It doesn’t get much bigger than this. Two former powerhouse programs face off in a marquee New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) clash. Archbishop Stepinac brings an explosive, high-tempo attack to their home turf, while St. Anthony’s travels up from Long Island boasting their own explosive offense. Numbers don’t lie; both teams have put up points this year. The difference is St. Anthony’s can’t keep other teams points off the board. Taking out a punt return and interceptions return in their last game, the defense is giving up almost 47 points per game. This is not what a program that dominated the league for years should look like. The biggest question for this game is can they stop Stepinac from scoring. Right now, it doesn’t look that way, and St. Anthonys needs to figure it out. In their last 3 games going back to last year, they have given up a whopping 135 points.

Now, those last 3 games were against two big time programs from New Jersey and Iona, who has dominated the CHSFL for the past 3 years. So can the defense figure it out this game? Junior QB Anthonys Diiseo has taken the next step in his ability to run the offense and be a successful passer, and coupled with having Senior RB Xavier Bala, the Friar offense has shown it can put up points. This game will all depend on the defense.

For Stepinac the offense is simple, feed the new bell cow RB Nahum Pierre. In only 3 games he has amassed just under 500 rushing yards and 6 TDs. Granted almost 300 of them came against Immaculata, but he still had and first 2 games. Stepinac aside from losing to a top program in New York CBA Albany, their defense has held steady. Can they continue to keep points off the board?

In a game between two evenly matched opponents, extra possessions win games. Whichever defense forces a key mistake early gains immediate command. St. Anthony’s line play is notoriously physical. Stepinac must hold their ground up front to establish a balanced rhythm and give their playmakers room to operate. Stepinac relies on fast-break strikes. Anthony’s will counter by trying to grind out long, methodical drives using Bala to wear down the Crusaders’ defense.

Expect a high-energy, physical battle that goes down to the final possession. If Stepinac’s playmakers get into space early, the home crowd could fuel a dynamic run. However, if St. Anthony’s controls the line of scrimmage and dictates the tempo, the Friars could walk away with a hard-fought road victory.

Players to watch:

Stepinac: Dylan Wrona (QB), Nahum Pierre (RB), Nick Harrison (WR)

St. Anthonys: Anthonys Diiseo (QB), Xavier Bala (RB), Rory McDermott (ATH)

Prediction: Stepinac 28, St. Anthony’s 24