Following Greeley’s hard-fought championship loss to Tappan Zee High School on November 8th, the 2024 season officially came to a close. Despite the defeat, Coach Clark’s first year at the helm can only be regarded as a resounding success. Greeley finished with an impressive 8-2 record, with only two losses on the season. Along the way, the team notched dominant victories over Walter Panas, Putnam Valley, Poughkeepsie, Albertus Magnus, and Peekskill, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
All-League quarterback Julian Asch was a standout performer for the Quakers, leading the team with precision and poise. Asch threw for 1,289 passing yards, adding 226 yards on the ground, and accounted for 18 total touchdowns. His leadership both on and off the field was crucial in Greeley’s offensive success.
At wide receiver, Jameson Blakeslee emerged as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league. Blakeslee finished with 712 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions, often serving as Asch’s go-to target in clutch moments. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the sideline kept defenses on their heels all season long.
In the backfield, Jonathan Sala provided the Quakers with a powerful and versatile running game. Sala rushed for 438 yards and added another 105 yards through the air, totaling 543 all-purpose yards. His eight total touchdowns, including three in Greeley’s thrilling semifinal win over Walter Panas, were key to the team’s success. Ben Weinstein, despite a season-ending injury that cut his year short, still contributed 335 rushing yards and added depth to the running back corps when healthy.
Defensively, Greeley was anchored by an aggressive unit. Linebacker Jak Kaplow was a tackling machine, recording 85 total tackles, including 3 sacks, while constantly disrupting opposing offenses. On the defensive line, Thomas Woolard and Justin Schwartz provided a formidable presence. Woolard finished the season with 3 sacks, while Schwartz was even more disruptive with 3.5 sacks of his own.
Matthew Byrne was a standout player on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he was a reliable target in the passing game, hauling in 3 touchdowns. But perhaps his most significant contributions came on defense. The cornerback forced 2 fumbles and intercepted 2 passes, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays when needed most.
Overall, Coach Clark’s leadership and the outstanding performances from players at every position helped Greeley Football achieve remarkable success in his inaugural season. Despite the tough championship loss, the foundation has been laid for continued excellence. With a strong mix of returning talent and a promising coaching staff, Greeley Football looks poised to remain a force in the league for years to come. The future is bright, and with Coach Clark leading the charge, the best is yet to come.
