The St. Anthony’s (Melville, NY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Iona Prep (New Rochelle, NY) today at 2 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Boys Fall Football NYCHSFL State Tournament – AAA.
St. Anthony’s vs Iona Prep Football Game Info:
What: New York High School Football
Who: St. Anthony’s vs Iona Prep
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2 PM
Bracket: 2024 Boys Fall Football NYCHSFL State Tournament – AAA
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Game preview: St. Anthony’s vs Iona Prep
As the 2024 football season nears its climax, the stage is set for a thrilling playoff matchup between two of New York’s premier high school teams: Iona Prep and St. Anthony’s. Both teams have been formidable forces this season, but only one will emerge victorious in this high-stakes contest.
Season Overview
Iona Prep enters this game with a record of 9-2, having dominated their league with a perfect 6-0 record. Their overall winning percentage stands at a solid .818, showcasing their consistency throughout the season. The team has been dominant on offense, averaging 32.8 points per game, with standout performances from their quarterback Julian Guzman, who has passed for 190.5 yards per game. Running back Crew Davis has been a force on the ground, rushing for an impressive 72.0 yards per game.
St. Anthony’s, on the other hand, boasts a 9-3 record with a 4-2 mark in league play. Their offense has also been potent, scoring an average of 34.8 points per game. Led by running back Gary Merrill, who averages 157.3 rushing yards per game, and quarterback James Taylor, who has thrown for 138.3 yards per game, St. Anthony’s has demonstrated a balanced offensive attack. They’ve proven their resilience in close games, maintaining a strong record despite some early-season setbacks.
Key Stats and Breakdown
Both teams are known for their explosive offensive units, but they also differ in their style of play. Iona Prep has averaged 183.4 rushing yards per game compared to St. Anthony’s 238.6, indicating a slightly more run-heavy approach from the St. Anthony’s offense. In contrast, Iona Prep’s passing game has been more productive, averaging 190.5 yards per game compared to St. Anthony’s 138.3.
Defensively, St. Anthony’s has been solid, averaging 29.2 tackles per game. However, Iona Prep has been slightly more efficient with a better sack rate (1.2 per game), and the team’s total yardage per game is comparable to their opponents at 373.9 yards per game versus St. Anthony’s 376.8.
Previous Matchup
In their most recent meeting on October 4th, Iona Prep claimed a thrilling 48-40 victory over St. Anthony’s in a game that was a back-and-forth affair. St. Anthony’s jumped out to an early lead, but Iona Prep surged ahead with a strong second half to secure the win. This victory was a testament to Iona Prep’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations, a characteristic that will be crucial in their upcoming playoff clash.
Team Leaders
Both teams feature star players who can change the course of a game. For Iona Prep, Julian Guzman has been stellar, leading the team in passing and total yards, while Crew Davis provides a steady ground attack. For St. Anthony’s, Gary Merrill is a standout rusher, and James Taylor’s passing game has been crucial to the team’s offensive success. The game could come down to which team can best execute their game plan and limit mistakes in what promises to be a close and intense matchup.
Common Opponents
Both teams have shared opponents this season, and both have done well against them. Iona Prep holds a perfect 7-0 record against common opponents, including impressive wins over Archbishop Stepinac, St. John the Baptist, and Chaminade. St. Anthony’s, meanwhile, has posted a 7-1 record against these same teams, with their only loss coming in a tight 31-28 battle against Chaminade. This history suggests that both teams are capable of beating strong competition, making this matchup even more intriguing.
What’s at Stake
With both teams having proven themselves against some of the best in the state, this playoff game is more than just a contest of skill; it’s a chance to advance to the next round with everything on the line. The Iona Prep team is looking to continue its strong season and secure another postseason victory, while St. Anthony’s will look to bounce back from their earlier loss and prove they have what it takes to succeed under pressure.
This game promises to be a thrilling showdown between two well-coached, high-powered offenses and strong defenses. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle when these two teams take the field at 2 PM today.
Will Iona Prep continue its dominance, or will St. Anthony’s make a statement and avenge their earlier loss? One thing is for sure—this playoff clash will be one to remember.
