9-13-08 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 40-6 W
September 13, 2008 · Print This Article
Sophomore quarterback Charlie Raffa scrambles.
BY JASON MOLINET
It was a delayed start to the season – and well worth the wait. With the early Labor Day came the opportunity to play nine regular season games. But a Week 1 matchup fell through, leaving the St. Anthony’s junior varsity football team sidelined while the rest of the CHSFL got busy.
Coach Phil LaGreca’s team played with purpose on Saturday in the season opener at Cy Donnelly Field in South Huntington. The offense scored on its first four possessions and the special teams and defense each came up with turnovers as the Friars cruised to a 40-6 win over St. John the Baptist.
These JV Friars ran all over St. John the Baptist. Sophomore quarterback Charlie Raffa set the tone, scrambling for 52 yards on four carries and two touchdowns – all in the first half. The first score was a wild 22-yard run that ended when a diving Raffa pushed the ball over the goal line for a quick 7-0 edge.
St. John the Baptist fumbled the ensuing kickoff and sophomore defensive back James Mercurio scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the SJB 4-yard line. Mike Schillizei scored on a 1-yard run two plays later.
A three-and-out by the defense put the ball back in the hands of Raffa. Despite three holding penalties on the drive, the Friars managed to move 52 yards. One play after Victor Belgiorno had his 30-yard fourth-down scoring run called back, he got the ball again. This time Belgiorno spun off several tacklers and broke free down the right side for a 35-yard touchdown and 21-0 lead.
Another three-and-out by the defense was followed up with a great punt return by sophomore Greg Danseglio to the SJB 20. Raffa scored on a keeper three plays later. The kick by Justin Whalley made it 28-0.
Sophomore defensive back Eddie Finnocchialo intercepted the next offensive play by the Cougars. The Friars drove to the SJB 10 before letting the clock run out on the first half. What a half it was. The defense gave up minus 7-yards in the opening half while the offense could not be stopped.
St. Anthony’s finished the game with 326 yards on the ground and 34 passing. Sophomore Tim Fiola broke an 87-yard scoring run on the final play of the game.
SCORING
TEAM…………………..…1……2…..3…….4 — FINAL
St. John the Baptist………0……0…..6…….0 — 6
St. Anthony’s……………14…14…..0…..12 — 40
SA – Raffa 22 run (Whalley kick)
SA – Schillizei 1 run (Whalley kick)
SA – Belgiorno 35 run (Whalley kick)
SA – Raffa 1 run (Whalley kick)
SJB – McCarthy 29 pass from McQuade (pass failed)
SA – Gellineau 7 run (kick failed)
SA – Fiola 87 run (no attempt)
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Ok maybe you can’t provide any video highlights but you obviously had a photo gallery, a very incomplete photo gallery. At least 4 pics that could have or should have made the photo gallery are; 1. Sophmore Mike Schillizei’s big hit that forced a fumble that led to his own touchdown two plays later. 2. Sophmore Eddie Finnocchialo’s interception to close out the second quarter and keep St. John’s scoreless going into halftime. 3. Sophmore Craig Gellineau’s 7-yard touchdown run that probably sealed St. John’s fate and put the Friars ahead 34-6 in the fourth quarter. 4. Sophomore Tim Fiola’s 87-yard scoring run on the final play of the game (longest from scrimmage).
It’s JV football. We’re lucky that there is even an article on this. Stop complaining and appreciate whats being given to you. There isn’t even a varsity photo gallery, and people actually care about varsity. JV is lucky for anything they can get on here.
I know its JV football there should not even be a post of the game at all. The games do not mean anything, its all preparation for varsity.The kids should have to work to being on the internet and serve their time.
or buy it