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The rivalry between CHSAA heavyweights Fordham Prep and Iona Prep has been one of the more interesting ones to follow in the tristate the last few years.

Last season was no exception. After Fordham Prep pulled out an 8-5 regular-season win over the Gaels, the teams met again the CHSAA Metro title game with Iona prevailing 9-7.

There should be plenty more intrigue between the teams in 2016.

But both squads also have plenty of other big games to look forward to this spring.

For a look at Fordham Prep, we turn to Jack Casella.

The senior midfielder, who has signed with Sacred Heart University (above), is a throwback, two-way midfielder with outstanding field vision and versatility.

Now, here are Jack’s perspectives on the season.

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
As a team, we have been playing every Sunday night at the Chelsea Piers in Stamford, CT. We also have been having captain’s practices once a week.

I have been hitting the weight room two to three days a week and working on conditioning, stick skills and shooting another three days. Many of my teammates have been doing the same alongside me.

How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
We have a very competitive schedule this year. Coach (Chris) Hemsley has worked hard at booking us a strong out of league schedule. Our league schedule is always tough with the Long Island schools; Chaminade, St. Anthony’s, Kellenberg, St. Dominick’s and St. John the Baptist as well as our usual rivals, Iona Prep and Stepinac.

Our out-of-league games are going to be tough as well with Gonzaga, Bronxville, John Jay, Rye, Shipley and Timon St. Jude from Buffalo. I am looking forward to the two road trips this year. We are traveling to Washington DC to play Gonzaga and Pennsylvania to play Shipley. We are scrimmaging Somers and Wilton.

What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
Mac Randell had a solid sophomore year and I expect him to have a breakout year. Thomas Mara will continue to get better and be a major contributor of offense. James Corasaniti has looked really good in the cage.

What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
In the past, Fordham Prep has had a very stout defense and this year should be no different. We are returning a bunch of key offensive players as well as some new offensive talent so our offense should be just as good.

How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
We always have tough exciting games against Iona Prep and I don’t expect this year to be any different. All three years I have played varsity, the Iona games have always been tight and close.

There are no easy games on our schedule. The winner of the City Division then has to go up against the winner of Long Island and all of those teams are tough.

*Preseason player perspective archive

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