Coach I’s Week 6 Picks: A Week Full of Toss-Ups

Schedule update, October 16: Lourdes at Cornwall has been postponed to Saturday, October 17, at 1 p.m. Both Cornwall and Lourdes list the change on their school schedules.

Final review, October 19: Coach I finished these 21 picks at 16–5: 2–1 Thursday, 10–0 Friday and 4–4 Saturday. Read the complete game-by-game review → The original picks and reasoning below are preserved.

There are weeks when the picks come easily. Week 6 is not one of them. Dover–O’Neill, Lourdes–Cornwall, Chester–Highland and Pine Bush–Kingston all give me reasons to hesitate. My record is going to be tested.

I went 18–2 last week. Now comes a slate with enough close calls to make that a tough act to follow.

Read my Week 5 review · See the complete Week 6 guide

Thursday, October 15

Monticello at Saugerties

My pick: Saugerties

Monticello has scored 46 points across its two wins after being shut out in its first four games. Saugerties, meanwhile, needs a response after a 49–6 loss at Beacon. The key is whether Monticello can keep creating the scoring opportunities that have changed its last two weeks. For Saugerties, letting the Panthers stay close would give a newly confident opponent another reason to believe.

Monticello deserves credit. Winning two straight against Liberty and Poughkeepsie gives those kids something to build on. Those were games I expected them to win. Beating Saugerties would be a different kind of statement and would make me look at this team differently. I’m staying with Saugerties.

Dover at O’Neill

My pick: Dover

The immediate stakes are seeding: O’Neill enters 2–0 in Class C and Dover 2–1. A Dover win would finish the Dragons’ four-game class schedule at 3–1 and put pressure on O’Neill’s remaining meeting with Highland. An O’Neill win would move the Raiders to 3–0. With the top seed receiving a semifinal bye, this result can affect far more than the order of the standings.

This is one of the biggest toss-ups on the schedule. Both teams have secured Class C playoff spots, and this could be a matchup we see again. I previously had Dover at No. 1 in the class, and I’m taking the Dragons on the road—but I’m not pretending this is comfortable. If the O’Neill team that pushed Beacon shows up, this pick could go the other way. Since returning to action, the Raiders have beaten Rondout Valley 23–8 and Spackenkill 35–14. Dover beat Rondout 28–12 last week. There is plenty here to make me think this will be a very good game.

Pine Plains/Rhinebeck at Millbrook/Webutuck

My pick: Millbrook/Webutuck

The Blazers have scored eight points in each of their last two games, against Taconic Hills and Ellenville. That makes sustained offense the priority. Pine Plains/Rhinebeck scored 32 against Tri-Valley and led 26–22 at halftime before losing 46–32. Millbrook cannot assume that a bounce-back opportunity means an easy opponent; the Bombers have just shown they can put a defense under pressure.

Millbrook is looking for a response after losing 28–8 to Ellenville. Getting back home gives the Blazers an opportunity to reset, and I’m picking them to take it.

Friday, October 16

Newburgh Free Academy at Middletown

My pick: Middletown

The reasoning behind this pick is straightforward: Middletown has held the No. 1 spot, and I’m not jumping ship simply because a very good team is coming to town. It is on No. 1 to defend that position, and it is on No. 2 to take it.

Newburgh can absolutely take it—and take it with an exclamation point. The Goldbacks have won five straight games by at least 31 points, including a 31–0 win over Cornwall and a 48–13 win over Pine Bush. Middletown beat those same opponents 22–21 and 28–13. There is a real case for Newburgh beyond reputation or hype.

Middletown’s counter is a 6–0 record and a defense allowing eight points per game. Those numbers explain the ranking; they do not guarantee Friday’s result. The Middie Bears have to show up at home, in front of their own crowd, with the section watching, and prove that No. 1 still belongs to them. If Newburgh is better, this is its opportunity to show it.

I’m picking Middletown, but the responsibility comes with the ranking. Nobody owes the Middies that spot. Newburgh is coming to take it.

And remember: this is the rankings crown, not the sectional championship. Monroe-Woodbury won the last two Class AA titles. If these teams meet again in the November 14 final, that is the game that decides the trophy. Friday matters for seeding, positioning and the argument we have been having all season—but neither team wins a championship by winning this one.

For transparency, I coach at Middletown. I also coached at Monticello from spring 2021 through 2024 and picked teams to beat us when that was my honest assessment.

I played football for Port Jervis. I coached basketball at Port Jervis. I coached against Port Jervis. I’ve picked against Port Jervis and covered their playoff losses. Last season, while coaching at Middletown, I picked Newburgh to beat us in both meetings.

I was born and raised in Queens, New York, and moved to this area. My approach to covering Orange County and the 845 has always been to judge teams on their production, not my personal connections. The jersey I played in and the sidelines I’ve coached on do not dictate my coverage. I started KOT845 in 2020. My junior year of high school. Before developing and mentoring young men as a coach became a passion.

KOT845 has always been built on honest judgment and transparency. I’ve been doing this since I was 16, and I believe that willingness to separate personal connections from the work is part of why people trust what we do. For longtime followers, that is nothing new. For the new readers joining us, it is worth making clear.

Monroe-Woodbury at Valley Central

My pick: Valley Central

Both teams have something specific to fix. Valley Central managed seven points in its 29–7 loss to Middletown; Monroe surrendered 22 second-half points after holding Kingston scoreless before halftime. My case for VC depends on sustaining drives and making Monroe defend repeatedly. My concern is letting the Crusaders build another early cushion and giving their offense control of how the game is played.

Monroe showed last week that it is down, but still dangerous. The Crusaders built a 17–0 halftime lead against Kingston and finished with a 31–22 win after the Tigers fought back. In my opinion, Valley Central’s offense is more structured and more threatening. That is why I’m picking VC. The Vikings still have to do their part defensively, because stopping Monroe-Woodbury is a real assignment regardless of who is available.

Warwick at FDR

My pick: Warwick

FDR scored 21 against Goshen last week, while Warwick lost 50–6 at Cornwall. Those results are a reminder that desperation alone will not win this game. Warwick needs an early offensive response and defensive stops that keep the Presidents from settling in. I’m asking the Wildcats to play a controlled game under pressure rather than letting the search for that first win lead to forced plays.

Warwick is 0–6, and the urgency could not be clearer. With Washingtonville and Minisink Valley still ahead, this feels like a now-or-never opportunity to get that first win. I’m picking Warwick to find a way. That does not mean FDR is going to hand it over; Warwick has to turn that hunger into execution.

Beacon at Port Jervis

My pick: Port Jervis

Port has outscored Saugerties and Red Hook 89–7 over its last two games, and Austin Mack’s return adds a receiving threat alongside Amato Natale’s work in the running and passing games. Beacon has allowed only six points across its last six quarters, following a difficult first half against New Paltz. My lean toward Port comes from the multiple assignments that offense can give Beacon’s defense, especially if the Bulldogs commit extra attention to the run.

Beacon has shown that it is a very good team, and this is the kind of game that can change how people see it. I’m still taking Port. This may not be the exact Port Jervis team we have talked about in recent years, but it remains a very good team—one that beat Minisink Valley 31–3. Beacon has earned this test. I expect Port to make it a difficult one.

Pine Bush at Kingston

My pick: Pine Bush

Pine Bush was competitive with Middletown before losing 28–13, then lost 48–13 to Newburgh. Kingston’s 31–22 loss to Monroe showed both its vulnerability to an early deficit and its ability to rally. I want Pine Bush to turn those difficult assignments into cleaner execution here. For Kingston, an early scoring drive would change the pressure immediately and make the visitors chase a game they hoped to control.

I like Pine Bush, but I also like what Kingston showed against Monroe-Woodbury. The Tigers fought back and made that game competitive before Monroe finished it. Kingston is capable of winning this at home, which makes this another pick that could get me. I’m going with Pine Bush on the road.

Spackenkill at Poughkeepsie

My pick: Spackenkill

Spackenkill’s 35–14 loss to O’Neill ended its Class C playoff hopes, so the Spartans also need a response. Poughkeepsie scored eight against Monticello but allowed 22. My expectation is that Spackenkill can generate enough offense to stay ahead; for the Pioneers, sustaining possessions would help both their scoring chances and a defense that benefits from time off the field.

Poughkeepsie got its first touchdown against Monticello last week, and that matters for morale. Now the goal is to build on it: another scoring drive, another step forward, another reason for the kids to see their work paying off. I’m picking Spackenkill, but I want to see Poughkeepsie keep competing, stay healthy and finish the season with progress it can carry forward.

Liberty at Marlboro

My pick: Marlboro

Shawn DeLaigle rushed for both Marlboro touchdowns against Highland and intercepted two passes; the Dukes finished with four interceptions as a team. That gives this pick a recent performance to stand on. Liberty did score 22 against New Paltz, so Marlboro still needs to finish tackles and avoid giving away possessions. The Dukes’ ability to turn defense into opportunities is the strongest reason for my confidence.

I think Marlboro is the better team, and I’m picking the Dukes. Coming off the 14–7 win over Highland, this is a chance to keep moving forward.

Chester at Highland

My pick: Highland

Highland lost to Marlboro by only seven despite those four interceptions. That makes ball security central to this pick, but Chester has its own reason to respond after a 35–15 loss to Burke. Highland beat Dover 31–14, while Dover beat Chester 18–13. I take those results as context rather than a formula: Highland still has to contain Chester’s offense and turn its own possessions into points.

Another toss-up. I took Highland against Marlboro last week, and four interceptions helped keep that pick from working out. If Highland protects the football, I think it is a good team. Dover beat Chester, and Highland beat Dover, but those results do not decide this game. Highland has to respond to last week’s disappointment. I’m picking the Huskies to do it.

Tri-Valley at Sullivan West

My pick: Sullivan West

Sullivan West is coming off a 30–0 win over Fallsburg; Tri-Valley needed a 24–6 second half to beat Pine Plains/Rhinebeck 46–32. The Bears have shown they can recover when a game turns against them. My case for Sullivan West is making that recovery harder: limit the early scoring exchanges, protect possessions and make Tri-Valley earn long drives. The Bulldogs cannot count on a 4–1 opponent staying down after one good stretch.

I’m going with Sullivan West at home. Both teams enter this league matchup at 4–1 overall, so this is a meaningful test for the Bulldogs.

Ellenville at Pawling

My pick: Pawling

Pawling has scored 220 points and allowed 68 through five wins. Ellenville’s defense just held Millbrook to eight, which gives this matchup a useful test: can the Blue Devils repeat that discipline against an offense averaging 44 points? I’m backing Pawling’s production, but the Tigers need to avoid the turnovers and empty possessions that could turn a promising Ellenville defensive start into a four-quarter threat.

I said Pawling was going to run the table, and I’m staying with that call. Ellenville deserves respect after holding Millbrook to eight points last week. That result gets my attention, but it does not change my pick.

Saturday, October 17

Our Lady of Lourdes at Cornwall · 1 p.m.

My pick: Our Lady of Lourdes

There is real scoring evidence on both sides: Lourdes and Cornwall have each put up 99 points across their last two games. Lourdes arrives 5–1 with five straight wins; Cornwall is 3–3 after beating Minisink Valley 49–20 and Warwick 50–6. Last year Cornwall won this matchup 62–20, but Lourdes also owns the 8–7 championship win from 2022. My pick asks the Warriors to finish drives and produce enough defensive stops to prevent Cornwall from answering every score.

This is one of the best games on the schedule, and I’m taking the risk with Lourdes. Cornwall has had the upper hand in this matchup and has plenty to prove after a start that did not go the way it wanted. A Cornwall win would not surprise me. I believe Lourdes can score; my bigger question is whether its defense, especially the secondary, can stop Cornwall from answering. That uncertainty makes this an uncomfortable pick. Nevertheless, I’m picking Lourdes.

Wallkill at Goshen

My pick: Wallkill

I’m calling the upset: Wallkill on the road. Goshen is 5–1 and just scored 44 against FDR, while Wallkill is coming off a 35–7 loss to Washingtonville. Goshen has the stronger recent result, and I’m not going to pretend this is the comfortable side of the pick.

Wallkill has more to its case than a hoped-for bounce-back. The Panthers beat FDR 21–7 two weeks ago and stayed within a touchdown of Valley Central in a 32–25 loss earlier in the season. Goshen beat FDR 44–21 last week. The Gladiators scored more against that shared opponent, but Wallkill allowed less. That gives me a reason to believe the Panthers can make Goshen work for its points, provided they respond much better than they did against Washingtonville.

Washingtonville beat both teams decisively, which is a reason to keep the comparison in perspective—not proof that Wallkill is better. My upset call depends on Wallkill responding to last week, protecting field position and keeping this close enough for the final possessions to decide it. Goshen can absolutely make me regret it. I’m taking the chance on Wallkill.

Rondout Valley at Burke Catholic

My pick: Burke Catholic

Burke is 6–0, including a forfeit, and has outscored opponents 246–27 in its five played games. Against Chester, Daniel Benzinger and Lucas Rodriguez each rushed for two touchdowns in a 35–15 win. Rondout scored 12 against Dover last week. The Ganders need to sustain possessions and finish opportunities, because repeated empty trips against Burke risk letting the game get away quickly.

Burke is looking strong, and I think it will be very difficult for Rondout to stop the Eagles. Rondout’s playoff hopes ended last week, but that does not take away the players’ reasons to keep fighting. I’m picking Burke.

Minisink Valley at Washingtonville

My pick: Washingtonville

Washingtonville has beaten Goshen 37–7 and Wallkill 35–7 in consecutive weeks. Minisink just lost 47–14 to Lourdes after trailing 40–0 at halftime. That supports the Wizards pick, but it also defines the assignment: establish control early and make Minisink work for every scoring opportunity. A strong opening is especially important against a team trying to put a difficult first half behind it.

We have ranked Washingtonville as the best team in Class A because we believe it. Now I want to see the Wizards keep proving it on the field. Keep the foot on the gas, keep the standard where it has been and avoid taking a step backward. I’m picking Washingtonville to deliver.

New Paltz at Red Hook

My pick: New Paltz

New Paltz’s offense gives me a reason to make this pick. The Huguenots scored 34 in the first half against unbeaten Beacon, then scored 34 again in their first win of the season, a 34–22 victory at Liberty. They have shown they can put points on the board, and I’m backing them to carry that production into this matchup.

There is still a defensive concern. New Paltz lost that Beacon game 63–34 and allowed 22 against Liberty, so moving the ball does not automatically mean controlling the game. But Red Hook is coming off a 56–7 loss to Port Jervis and now has to slow an offense that has shown it can produce points.

We have New Paltz ranked higher, and I’m going with the offensive evidence here. Red Hook can win if it limits possessions and takes advantage of New Paltz’s defensive mistakes. I’m picking New Paltz to get its second win.

Fallsburg at Rockland Central

My pick: Rockland Central

Rockland lost 40–6 to Eldred last week, while Fallsburg was shut out 30–0 by Sullivan West. Neither team arrives with much offensive momentum. That makes avoiding short fields and converting the scoring chances they do create especially valuable. I’m taking Rockland, but this is a chance for either team to change the tone of its season with a better performance.

This is an important opportunity for both programs to get a result and give their players something to build on. I’m going with Rockland Central.

Taconic Hills at Eldred

My pick: Eldred

Eldred has won two straight, scoring 68 and allowing 18 against Fallsburg and Rockland. Taconic Hills beat Millbrook/Webutuck 22–8, so the Yellowjackets should expect a different challenge from the teams they just handled. My Eldred pick needs the recent offensive production to hold up against that stronger test while the defense keeps the game from turning into an exchange of quick scores.

I’m backing Eldred in this inter-sectional matchup. Section IX over everybody—that is where I’m going with this pick.

Onteora at Corinth/Hadley-Luzerne

My pick: Onteora

Onteora followed its 28–26 win over Ellenville with a 40–12 loss to Pawling. The lesson for this road trip is finding the offensive consistency that gives the Eagles a chance to play from ahead or stay within one possession. I’m backing Onteora, with the understanding that an inter-sectional matchup gives us fewer direct comparisons. Finishing drives is a requirement for this pick, rather than something I’m assuming the Eagles will do.

Same approach here: I’m taking Onteora and backing Section IX on the road.

More Week 6 coverage

• Thursday’s three-game guide
• Newburgh at Middletown: early look
• Beacon at Port Jervis: the Class B test
• Lourdes at Cornwall: the Class A showdown

Picks and opinions: Coach I. Matchups checked against the Section Nine Football Week 6 slate. Previous results: KOT845’s Week 5 review.

Additional reference: the official 2026 Section IX football handbook for playoff structure, championship dates and past champions; Section Nine Football’s 2023 and 2025 scoreboards for recent rivalry results.