Monsignor Farrell (N.Y.) looks to finish strong heading into NYCHSFL playoffs

When Rocco Del Priore took over the five-time New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) champion Monsignor Farrell Lions (N.Y.) ahead of the 2022 season, his first go around was a bumpy one.

A 3-7 record in what is one, if not the, toughest high school football league in all of New York. Del Priore, though, knows a thing or two about Monsignor Farrell’s storied history on the gridiron because he played there.

Playing down on the defensive line back in the early 2000’s for the Lions, Del Priore has the program playing its best football since he took over and a recent win over top-ranked Iona Prep signaled just that. With a chance to be the No. 1 overall seed heading into the NYCHSFL playoffs, the team is looking to finish strong this week against Cardinal Hayes.

“We feel that we’ve shown up every week and competed in all three phases of the game,” Del Priore said.

“We understand to continue our winning ways, we need to play physical like we have played all year and get the ball to our playmakers and on defense, tackle and run to the football. We like to say it’s a marathon with a bunch of sprints. I couldn’t be more proud of this group and a shoutout to my coaching staff, who have done a great job pushing the we before me mantra. We’re having a lot of fun and we look to continue that.”

Continuing the successful 2025 regular season the Lions have had is looking at the kind of schedule Monsignor Farrell has had along the way to a 7-1 record, their best start since 2004. The Lions’ only blemish on the season came against New Jersey’s No. 8 ranked Delbarton, 35-6, back on Sep. 13.

Since that loss to the Green Wave? The Lions have ripped off five straight victories, with one coming over Iona Prep and the other against a very talented St. Anthony’s squad by a point.

The two aforementioned teams feature Power 4 level running backs at their disposal on offense, but Del Priore’s bunch doesn’t feature a Division I commit on their team. That’s not to say this isn’t a pretty talented team itself, however.

Monsignor Farrell on offense has one of the state’s most efficient and productive passers behind center in quarterback Bryce Moye, who is only a sophomore. Moye has completed nearly 73 percent (91 of 125) of his passes along the way to throwing for 1,366 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Del Priore spoke highly of his underclassman quarterback how he’s been handling playing the game’s most important position as a sophomore.

“(Bryce Moye) was on the varsity as a freshman and played not nearly enough, but showed glimpses of greatness,” Del Priore said.

“He attacked the off-season from January 3rd and on. He’s got all of the physical tools and can make every throw, but his best attribute is his mind and how he processes and how he leads. He’s the first ever sophomore to be a captain in our program.”

Alongside of Moye is senior Kevin Gumb Jr., who has also been very instrumental to the team’s success offensively. Gumb Jr. has rushed for 963 yards on 121 carries and scored 13 touchdowns.

The linebacker-turned-running back has been a perfect fit in the backfield for the Lions and should be well on his way to surpassing the 1,000-yard plateau this week.

“I’ve watched (Kevin Gumb Jr.) work countless hours on the field,” Del Priore said.

“Last year, he was an outside linebacker for us and he was the next running back in. He had some explosive plays for us (last year), so I kind of felt he could do this. He’s got great body balance and contact balance. He’s got breakaway speed and he’s a really coachable player. I think that’s the difference from him scoring these touchdowns to where last year it wasn’t happening.”

Monsignor Farrell’s talent on both sides of the ball have been clear cut, but what has stood out more as the season has progressed is the Lions overall togetherness as a team.

The Lions have a very senior-laden squad, with 30 seniors on this year’s team. Del Priore said for as long as he’s been apart of the program, which dates back to 2006 as a junior varsity coach, it’s the largest senior class he can remember.

The longtime Monsignor Farrell staple believes he saw the team bonding, chemistry really take off in the team’s 35-12 victory over Albany Christian Brothers Academy. With the Lions traveling up to Albany to take on the Christian Brothers, Del Priore believes that’s where the team really began becoming a tighter knit unit.

“We have 30 seniors. It’s the largest senior class we’ve had in the program as long as I can remember,” Del Priore added. “This is my 20th year as a coach and I can really say that they have all bought in. this is as tight and connected as a team I have seen. It comes down to the chemistry and the love for one another.

“When we went to play Christian Brothers Academy, we stayed in a hotel, toured Union College and we practiced there. (The Players) got to have a college road trip like experience. I think after last year’s letdown, the seniors bonded together and really wanted to push our standards. We’ve had a saying at Farrell that ‘You don’t play football at Farrell, you play Farrell football’ and we want our kids to compete, play physical and disciplined football.”

With Monsignor Farrell having the kind of solidarity across the board from their seniors on down, the Lions are serious contenders on attempting to bring home a sixth NYCHSFL championship come late November.

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