PSAL football midseason rankings

The midway point of the high school football season in New York City is here. Statements have been made, and with the 4A division heading into a bye week, let’s take a look at the top 10 rankings in the PSAL.

1. Curtis (4-0)

The defending champions have picked up where they left off. Curtis’ defense has been led by Jarett Serate, a Central Connecticut State commit, and has not allowed double-digit points in PSAL competition so far.

“When you look at our defense, the biggest thing we’re doing is playing together,” Curtis coach Peter Gambardella said. “We had to replace some linebackers from last year. That group has played as one unit and has been playing exciting football.”

Quadare Gomez leads PSAL 4A in rushing touchdowns with seven, and Jayden Melendez is tied for the division lead in receiving touchdowns with four.

2. Tottenville (4-0)

The Pirates are averaging more than 42 points per game through their first four league contests. Stony Brook commit Tyshawn Bent has seven total touchdowns, and quarterback Justin McGuire has thrown nine. Their 38-35 win over Erasmus Hall helps them land second in the rankings.

3. Erasmus Hall (3-1)

Outside of their lone loss to Tottenville, the Dutchmen have dominated. They made a statement with a 52-32 win to hand Eagle Academy II its first league loss of the season. Seniors Justus Murray, Kendu Brown and Jaire Lewis have led an offense scoring more than 43 points per game in league play.

4. Abraham Lincoln (3-1)

After losing to defending champ Curtis 14-6, the Railsplitters have been rolling. Christian Borhi leads 4A in passing with 819 yards in four games. Linebacker Ron Jones and defensive back Jaiden Brooks anchor a defense allowing just five points per game over the last three contests.

5. Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn) (3-1)

Eagle Academy II started hot with three straight wins in PSAL 4A before falling to Erasmus Hall 52-32 last week. A wave of transfers, including Zy’eare Schulters, Tyler Grayson and Josiah Brown, has made a big impact. Quarterbacks Aaron Smith and Martin Koppelman have combined for 15 touchdown passes through four games.

6. South Shore (3-1)

The Vikings started slow with a lopsided loss to Tottenville but have recently found their groove. They have won three straight, including victories over defending 3A champion Brooklyn Tech and Port Richmond. George Adams and Adrian Antoine have led the Vikings' offense through a string of stellar performances.

7. A. Philip Randolph (3-0)

The Cougars are one of the hottest teams in the PSAL. They sit atop the 3A standings and have outscored division opponents 129-20 through three games

“Every single player on our roster is bought in,” A. Philip Randolph coach Eric Perlowitz said. “The guys have a chip on their shoulder, and they’re playing for each other, so the results have shown that.”

Emmanuel Opoku, Ahmed Toure and Zahaire Jones have been difference-makers for Randolph this season.

8. John F. Kennedy (1-3)

Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the city, Kennedy is finding a rhythm. After losses to Erasmus Hall and Lincoln, the Knights gave Eagle Academy II a battle in a 57-42 loss. Last week, they defeated Fort Hamilton 58-20. Their ground-and-pound offense, led by Derik Betances, Amadou Samake and Hamidou Feseru, has been tough for defenses to stop.

9. Frank. J Macchiarola (3-0)

One of the top teams in 3A, the Sharks have surged past division competition to start the season. Their defense has recorded two shutouts and allowed just eight total points in league play. Amare Britt and Jaycob Reid have anchored the defense, while Sheepshead Bay’s offense has thrived with a balanced attack.

10. Port Richmond (2-2)

After being winless last season, the Red Raiders have put themselves in the 4A playoff conversation. Kasiem Cromwell has multiple touchdowns passing, rushing and receiving, while AJ Zimmerman has scored five offensive touchdowns. Port Richmond posted a convincing win over New Dorp and hung around with South Shore before falling 44-18.