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Dobbs Ferry, 5-3 last year, is hoping to return to form under third-year coach Jim Moran after winning the state Class C title in 2011.
Running back and linebacker Tim Soave is the leader in his fourth varsity season. The 6-1, 240-pound fullback rushed for 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns last year as Dobbs Ferry faltered a bit after losing several two-way starters from the 2011 championship team. Eagles running backs Chris Addorisio and Jibril Kapadia showed promise last season and will help Soave with the offensive workload.
The Eagles open the season on the road at Pawling on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Prediction: Dobbs Ferry 27, Pawling 12
Ardsley showed well last year in its Class B competition with a 5-3 record under coach Colin Maier. The Panthers were as good as many playoff teams last year and are hoping to step up to the postseason. Joe DeGuardia moves in as Ardsley's quarterback and has a capable running back behind him in George DiFiore. DiFiore was a big-play threat last year, rushing for 870 yards scored 14 touchdowns last fall. Returning fullback Jorge Ayala will add power to the running game. Ardsley hosts Westlake Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the season opener. Prediction: Ardsley 13, Westlake 12
Hastings struggled through its worst season in years with a 1-7 record in 2012, but second-year coach Chris Wagner, who won a Class C state title with Dobbs Ferry in 2006, is rebuilding the Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Rob Hevia returns for his third year and adds experience to both sides of the ball. Running back Devin Nunez has quickness and experience from last year's campaign. After dealing with inexperience last season, the Jackets return 16 starting players. Yellow Jackets tight end Francesco Scioscia, who doubles at defensive end, helps Hevia as team leaders. Andrea Fell is a key on both the offensive and defensive lines. Hastings hosts Rockland's Albertus Magnus on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Prediction: Hastings 20, Magnus 13
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