Season Kickoff and Watch List Preview
The 2026 high school football season will open on August 28 with a marquee matchup between Stepinac and Fordham Prep, setting the tone for a competitive year across Section 1.
Compiled by experienced coaches, the lohud Super 11 Watch List spotlights a blend of proven impact players and promising newcomers from programs such as Bronxville, Rye and Iona Prep, offering a snapshot of talent that could define the upcoming campaign.
The watch list will be followed by a series of marquee events, including the announcement of Super 11 finalists on August 17, the Section 1 Super 11 showcase on August 26 and the Private School Super 11 game on August 27, each promising to spotlight the season’s most dynamic performers.
Fans can expect a diverse array of positions to be represented, from hard‑hitting quarterbacks to elusive receivers, as the selected athletes prepare to make early impressions that may shape playoff predictions and all‑state considerations.
Opening Game Spotlight
Stepinac’s hosting of Fordham Prep not only kicks off the schedule but also serves as the first opportunity for the newly announced watch list athletes to demonstrate their readiness, with early performances likely to influence coach selections for the upcoming Super 11 showcases.