YORKTOWN, N.Y. — The defending Section 1 Class AA champions, North Rockland High School, took center stage at the 2025 Section 1 Football Media Day hosted at Yorktown High School. Head coach James Hickey and his captains reflected on last season’s title run and outlined their goals for the year ahead.
Coach Hickey admitted it still feels good to be introduced as a champion, but emphasized that last year’s success has little bearing on 2025.
“That was last year’s team,” he said. “This year we have to earn it again with a renewed focus.”
Hickey praised his group’s preparation, noting that a strong culture in the weight room and offseason has made buy-in even stronger since hanging the championship banner.
North Rockland brought a core of leaders to Media Day: quarterback Chase Perini, linebacker/fullback Tyler Prisco, linemen Lucas Vargas and Gabe Vega, and two-way standout Noah Kukielczak. Each spoke about carrying forward the mentality that fueled last year’s championship run. Perini, now a veteran under center, said his mindset is simple:
“I just want to go back-to-back.” He highlighted new weapons at receiver — including Danny Higgins, Derek Van Donk, and Amari Osena — who have impressed early in camp.
North Rockland’s players stressed that the team’s identity remains rooted in toughness up front. With much of the offensive and defensive line returning, the team expects to once again overwhelm opponents in the trenches.
“We pretty much have the same group back,” said Vargas, underscoring continuity as a key advantage.
As defending champions, the Red Raiders know they’ll be the hunted in 2025, but they aren’t shying away. The team is focused on Week 0’s home showdown against NYC powerhouse Curtis, a matchup they see as an early test of their readiness. From there, a grueling schedule awaits, but players believe last year’s battle-tested path prepared them for another deep run.
“Winning mentality comes from preparation and details — in the weight room, in the film room, in the classroom,” Prisco said. “Those little things matter.”
For North Rockland, the message is clear: last year’s trophy is motivation, not validation. With experience, culture, and hunger on their side, the Red Raiders enter 2025 aiming not just to defend their Section 1 crown, but to chase more on the state stage.
