Iona Prep vs. Archbishop Stepinac Preview

It's the most wonderful weekend of the year, and for myself, it is more exciting than Christmas.

Iona Prep (3-0) and Archbishop Stepinac (3-0) will be a battle of the undefeated. The game this year is at Stepinac in White Plains, and the temperature will be 76 degrees Fahrenheit, around the time of kickoff.

Iona Prep is coming off of a 33-14 home win over Long Island power Chaminade. The Gaels this year have lost many players to graduation.

Such players were Derek Robertson, who looked to Head Coach Joe Spagnolo in his

youth football career. Robertson even followed Spagnolo from Stepinac to Iona Prep. Sean Fleming, currently a Tight End at Monmouth University, was a big presence on the offense, as well as Camari Glasgow, who plays the Running Back position at Merrimack College. Coach is in his fourth year at the Prep.

On defense, the Gaels lost several key players, including Joseph Rodda, Jaylen Lambert, and Jimaar Edwards.

Stepinac has come off of a 48-14 home win over St. Peter's. They have lost many players on both sides of the ball.

Coach Michael O'Donnell is in his 39th year at Stepinac.

Eugene Boyd, CJ Wise, and Shawn Harris are just some of the seniors of offense who have graduated.

On defense, Doug Simmons seems to be the biggest loss, as he was the most productive. Also on defense, two more losses were Dom Nicolo, and De'andre Smith.

"Iona is always a really good game, and I am confident that my coaches and teammates are ready to win," says Kevin McKenna. "We just have to stick to our game plan and play hard."

This will be the 73rd time these two teams meet on the gridiron. Iona Prep leads all-time 42-30. The game is projected to have over a thousand people there, considering it is one of the biggest rivalries in Westchester County.

"Big game for us," says starting quarterback, Joey Carino. "We are both very good teams and we are excited for the battle on Saturday. We have been focused all week, and we are very excited."

Predictions for this weekend's game: Stepinac 27-21. Darius Wilson is a young QB. He may not get there at first, but I think he eventually will make some sort of comeback as Iona always tries to do. However, I think the power of the Stepinac defense will not let any points score in the Gaels favor in a crucial situation.

Anyway, grab your cheeseburgers, it will be a great game.