The Monsignor Farrell High School (Staten Island, N.Y.) football program has a solid track record of getting players to hit the next level, with 19 student-athletes across the last three seasons who are either there now or heading to it in the fall.
This past year alone has produced eight players who will grace the gridirons of various college programs this coming September.
The list includes tight end Aiden Pederos, DI Buffalo, quarterback Ryan Walsh and defensive back Rocco Del Giorno — DIII Salve Regina, linebacker Gerard Sheehan — DIII Moravian, running back Nafis Muhammad — DIII Norwich, defensive lineman Nicholas Pica and linebacker Joseph Giovanelli — DIII FDU-Florham, and offensive lineman Billy Agguire — DIII Western New England.
Head coach Rocco Del Priore and his coaching staff worked tirelessly to help place student-athletes in the right environment in which they will have every opportunity to succeed and develop on off the football field and make their positive marks in all aspects of their collective lives.
“They all will be playing in the right programs that are good fits for them, where kids can grow, where kids can get playing time.” Del Priore said. “All these programs are getting guys who are hungry.”
Additionally, Del Priore has no doubts that success at their respective colleges will transcend into all facets of their campus and athletic lives, as he said their Oakwood, Staten Island high school experiences prepared them well for the challenge.
Del Priore, who will be at the helm for his fourth year this upcoming campaign, said they endured the rigors of a challenging academic life while playing a highly competitive football schedule against top teams all over the tri-state area.
“They all battled adversity at Farrell. I got to watch them for four years,” he said. “I got to watch a lot of their sacrifices. Now is their chance to play football, and do well, on the next level.”
One of the best players on the list is Pederos, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound stud that Buffalo’s coaching staff is looking forward to seeing suit up in due course, Del Priore noted. He went on to sing his praises.
“They’re super excited about him playing there,” the 20-year Lions’ coaching member said of Pederos. “His best years of football are ahead of him. He is a hungry kid who wants to get better.”
Farrell (5-6) is presently lifting in the weight room and will begin spring practice in a few weeks. The Lions open up the 2025-26 season against Rhode Island’s Bishop Hendricken in non-league action.
— Jerry Del Priore
Photo: Monsignor Farrell High School Football.
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 