APR HS Cougars Prime for 2025 Successful Season with Key Returning Players, New Additions

After going 6-2 and winning a post-season game against Lehman Campus, A. Phillip Randolph (APR) Campus High School football suffered a hard luck loss to Brooklyn Tech in the 3A Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Conference semifinals last year.

Sure, for this upcoming 2025 high school PSAL season, the Cougars have lost some key players to graduation, plus the gifted running back Travis Gamble, who moved back to Florida.

But head coach Eric Perlowitz said they have reloaded, and ready to chase another championship, as they captured the PSAL Division B Conference title in 2022.

“We have a lot of talent coming back,” Perlowitz said. “Those kids are hungry. They have that closeness. This team reminds me of the 2022 team, as far closeness (goes).”

Sure, winning raises expectations, and they are high for the APR football program again, who lacked many those special game-changing moments in 2024, Perlowitz noted.

The Cougars have made it to at least the semifinals for four consecutive years. So, it is understandable how fans can get used to that type of repeated success.

However, it is easier said than done.

“We didn’t have the big plays and big moments last season,” Perlowitz said. “Every year, people expect us to make it the championship, but it’s hard.”

As for the gifted returning players, rising junior quarterback Emmanuel Opoku will be behind the center and healthy again. He endured a bruised rotator cuff, which he played through, per Perlowitz. But it limited his passing ability.

“He’s finally healthy this year,” he said. “He’s a dual threat quarterback, so he should be good.”

Perlowitz said his other two offensive impact players will be rising juniors Zahaire Jones (wide receiver/cornerback) and Issac Suazo (wide receiver/cornerback).

“They’ve been on varsity since 2023. They’re more than ready,” the seventh-year head coach said of his duo. “They’re ready to show what they have offensively. Issac has the potential to go up and get it. His potential is through the roof.”

At the running back position is rising sophomore Jahson Joseph, a promising offensive ground threat.

“He’s going to be counted on this year,” Perlowitz said. “Now, it’s his spot to see what he can do.”

Perlowitz said his other rushing options are rising seniors Christian Torres and Ardenis Polanco–Perez.

“Our running attack will be (assisted) by committee,” he said. “Our senior running backs will be chipping in.”

Rising senior tight end Lord Winston features multiple skills that are desirable at his position.

“He’s a blocking tight end with good hands,” Perlowitz explained. “He’s a veteran, and a senior leader.”

As for the offensive line, Perlowitz said returning rising senior center Rohc Kwawununu will be the Cougars’ linchpin upfront.

“He put on a ton of muscle,” he said of his center. “He’ll be anchoring and leading our offensive line.”

The rest of the O-Line are junior varsity call ups and transfer student-athletes who will “push the other guys for playing (time),” Perlowitz noted. “We’re excited to see how that turns out.”

The other side of the pigskin features Mount Saint Michael Academy transfer Jaire Edwards, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound rising senior defensive tackle who won the Lineman of the Game at the Rising Star Game.

“We’re very excited to have him this year,” the West Chester, N.Y., native gushed of the defensive standout. “He’ll be fun to have on our team. Happy to finally get him into his senior year.”

Kwawununu and Farrousse Diaby, a super athlete who also wrestlers, will round out the defensive line.

In APR’s defensive backfield will be Curtis High School transfer and rising junior Savion Stansbury, a free safety with a “tall frame who likes to hit,” Perlowitz said.

Rising sophomore Yadriel De Los Santos will man the strong safety position and has the highest football IQ on the Cougars, according to Perlowitz. He is counting on him to lead the defense into battle this coming campaign.

Jones and Suazo will complete the formidable defensive backfield.

“These four are tough, not only in the pass, but they’re good tacklers,” Perlowitz enthusiastically affirmed.

Next, the line backing corps consist of Lord, Anthony Pitre, Justin Marin, and a few promising player additions sure to make a difference on the defensive side of the football.

While Perlowitz is chomping at the bit to get started, he knows the process is always ongoing and never gets a rest.

“We have high expectations. But there’s still a lot of work to be done,” he explained. “But the kids know what we can be, and are ready to work to get there.”

APR kicks off the season with a non-league tilt against host JFK (4A Conference) on Saturday, August 30th at 6:30 p.m., followed by another non-league contest versus Chaminade (Mineola, N.Y.).

The Cougars will open up their conference play against Lehman on Saturday, September 13th at Christopher Columbus High School Field in the Bronx.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photos: APR and ShotbyLJay.