Rhode Island high school football: Top teams, games, players and prospects ahead of 2020 season

The Labor Day weekend is over and three more states kick off their seasons. Rhode Island is among those with teams taking the field as early as Thursday. As things stand, the postseason is set to begin Nov. 7 with championship games scheduled for Nov. 21.

Rhode Island is one of 35 states planning to play football this fall. Fifteen others plus the District of Columbia have moved their respective seasons to 2021.

In Rhode Island, a total of 19 games are set to kick off Thursday through Saturday.

In advance of season openers, here's a look at what you need to know about Rhode Island football in 2020.
Top games

Burrillville (Harrisville) at Portsmouth, Sept. 12
La Salle Academy (Providence) at North Kingstown, Sept. 25
La Salle Academy (Providence) at Bishop Hendricken (Warwick), Oct. 9
North Kingstown at Bishop Hendricken (Warwick), Oct. 16
Portsmouth at Bishop Hendricken (Warwick), Oct. 23

Top teams

1. North Kingstown
2. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
3. Woonsocket
4. Portsmouth
5. St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket)

Defending champions

I: Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
II: Woonsocket
III: Pilgrim (Warwick)
IV: North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles Academy (North Smithfield)

Top recruits
Based on all-state team selection

Jason Onye, DE, Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
Tyler Pezza, WR, North Kingstown
Michael Paiva, LB, North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles Academy (North Smithfield)
Nick Lombardo, OL, La Salle Academy (Providence)
Tom Zednik, WR, Johnston
2
Returning stat leaders

Passing
Jalen Dennis, Classical (Providence) | 143-237 (60%), 2,098 yds., 22 TD
Hunter Remington, Johnston | 120-203 (59%), 2,066 yds., 25 TD

Rushing
Tarik Ohagan, Woonsocket | 135 car., 1,067 yds., 14 TD
Brennan Stetson, Cranston West (Cranston) | 158 car., 917 yds., 11 TD

Receiving
Tom Zednik, Johnston | 61 rec., 1,288 yds., 15 TD
Marquis Buchanan, Classical (Providence) | 39 rec., 827 yds., 11 TD