The St. Peter’s (Staten Island, NY) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (Staten Island, NY) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Boys Fall Football NYCHSFL State Tournament – AA-1.

St. Peter’s vs St. Joseph-by-the-Sea Football Game Info:

What: New York High School Football
Who: St. Peter’s vs St. Joseph-by-the-Sea
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Boys Fall Football NYCHSFL State Tournament – AA-1
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Game preview: St. Peter’s vs St. Joseph-by-the-Sea

The stage is set for an exciting playoff showdown between two Staten Island football powerhouses—St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (SJBS) and St. Peter’s. Both teams have posted impressive 10-2 records this season, and they enter the neutral-field playoff game with a shared history of fierce competition. Here’s a breakdown of the teams’ journeys to this crucial matchup and what fans can expect.

Season Overview

St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (SJBS):
The team finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, earning a 5-2 mark in league play and a strong 5-1 home performance. Known for a balanced attack, SJBS averaged 167.6 rushing yards per game and 104.8 passing yards, totaling 272.4 yards per game. Their defense has been solid, allowing 128 points all season, with 39.3 tackles per game. Leading the team is running back Tommy Digregorio, who averages 109.3 rushing yards per game, and defensive stalwart Anthony Lavezzoli, who averages 6.3 tackles per game.

St. Peter’s:
St. Peter’s enters this playoff clash with a similar 10-2 record, but they’ve been perfect in league play, finishing 4-0. The team’s offense has been high-powered, averaging 338 yards per game, led by standout rusher Jeremiah Williams (142.8 yards per game). St. Peter’s defense is formidable too, with 63.6 tackles per game and 232 points allowed this season. Quarterback Ryan Vallely has also been key to their success, averaging 85.4 passing yards per game. The team’s resilience in close games has been evident, particularly in their dramatic 20-18 victory over Fordham Prep.

The Head-to-Head Battle

Earlier this season, St. Peter’s triumphed over St. Joseph-by-the-Sea in a thrilling contest on September 7, 2024, winning 22-19. The game was closely contested, with SJBS rallying in the second half but ultimately falling short. St. Peter’s defense held strong in the final moments, and their consistent offensive output in the latter stages of the game was crucial. This win gives St. Peter’s the psychological edge heading into the playoff game, but SJBS will look to avenge their loss with an inspired performance.

Team Strengths and Key Players

St. Joseph-by-the-Sea’s Key Players:

• Tommy Digregorio (RB): The heart of the SJBS offense, Digregorio has been a workhorse all season, with a combined 122.8 total yards per game.
• Christian Carter (QB): The junior quarterback has thrown for nearly 100 yards per game and is vital in keeping defenses honest.
• Anthony Lavezzoli (LB): One of the team’s defensive leaders, Lavezzoli has been a constant in the middle of the field with 6.3 tackles per game.

St. Peter’s Key Players:

• Jeremiah Williams (RB): Williams has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 142.8 yards per game and posing a major threat to the SJBS defense.
• Ryan Vallely (QB): Though not as prolific as some other quarterbacks, Vallely has proven to be effective, managing the offense with poise and helping maintain St. Peter’s high-scoring attack.
• Cosmo D’Amelio (LB): D’Amelio leads the defense with 8.5 tackles per game, and his leadership on the field will be key in slowing down SJBS’ offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had similar results against common opponents, each boasting a 6-1 record in these matchups. For instance, both St. Joseph-by-the-Sea and St. Peter’s defeated Moore Catholic, but St. Joseph-by-the-Sea suffered a narrow 13-0 loss to Fordham Prep, while St. Peter’s triumphed 20-18 in their meeting. These common results suggest that, while the teams are evenly matched, St. Peter’s has had slightly more success against tougher opponents.

Statistical Breakdown

• Rushing Yards per Game: St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (167.6) vs. St. Peter’s (220.2)
• Passing Yards per Game: St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (104.8) vs. St. Peter’s (109.8)
• Total Yards per Game: St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (272.4) vs. St. Peter’s (330.0)
• Points per Game: St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (20.8) vs. St. Peter’s (24.0)

What to Expect

As both teams have proven this season, they’re capable of explosive offenses and hard-hitting defenses. St. Peter’s may have the slight advantage in terms of total offense and scoring, but St. Joseph-by-the-Sea’s defensive prowess and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent. With both teams boasting similar records, expect a tight and emotional game that could go down to the wire.

Fans of high school football in Staten Island have plenty to look forward to in this playoff battle. Will St. Joseph-by-the-Sea get revenge for their early-season loss, or will St. Peter’s continue their dominance over their local rival? Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight, and the atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric.