INSIDE THE CHSFL:
 Undermanned St. Peter's excelling, Xavier's Scardapane availability uncertain

By MARC RAIMONDI and JOSEPH STASZEWSKI

St. Peter’s is learning to do more with less. The Eagles started the season with just 27 players on their roster and the number is down to 23 because of injuries.

“Fortunately we have a lot of guys who can play offense and defense,” coach Mike Cosentino said. “We fill the void with that.”

The latest player to go down was lineman Justin Robles, who suffered a high ankle sprain in a 34-14 loss to CHSFL Class AA-A division leader Xavier at home Sunday. The Knights scored 20 unanswered points in the second half.

Star fullback Dom Bertucci broke his wrist in a win over Bishop Ford in Week 5. Linebacker Nick Forlenza has a fracture in his ankle and reserve lineman Steve Alade is still recovering from the effects of a concussion.

“It forces you to go into whatever reserves you have," said Cosentino, whose team already featured a large number of two-way players.

He believes the biggest issue will be on the offensive line, where they have already done some reshuffling. Defensive end Dan Smith is also playing tackle, tackle Ryan Yannaco moved to guard and Andrew Lazo has stepped in at another tackle spot. Freeman McNeil got the majority of the carries in Bertucci’s absence against the Knights.

“Although our numbers are low, I think they are all in a position if they are a No. 2 they are getting plenty of reps in practice,” Cosentino said.

Despite the personnel trouble the small, all-boys Staten Island school is right in the thick of the race for a spot in the ‘AA’ playoffs. The Eagles are 3-2 and currently tied for third place in the division after two straight appearances in the Class A title game. Much of that has to do with the play of first-year quarterback Billy Triglianos and senior wide receiver Dan Low, last season’s signal-caller.

“I think Triglianos has met our expectations and probably a little bit more than we had hoped,” the coach said.

The sophomore has thrown for 592 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Cosentino was impressed with how he rebounded from a poor outing against St. Francis Prep in Week 3. He threw for three touchdowns and 134 yards in a win over Bishop Ford the following week. Low, who has also become an excellent blocker, has caught more passes than any Eagles receiver, including three touchdowns.

“He gets up to the high point,” Cosentino said of Low. “He can pull the football down.”

Despite his squad’s low numbers, the Eagles have found a way to get it done. They have games with athletic Cardinal Hayes and Christ the King remaining and a chance to play in the ‘AA’ playoffs.

“I attribute it to their hard work ethic,” Cosentino said.

Xavier star still “in limbo:” Brent Scardapane might play Saturday against St. John the Baptist. Then again, he might not. Xavier coach Chris Stevens says no one is really sure about the senior star, who suffered a mild concussion three weeks ago against St. Francis Prep.

Scardapane has been to multiple doctors and gotten multiple diagnoses. On Thursday when he goes in for another appointment, he’ll find out whether or not he’ll be cleared. Or he won’t.

“He’s in limbo,” Stevens said.

The Knights have been OK so far without him, beating two of the best CHSFL Class AA-A teams in his absence. The defense and sophomore William (Trey) Solomon have stepped up immensely in wins against Cardinal Hayes and St. Peter’s. Xavier remains undefeated, but Scardapane, Stevens said, is something like a security blanket.

“I don’t care about how we win,” the coach said. “But I’m not comfortable. When Scardy is out there, the tempo is right. He’s a commanding presence.”

When he gets back – whenever it might be – Xavier will be even more dangerous now that the athletic, powerful Solomon has gotten some needed seasoning and emerged as a star. Jimmy Wolfer also provided a 95-yard punt against St. Peter’s in a big spot and Charles Guiraud ran back a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown versus the Eagles.

Stevens said he felt better watching the film afterward than he did on the sidelines.

“We’re getting contributions from a number of different guys,” he said. “You know what? That’s a hard team to beat.”

Strong-armed Cani leadig pass-happy Prep: Tom Cani has changed the way defenses need to approach St. Francis Prep. In past years the Terriers have been a run-heavy attack, but the senior quarterback’s arm has made defenses need to respect their ability to stretch the field.

“It really throws a defense off,” Cani said. “They will put eight guys in the box and that’s when we start taking shots deep. Once they start respecting the pass game then the run game opens up. It really just keeps the defense on their heels.”

He’s completed 66-of-144 passes for 934 yards and eight touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Cani also has 123 yards and a score on the ground. The return of wide receiver Rob Myers from a separated shoulder two weeks ago has given the Terriers threats on both sides of the field with him and Ramel Joseph. The two have combined for 666 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

SFP (2-4, 2-3) faces a big game with Christ the King on Friday night at Mitchel Field. A win would go a long way to a Class AA playoff berth.

“Now we have another guy who can make big plays for us on the other side of the field,” Cani said of Myers. “It opens up the field a little bit more for me.”

CHSFL 'AAA' power points computed: Just five power points separate a berth in the Class AAA playoffs and trip to the AA. Fordham Prep is currently the last team out with 105 points. Mount St. Michael and Holy Cross both have 110 points and Monsignor Farrell has 113.

Just three points separate Farrell and fifth-place Xaverian at 116. St. Anthony’s, Stepinac, Chaminade and Iona Prep claim the top four spots. Kellenberg, St. Joseph by the Sea and Holy Trinity make up the bottom three.

Narog a two-way playmaker for Stepinac: Stepinac coach Mike O’Donnell described Vincent Narog in fitting fashion.

“He’s a little pain in [butt],” he said.

The senior wide receiver/linebacker has been exactly that on both sides of the ball this season. On Saturday against Holy Cross he caught two touchdown passes of 75 and 29 yards. The first was bubble screen he took for a score up the left sideline and on the second he wrestled the ball away from a Knights defender for a score. Narog has caught six touchdown passes. He is also one of the team’s leading tacklers.

“We are never surprised by what Vinny can do,” O’Donnell said. “He is a very talented kid. Just his work ethic and how talented he is, is a big asset.”

CK's Huggins sees a little Hunt in Coleman: James Coleman’s big day at quarterback had Christ the King coach Chris Higgins comparing what he did and his effect on defenses to what Terrel Hunt did years prior. The junior ran for 230 yards and a score and threw for three touchdowns in a win over Cardinal Spellman.

“They’ll lay off James because James will take off and run like 'Rel did,” Higgins said. “I think that makes him more dangerous.”

 
     
 

CHSFL predictions, Week 7

By MARC RAIMONDI and JOSEPH STASZEWSKI

No. 9 Xavier @ St. John the Baptist (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.)

Staszewski: Brent Scardapane’s availability is uncertain, but the same thing cannot be said about how good the Knights are. Xavier has been the class of the ‘AA-A’ division and will get one of their toughest tests against a St. John the Baptist team that is getting better each week and deserves a ‘AA’ playoff spot. The formula will remain the same. A little William (Trey) Solomon and plenty of he Xavier defense in another win that see’s them pull away late. Pick: Xavier

Raimondi: Whether Brent Scardapane plays is indeed up in the air. But let’s say he is back. Will he be at full strength or rusty after missing the last two weeks with a concussion? Xavier’s single wing is all about timing and he might not get that back right away. Whether or not Scardapane returns, St. John the Baptist is playing its best football of the season. Xavier cannot afford another bad first half. If it happens here, the game will be over by the break. Pick: St. John the Baptist

 
     
   
     
 

CHSFL/Independent roundup:

By MARC RAIMONDI and JOSEPH STASZEWSKI

Xavier 41, St. John the Baptist 14: Trey Solomon ran for 225 yards on 25 carries with touchdown runs of 40, 15 and 10 to lead Xavier (6-1, 6-0 ‘AA-A’), which is still without star Brent Scardapane (concussion). Charles Guiraud rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown and Matt Cilmi and Jimmy Wolfer each had scoring runs. The Knights, who play Cardinal Spellman next week, ran for a total of 392 yards. Ryan Kilgallen and Mike Green both had interceptions. Ryan McCann carried the ball nine times for 68 yards and a touchdown for St. John the Baptist (4-3, 4-2), which hosts Cardinal Hayes in Week 8. Christian Turri added an 92-yard kickoff return for a score.
 
     
   
     
 

 


CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL LEAGUE of METROPOLITAN NEW YORK

   

Player of the Week Nomination

Nominee: Erik Nicholes                                                                                     School: Xavier High School

Position: Strong Inside Linebacker                                                                    Opponent: St. John the Baptist

Date of Game: 10/22/11       Ht. 5’10”       Wt. 190       Class: Sr.                    Hometown: Brooklyn , New York

Details of nominees performance:
In the final game to determine the CHSFL AA-A Regular Season Division Title between the 1st and 2nd place teams, Xavier defeated St. John the Baptist to go 6-1 Overall and 6-0 in the CHSFL AA-A, to remain undefeated and to clinch the Howie Smith Award.  In a gritty blue collar performance with both starting offensive backs out due to injury, Xavier continued to play strong defense led by Captain Erik Nicholes.  The Xavier defense is the least scored upon defense in the entire CHSFL league giving up just 91 points this season or 12 points per game against CHSFL competition.  Over the course of the season, the Xavier defense has two shutouts to its credit and more importantly has had three second half shutouts in close games over the last three weeks.  In each of these games, Xavier was losing or tied at the half and came back to win in the second half based on strong defensive play.  In the game against St. John’s , Erik had 12 tackles, broken down into 7 solos and 5 assists.
 

Class Honors:
Erik has an overall B average at Xavier and is an A- student in history. 

League Honors:  
In both his Freshman and JV Football seasons, Erik was named team Captain and Defensive MVP.  He is a product of the Brooklyn Hurricanes little league football organization.

Other Sports & Honors
Erik played Flanker on Xavier’s undefeated JV Rugby team in his Sophmore year.

  
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
 



CHSFL rankings, Post Week 7

By MARC RAIMONDI and JOSEPH STASZEWSKI

The CHSFL continues to bring surprises every week and with that comes a continued reshuffling of the rankings.

The one team that hasn’t moved all season, despite three close calls, is St. Anthony’s. The Friars are back at No. 1, but there is a new team behind them. Xaverian takes over for now No. 5 Archbishop Stepinac after the Crusaders lost to new No. 4 Iona Prep. And look who has work its way all the way up to the third spot -- Mount St. Michael, a winner of four straight.

Playoffs races and seeding will be decided this week. Until then, check out the rest of the rankings:

1. St. Anthony’s (6-0) (Last week: 1)

It wasn't the prettiest of performances, but the Friars were able to escape with a win over rival Chaminade on Friday night. A big day by Dariyan Riley and a huge tackle on a 2-point conversion try by Dylan Cafarella allowed them to overcome a first half filled with fumbles. Quarterback Peter Carew’s job is in jeopardy. Will he be back under center against Iona Prep?

Next: No. 4 Iona Prep (Oct. 28, 7 p.m.)

2. Xaverian (5-2) (3)

The Clippers took care of business with a lopsided win over Fordham Prep at Kings Bay. Everyone got into the act from Zach Kearney to Laray Smith to Sean Binckes and more. The Clippers, who have lost two games by a combined four points, have a chance to likely grab the second seed in the Class AAA playoffs with a victory over Chaminade in Brooklyn this weeked.

Next: No. 6 Chaminade (Oct. 28, 7:30 p..m @ Kings Bay)

3. Mount St. Michael (4-2) (5)

Look out CHSFL. Here come the Mountaineers. Coach Mario Valentini’s crew rolled to its fourth straight win with a rout of Monsignor Farrell. Budding star quarterback/safety Najae Brown had four touchdowns, including a 60-yard interception return for a score. His good buddy Bruce Parker Jr. saw some time at running back and had a punt return for a touchdown.

Next: @ Holy Trinity (Oct. 29, 1:30 p.m.)

4. Iona Prep (5-2) (6)

The Gaels have been a tough team to figure out trading wins and losses the last four games. A trick play touchdown early gave them an advantage they never relinquished in a big win on the road against rival Stepinac. One thing is for certain. When quarterback Marion Biaggi plays well, Iona is a very, very dangerous team.

Next: @ No. 1 St. Anthony’s (Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.)

5. Archbishop Stepinac (5-2) (2)

It certainly wasn’t the opening act the Crusaders wanted to provide for their newly renovated turf field. The Stepinac offense never got in a rhythm and the team never recovered from an early deficit. All-purpose star Mark White was their best player on the field. He and the Crusaders will try to ride a win over Fordham Prep into the playoffs.

Next: No. 10 Fordham Prep (Oct. 28, 7 p.m.)

6. Chaminade (5-2) (4)

The Flyers and coach Stephen Boyd showed plenty of gumption and confidence going for a 2-point conversion and the lead late in the fourth quarter on the road against St. Anthony’s. While it didn’t work out the move will pay dividends for Boyd with his players down the road. He hopes it starts this week against Xaverian.

Next: @ No. 2 Xaverian (Oct. 28, 7 p.m. @ Kings Bay)

7. Holy Cross (3-3) (7)

The Knights were in despite need of a win and got one, 40-14, against Kellenberg thanks to six straight touchdowns and a big day from Shyheim Wingate. Coach Tom Pugh hopes to be fully healthy for the playoffs in two week. Running back Brandon Pelzer (concussion) should be back next week and Jordan Fracklin (knee) will be held out until the postseason.

Next: @ No. 9 Monsignor Farrell (Oct. 28, 7 p.m.)

8. Xavier (6-1) (9)

If Xavier was a pitcher it would be the league’s best closer. For the third straight week the Knights pitched a second-half shutout, this week in a 41-14 win over a solid St. John the Baptist club. William (Trey) Solomon ran for three more touchdowns. All that stands between the Knights and a perfect regular season is a game against Cardinal Spellman.

Next: Cardinal Spellman (Oct. 29, 7 p.m. @ Aviator)

9. Farrell (3-4) (8)

Lions coach Jim Bradley felt his team was on the up swing – winners of three straight heading to Mount St. Michael. But he watched his squad gets outplayed by the Mountaineers. Star running back Michael Viegas, nursing a knee injury, didn’t get a chance to be much of a factor. They can bounce back against Holy Cross this week and help their playoff seeding.

Next: No. 7 Holy Cross (Oct. 28, 7 p.m.)

10. Fordham Prep (3-4) (10)

After a strong start it’s been a downward spiral for the Rams that could put them in the Class AA playoffs in two weeks. Fordham Prep was no match for Xaverian last week, but it has a chance to right the ship when it heads to Stepinac. Coach Pete Gorynski was in attendance for the opening of the Crusaders turf field. He will be trying to find a plan to hand them a second loss.

Next: @ No. 5 Archbishop Stepinac (Oct. 28, 7 p.m.)

New: None

Dropped out: None

On the bubble: Cardinal Hayes (4-3), St. Francis Prep (3-4), St. John the Baptist (4-3), Bishop Ford (4-3), Kellenberg (1-6) and St. Peter’s (3-3).