PRZNY Team Previews: St Anthony’s Friars

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (6-4)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year was a roller coaster for the Friars. They captured a huge win for their program over St Joe's Regional (NJ), along with defeating the two teams that made the AAA title game within Iona Prep and Cardinal Hayes. But the season didn't end the way St Anthony's planned. They suffered a tough loss to Stepinac in the regular season finale, followed up with a quarter final defeat to eventual state champs Cardinal Hayes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["425629"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aabc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top 2027 prospects in the state, Bala has been making a ton of noise this offseason. He's received offers from Syracuse, Rutgers, and other D1 programs. As just a sophomore, Bala is a monster at running back. He comes in listed at 5 '11 and 205 pounds. He got some playing time last year as a freshman which is extremely rare for St Anthony's. But now it's Bala's time to step into the spotlight. He will be the feature running back for this Friars offense, Bala is strong, fast, and has great vision. He will be relied on in big spots this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Factors </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1205418"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aac21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The quarterback position was a question headed into last season but Merrill stepped up and was dominant during his junior year. He was one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the state. He eclipsed over 1,000 yards on the ground, as his breakaway speed gave defenses a ton of trouble. He also threw for over 1,400 yards and 13 scores through the air. With a full season under his belt, Merrill looks to take the next step as one of the top QBs in the tri-state area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aac63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dowling will be a 3-year starter for St Anthony's and a true leader up front. He played a pivotal role in 2022 to help the Friars win a state championship. Dowling received his first Division 2 offer from St Anselm and there is likely to be more on the way. He has been the anchor from the center position, as Dowling will be paving holes for a prolific St Anthony's ground attack this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1208765"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aac9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best pure athletes in the state. Moore was just ranked the top defensive back in New York for the class of 2026. Moore was a shutdown cornerback during his sophomore year. Moore is big , fast and strong with great footwork. He can play either corner or safety and look out for him to play some snaps on offense. Moore's athleticism could be utilized in all three phases of the game this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1223002"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aacd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Russo showed some flashes as a sophomore. Now with several seniors graduating including KJ Duff, he might be the most targeted receiver this fall. He's the returning reception leader for St Anthony's and he built chemistry with [player_tooltip player_id='1205418' first='Gary' last='Merrill'] in their first season playing together. Russo is an excellent athlete with terrific hands. He'll be making plays over the middle and can rack up a ton of yards after the catch.&nbsp;<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1236524"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aad0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year he got some time on defense, but Skjeveland will take the next step as a senior. He isn't the biggest or the strongest, but Skjeveland is a true football player who is expected to do good things for St Anthony's. He is a very smart football player with great instincts. You can expect him to be around the ball a lot and one of those classic high school football players that isn't flashy but is pivotal to the team's overall success.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names to Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Year</td><td>Name</td><td>Position</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>James Taylor Jr</td><td>ATH</td><td>2 ways last year, rangy DB, can go up and get it<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Anthony Kenner</td><td>WR</td><td>Breakout candidate, lot of improvement and good route runner<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1236525' first='Ryan' last='McNaughton']</td><td>OL</td><td>Leader, extremely tough, 3 year varsity player,</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1219908' first='Dixon' last='Charzuk']</td><td>DL</td><td>Good size, great interior d lineman&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1236526' first='Julian' last='Coscia'] </td><td>LB</td><td>Solid linebacker, on-the-field leader<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Andrew Thompson</td><td>LB</td><td>Great athlete, very physical LB<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='612739' first='Will' last='Hart']</td><td>WR</td><td>Back from injury, strong and athletic WR<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1236527' first='Brendan' last='Ott']</td><td>DB</td><td>Great junior season at DB, recovering from injury</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='839182' first='Peyton' last='Robinson']</td><td>QB</td><td>Excellent passer, bright future at QB&nbsp;<br><br></td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='840987' first='Bryce' last='Ciancuielli']</td><td>OL</td><td>Started games a sophomore, ranked in top 5 OL for Class of 2026</td></tr><tr><td>2027</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='469136' first='Jax' last='Prokop']</td><td>WR/TE</td><td>Great size, amazing hands, breakout candidate</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR KJ Duff- Rutgers&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL CJ Novelli- Sacred Heart&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TE Alex Menghi- Stony Brook</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Braden Mehm- Cortland&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB- Dante Vardaro- UPENN (Lacrosse)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Preston Carey- Transferred to IMG Academy&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Matthew McGregor- Transfer to Choate </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='600288' first='Christian' last='Alfaro']- Transferred (school not announced yet)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Davin Foote- Ithaca&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/stanthonysfb/status/1820883605390028974?s=42u0026amp;t=neI2HH119zJiS5fvtSnnzA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/stanthonysfb/status/1820883605390028974?s=42&amp;t=neI2HH119zJiS5fvtSnnzA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach: Joe Minucci </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St Anthony's has put together another difficult schedule once again. The Friars open up the season with a bang, as they take on arch-rival Chaminade in their first game. They follow it up with two very tough non-league games against UPrep and Don Bosco. St Anthony's then plays against traditional AAA powers such as Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop Stepinac, Monsignor Farrell, and Iona Prep&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things Going for the Friars </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Tough and Physical mentality: The trenches are a huge key to winning in this league. The Friars have some great lineman they bring an old school grinding mentality.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ground attack: One of the top rushing quarterbacks and one of the running back prospects are expected to do great things. Look out for this duo to be one of the best in the state this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Depth: St Anthony's has some great young talent and of course a large roster size as usual. They traditionally are deeper than most teams and that's a great advantage for the Friars down the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1 Area Of Concern </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No more KJ: It's just one player, but the last three years if the Friars needed a play they turned to Duff. The Rutgers commit was one of the best receivers in recent memory on Long Island and his presence will be missed in those big games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>St Anthony's has their most exciting QB-RB duo since 2018 where they had a special offense. The duo of All-State QB [player_tooltip player_id='1205418' first='Gary' last='Merrill'] and P4 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='425629' first='Xavier' last='Bala'] is an exciting one. They will be running behind a physical offensive line that returns some experienced pieces along with some exciting young players. The Friars also have some amazing receivers this season and talent all over the defensive side of the field. St Anthony's didn't end the season the way they wanted to, but they come into 2024 as AAA championship contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/table-import {"name":"acf/table-import","data":{"import_file":"","_import_file":"field_637be8ff37223"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aae92"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/table-import {"name":"acf/table-import","data":{"import_file":"","_import_file":"field_637be8ff37223"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c21bf1aaeb2"} /-->