Gridiron Glory: Archdiocese of New York High School Football Players to Watch
By: Steven Schwankert
As the 2024 varsity football season kicks off this weekend, we look at local Archdiocese of New York high school players worth watching
In the competitive world of high school football, New York Catholic schools have consistently produced standout athletes who later made their mark at the collegiate and professional levels. Archbishop Stepinac High School, Cardinal Hayes High School, and Iona Preparatory School in particular have each cultivated a rich tradition of football excellence.
As the 2024 varsity football season kicks off this weekend, we look at local Archdiocese of New York high school players worth watching.
Archbishop Stepinac High School
Located in White Plains, New York, Archbishop Stepinac High School has been a breeding ground for football talent.
Standing near the center of Stepinac’s line this season will be senior Denzil Williams, who has already committed to Boston College. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound interior offensive lineman also garnered interest from Duke, Temple, James Madison University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Stepinac begins its season Friday, Aug. 30, against the McDonogh School of Owings Mills, Maryland.
Most recently, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce returned to his alma mater to conduct a summer football clinic for local players. One of its most notable alumni is Eric Ogbogu, who graduated in 1994. Ogbogu went on to play for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and Dallas Cowboys.
Cardinal Hayes High School
Cardinal Hayes capped off a Cinderella season by winning the state championship, appearing on “Good Morning America” with former New York Giant Michael Strahan, and receiving honors from Mayor Adams at City Hall.
For an encore, the Grand Concourse team looks to win another championship behind quarterback Rich Belin, who was named New York’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023-24. Belin, who has committed to Syracuse for college, threw for 30 touchdowns and more than 3,000 yards last season. Belin even earned high praise from Joe Spagnolo, head coach of Hayes rival Iona Preparatory School: “His improv skills are off the charts, and he’s a very tough competitor. Rich carried his team.” Hayes gets things started on Saturday, Aug. 31, away against Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn.
Willie Colon is Cardinal Hayes’ most accomplished football alumnus to date, having won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is now a TV host on Fox Sports 1.
Iona Preparatory School
New Rochelle’s Iona Preparatory School has long been recognized for its athletic programs, with football being no exception.
Top offensive lineman Rowan Byrne already has his eye on next fall, when he’ll join Clemson University’s football team after committing to the South Carolina school in June. Until he wears Tigers orange, the 300-pound senior, who squats 500 pounds, has his sights set on a CHSAA championship for Iona Prep. Iona Prep opens its season on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey.
Iona Prep’s most famous football alumnus is John Mara, president, CEO, and co-owner of the New York Giants.
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