The Class A playoff picture might be the most top-heavy of any of Section 1’s classifications. Byram Hills and Westlake both are unbeaten through the first three weeks of play, while Ardsley, Lakeland, Rye and Pleasantville all have only one loss. Somers currently sits at 5-4 and is in the 8th spot in the playoff standings, but disposed of Class AA leader Mahopac 3-0 early in the season. Here are our predictions for where the rest of the season will lead:
Championship Matchup: Byram Hills vs. Ardsley
There’s no denying that Ardsley has been the story of the early season in Class A. The Panthers won only two games in 2023, but dedicated themselves to turning the program around this offseason. This is a hungry group that has their eyes set on a deep postseason run and feels a bit like a team of destiny.
Byram Hills continues to play like one of the premier programs in Section 1. Chris Amenedo leads the scoring attack for a Bobcats team that’s outscored opponents 11-2 in their last three matches. As deep as Class A has looked so far, we’d be surprised if we didn’t end up seeing this team in the final.
Poised to Make Some Noise: Westlake, Lakeland, Somers, Pleasantville
Pleasantville and Westlake moved up from Class B to A this season and have looked up to the task. Pleasantville took home their local Mount Pleasant Cup tournament over rival Briarcliff last week and Westlake’s scoring attack has been on fire, putting up 13 goals in the last two matches. Don’t forget about Somers though, who has played a quality schedule and will be a very tough out come playoff time.
Check out this Pleasantville goal during last week’s Mount Pleasant Cup final against Briarcliff.
Matches to Watch: Byram Hills vs. Rye 9/25 and 10/9
The rematches of last year’s Class A title game will be pivotal in determining playoff seeding and team confidence heading into the postseason. Byram has looked as good if not better than last season, so if Rye can get a split here, we think that’s a win for the Garnets.
