The Saint Anthony’s Friars are gearing up for an exciting week as they prepare for their Homecoming game against St. John The Baptist. Fresh off a victorious matchup against Xavier, where they showcased solid teamwork, the Friars now hold a record of 4-3. This win brings momentum as they face the Cougars for the first time since 2012. The atmosphere is electric with Pep Rally approaching, alumni returning, and the anticipation of the Homecoming festivities and the crucial game ahead.
Key plays will be critical, in determining the outcome of this matchup. Quarterback Gary Merrill had an outstanding performance last week. His ability to connect with Will Hart and Anthony Mancaruso assisted in the Friar’s 42-26 win over Xavier. These connections and Merrill’s ability to run will be essential against St. John The Baptist to find success.
On the defensive side, Dixon Charzuk is coming off an injury and looking to bring the energy to the defense. Dixon averages two sacks a game and his presence on the field brings a level of intensity and skill that could significantly bolster the Friars’ defensive lineup. The team will rely on both Merrill and Charzuk to set the tone for a strong performance. Nick Skjveland is looking for a breakout night as he led the team in tackles vs. Xavier with six.
On the other side of the field, SJB, with a record of 2-4, is coming off a hard-fought win against Holy Cross. They will enter this game determined to build on that success. Brayden Mangan, a talented wide receiver, has been a key offensive player for the Cougars averaging 63 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays will pose a challenge for the Friars’ secondary. Meanwhile, junior linebacker Jovan Bonilla leads SJB defense with an impressive average of 8 tackles per game, highlighting his capability to disrupt opposing plays and make crucial stops.
As Homecoming approaches, the Friars are focused on solidifying their playoff hopes while also celebrating the spirit of the school. The matchup between Saint Anthony’s and St. John The Baptist adds an extra layer of excitement to the game as they look ahead to playoffs. The stage is set for an unforgettable clash under the lights with a Blackout for the fans, Homecoming Queen and Kings are celebrated and fans bring the noise.
By Savas Sioutopoulos class of 2027 in his second year of writing for Scoreboard and shooting for Frair Media. He is a member of the Greek Club and Friar Faithful and provides serval sports social media posts. Photos by Friar Media and Steven Zaitz
