THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS -The expectations are high on Amboy Road.
After an outstanding 9–2 campaign in 2025 and a trip to the CHSFL AAA Championship Game, Monsignor Farrell enters the 2026 season looking to build on that success and take the next step.
The Lions will face a demanding schedule filled with traditional Catholic League rivals, interstate opponents, showcase games and championship-caliber programs. From opening weekend at the Jersey Shore to potential postseason games in November, the road ahead will test Farrell every week.
But that's exactly the kind of schedule the Lions want.
BUILDING ON 2025
The 2025 season established Farrell as one of the top programs in New York Catholic football.
The Lions finished 9–2, earning significant victories throughout the season and advancing to the CHSFL AAA Championship Game against Iona Prep.
Among the highlights was a 28–21 road victory over Iona Prep during the regular season, proving Farrell could go on the road and defeat one of the league's premier programs. The Gaels ultimately answered in the championship game, giving the Lions both valuable experience and added motivation heading into 2026.
The objective this fall is simple:
Get back — and finish the job.
A CHALLENGING ROAD FROM DAY ONE
There will be little time for Farrell to ease into the season.
The Lions open on August 29 against Holy Spirit of New Jersey at the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City before returning to Staten Island for consecutive home games against St. Peter's and DePaul Catholic.
Then comes the heart of the Catholic League schedule.
Farrell travels to Chaminade and Iona Prep, hosts Archbishop Stepinac and Xavier, faces Cardinal Hayes at Columbia University, welcomes St. Anthony's for Homecoming, and closes the regular-season schedule on the road against Staten Island rival St. Joseph by the Sea.
There are no shortcuts on this schedule.
Every week presents another test.
PROTECT AMBOY ROAD
Home-field advantage could play an important role in Farrell's championship aspirations.
The Lions will welcome St. Peter's, DePaul Catholic, Archbishop Stepinac, Xavier and St. Anthony's to Staten Island during the regular season.
Two dates should bring an especially memorable atmosphere.
Senior Night arrives October 9 against Xavier, giving Farrell's seniors an opportunity to be recognized in front of their families, teammates and home crowd.
Two weeks later, Homecoming brings St. Anthony's to Amboy Road on October 23 for what should be one of the season's biggest home games.
ROAD TESTED
Farrell will also have to prove itself away from home.
The Lions begin the year in Ocean City, travel to Chaminade in Mineola and then head to New Rochelle for a highly anticipated matchup with Iona Prep on September 25.
That meeting carries additional significance after the teams split two major games last season — Farrell winning the regular-season matchup and Iona capturing the championship rematch.
October brings another unique road environment when Farrell meets Cardinal Hayes at Columbia University, followed by the regular-season finale at St. Joseph by the Sea.
If the Lions want to play deep into November, learning how to win on the road will be essential.
THE STANDARD
Farrell's 2026 season won't be defined by one opponent or one game.
Success will come from consistency.
Winning the line of scrimmage. Protecting the football. Playing disciplined defense. Executing on special teams. Finishing drives. Responding to adversity.
Most importantly, it will require a team capable of getting better every week.
The 2025 Lions showed they could compete for a championship.
The 2026 Lions have an opportunity to build upon that foundation.
THE ROAD TO A CHAMPIONSHIP
If Farrell earns its way through the regular season, November is when the stakes rise.
The CHSFL AAA Semifinals are scheduled for November 13, followed by the AAA Championship at Fordham University on November 21.
And there could be one more game.
The New York State Catholic Championship is scheduled for November 28 in Buffalo, giving the eventual CHSFL champion an opportunity to finish the season as a state champion.
That's the destination.
But Farrell's journey begins long before November.
It begins with summer preparation.
It begins with every practice.
And on August 29, it begins for real.
2026 MONSIGNOR FARRELL LIONS
AUGUST 29 — HOLY SPIRIT
Battle at the Beach • Ocean City, NJ
SEPTEMBER 4 — ST. PETER'S
Home • 5:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 12 — DEPAUL CATHOLIC
Home • 1:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 19 — CHAMINADE
Away • 1:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 25 — IONA PREP
Away • 6:00 PM
OCTOBER 2 — ARCHBISHOP STEPINAC
Home • 6:00 PM
OCTOBER 9 — XAVIER
Home • 6:00 PM • Senior Night
OCTOBER 16 — CARDINAL HAYES
Columbia University • 7:00 PM
OCTOBER 23 — ST. ANTHONY'S
Home • 6:00 PM • Homecoming
OCTOBER 31 — ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA
Away • 1:00 PM
THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW.
ONE TEAM. ONE STANDARD. ONE GOAL.
MONSIGNOR FARRELL FOOTBALL • 2026