The Friars knew they had a tough schedule this year having to face division foes Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop Stepinac and Iona Prep on the road, however not many expected the season to start off this way.
With a 1-1 start against two non league powerhouses, highlighted by a huge 16-14 comeback win against Delbarton Green Wave at Metlife Stadium giving Coach Minucci his first win as a head coach, the Friars were feeling good about themselves heading into league play.
First up was Cardinal Hayes, the team that eliminated them in last years semi-finals. Ranked number one in the State hosting an explosive offense mainly due to star running back, Sr. Jalen Smith. Smith is regarded as one of the league’s best offensive players and can dominate a game. Smith torched the defense rushing for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 98 yard score. The Friars were able to connect on two long scoring plays as Sr. Greg Randall caught a slant pass from Sr. Robert McGee and took it 52 yards to the house. Justin Houston would later score on a 60 yard touchdown run. However, the Friars would end up losing the game 46-17.
Following the loss, the Friars would face adversity as quarterback Robert McGee decided to leave the school and return to his public school Shoreham Wading River. Coach Minucci would turn the offense over to Sr. Greg Randall. The Friars would add to the defense as Sr. Brennan O’Neill joined the team. O’Neill, the number one lacrosse player in the nation, would be used as a defensive end to provide a spark.
Next up was a home game against Christ The King (“CTK”). CTK is led by running back Tirek Murphy who is committed to Purdue and quarterback Noah Bodden ranked number three in the state for the class of 2021. The Black and Gold knew they would have their hands full as they would have to stop this dynamic tandem. Wanting to rebound from the week before, the defense was committed to outplaying CTK’s offense.
Safety Sr. Chris Bardak intercepted a pass from Bodden and returned it to the two yard line. Justin Houston would score on the next play giving the Friars a 6-0 lead. CTK answered with a touchtown of their own tying the score at 6-6. Linebacker Sr. Christian Taylor would intercept Bodden again returning it for a touchdown giving the Friars a 13-6 lead. CTK would score again but missed the 2pt conversion giving the Friars a slim 13-12 lead. A late field goal, extended their lead to 16-12 and had them tasting a victory. With two minutes remaining in the game and CTK facing a 3rd down on their own 15 yard line disaster struck for the Friars. The defense made their only mistake of the game and this one would prove costly as Bodden found his favorite target Tahliq Battle streaking down the sideline for an 85 yard touchdown. CTK had their first lead of the game and would go on to win 18-16.
After suffering a crushing defeat the week before, St Anthony’s traveled to White Plains to take on their biggest rival Archbishop Stepinac. Last season, the Black and Gold defeated Stepinac 45-42 in a classic offensive shootout. With revenge on their minds, Stepinac jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. The Friars knowing they had to score to stay in the game did just that. Randall fired the ball deep down field and found Jaden Jernigan in stride for the touchdown. It was a great throw by Randall and an impressive run by Jernigan as he dragged the defender 20 yards into the endzone cutting the lead to 14-7. However, Stepinac would prove to be too much for the Friars to handle as they would score 28 unanswered points enroute to a 42-7 victory.
With three straight losses, St Anthony’s would play their final road game against Iona Prep. Iona took over the number one ranking in the state and is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The Friars’ defense was determined from the start to shut down Iona holding them scoreless in the first quarter. The offense struggled but was able to connect on a big play as Randall escaped heavy pressure and fired a pass downfield to a wide open receiver Sr. Mike Nasti who was tackled at the 30 yard line. The Friars could not move the ball and the drive stalled.
It was late in the first half when disaster would strike once again as quarterback Greg Randall injured his shoulder and would not return to the game. Iona would finally score and take a 7-0 lead at halftime. Credit to the Black and Gold as they continued to battle and held Iona scoreless in the third quarter. Without a quarterback the offense struggled to move the ball and Iona would tack on two touchdowns late in the game shutting out the Friars 21-0.
The Friars record stands at 1-5, still believing in themselves, they will be looking to win these remaining two home games and gain momentum heading into the playoffs. Their next game is on Friday October 18th, Homecoming, against Monsignor Farrell, under the lights. The players are excited as it’s one of their favorite moments of the season getting to play in front of a packed home crowd. The final regular season home game will be on Saturday October 26th against St. Francis Prep. Come out and support the team as they look to close out the season and get ready for a playoff run.
Alex Rocco is a senior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his fourth year with the Friar Scoreboard. He plans to study Sports Communications in college and pursue a career in Sports Media. He is also a member of NHS, SALT, Friar Faithful, Special Needs Ministry and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
