdowns this fall….Two of our three choices serving in an “Ironman” capacity; they also collectively register over 80 stops, 17 TFLs, and 12 sacks this season…Representing teams that all earned top-3 playoff seeds in their respective classifications, two of today’s awardees were invaluable in culminating successful repeat title bids… It is with utter respect and admiration that we welcome Aiden Flood (Xaverian; AA-2), Anthony Brown (St. Francis Prep; AA-1), and Anthony DiNapoli (Iona Prep; AAA) to the Thomas fraternity! Called the “anchor of the trenches” by Clippers head coach, Dominick Aluotto, Flood dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage in helping Xaverian repeat as Metro Catholic champions….Credited with 23 pancake blocks, his presence on the OL made it possible for the boys

“The thing about special teams, and I think football in general, is sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you.” -John Harbaugh If the words of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl winning mentor ring true; then the three gentlemen celebrated this morning won’t need to be dining on bagels, muffins, eggs, etc… Proverbially speaking, their stomachs are full from feasting on Grizzlies, Polars, and Kodiaks!!! A role that blends the best of offense with the finest of defense; the contributions of kickers/punters/return men often does not garner the respect and spotlight that is warranted… But alas, it is because of the undeniable excellence delivered by the likes of Antoine Williams (AA-2; Holy Cross), Vincenzo Coppola (AA-1; St. Peter’s), and Justin Jones (AAA; Chaminade) that proper attention was commanded!! We extend our congratulations to this “Trustworthy Trio” on being the 2025 picks as the preeminent practitioners and/or foremost

MONSIGNOR PETERS’ AWARD (Outstanding Student-Athlete) First bestowed in 1962, there is no greater honor and tradition within the NY Metro Catholic football league than the annual awarding of the Monsignor Matthew Peters’ Award… A “badge” of Studiousness, Christianity, and Physical gifts; in order to even be considered, it is imperative that the individual be a “triple-threat” who shines on the field, in the classroom, and within his community…. Referenced and/or jocosely cited in modern times as something of a “cheat code” that puts the recipient on a path to greatness that extends well beyond their football-playing days; past winners have gone on to achieve amazing feats within the realms of medicine, finance/business, law, military service, and just about any other respected field of professionalism/vocation! Members of this “brotherhood” routinely finding themselves on the campuses of America’s finest colleges/universities; recent predecessors—Matt DiLullo (2020, Scott Becker (2021), John Donahoe (2022), Edward Palumbo

The namesake of this awarded being none other than former NYCHSFL President and legendary Chaminade Head Coach, Joseph Thomas,”; during his 40 years of service to the Flyers; the Philadelphia born gentleman brought a new level of toughness to the Metro football scene!! And “toughness” and “guts” are exactly the traits one needs in order to prosper as an Offensive and/or Defensive lineman!! As the old adage proclaims, “This game is won and lost in the trenches”; and thanks to the selfless and unrelentless courage displayed by these three “unsung heroes”, their respective schools relished in sweet victory considerably more often than they tasted bitter defeat (27-11 combined record) en route to all advancing to Championship weekend!! One of our selections a true “Ironman” who refused to come off the field; the other two serving as dominant Left Tackles who paved the way for explosive offensives that each averaged 26.5

Named in tribute to legendary/ Hall-of-Fame Coach, Vince O’Connor (St. Francis Prep); if defense really does win championships as the saying suggests; then there is not a more appropriate namesake than a man who retired having won more games and titles than anyone in NYCHSFL history (341 wins; 16 crowns)… The award that perhaps carries with it the greatest lineage of future successes at higher levels of the sport; when we look at past selections such as former NFL players— Maurice Evans (2005; Christ the King), Gavin Heslop (2014; Archbishop Stepinac), and Trill Williams (2017; Archbishop Stepinac); as well as more recent recipients—Zyian Moultrie-Goddard (Iona Prep; playing at Syracuse) & Ian Strong (St. Anthony’s; playing at Rutgers); it is easy to see that correlation that exists between winning this trophy and then realizing your dreams… Comprised of two DL and a “Do Everything LB”, our 2024 picks “owned property” in

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Whether it be a long kick return or a big boot in the closing moments for a game-winner; names such as Deion Sanders, Gale Sayers, Devin Hester, Brian Mitchell, Adam Vinatieri, Shane Lechler, Jason Elam, Ray Gay, Lou Groza, Sammy Baugh, Justin Tucker, and Harrison Butker are iconic… An area of the game that garners the least attention; but has every bit as significant an impact on determining the verdict; the ability to dictate starting field position or deliver clutch points at the perfect time is never to be taken for granted… The unit is called “special” teams because it requires a special kind of person to be entrusted to answer the call to duty when it rings!! And speaking of “rings”; it is not by mere coincidence that the stellar performances given by two of 2024 selections would be rewarded by the football