Friars Football: Week 5 Preview

Title: Monday Morning Quarterback / Week 5 Preview
Publication: Frairs Football.com
Author: Jason Molinet
Date: 10-1-07
Word Count: 390

The number was a stunning one. One week after managing all of 17 rushing yards on 25 carries, the Friars had to do something to ignite the offense. Averaging 0.68 yards per carry isn’t going to move the chains, much less win a football game.

But that’s what happened in the Bronx against Mount St. Michael Academy. St. Anthony’s simply couldn’t make headway. The result was an ugly 22-12 loss.

One player helped change the Friars’ fortunes Friday night against Staten Island power Farrell. Senior center Austen Fletcher put his 6-3, 285-pound frame to use, plowing holes through the Farrell defense big enough for the kickline to dance through.

The offensive line took its cues from Fletcher and responded with a dominating performance. James Brady had time to throw and eight different players carried the ball for 267 yards and three rushing touchdowns. A fumbled snap late in the game was the only misstep.

The Friars boasted a hefty 6.8 yards per carry and the scoreboard in the South end zone reflected as much. St. Anthony’s 42, Farrell 30. Those are numbers worth remembering.

St. Anthony’s at Xaverian

WHEN: Saturday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Kings Bay Field, Brooklyn
RECORDS: St. Anthony’s (3-1); Xaverian (0-4)
THE SCOOP: Welcome back from the edge, Friars fans. After a harrowing week of uncertainty, St. Anthony’s tattooed Staten Island power Farrell 42-30 on Friday night to get back in the CHSFL title hunt. St. Anthony’s went on the offensive against Farrell, throwing for 192 yards and rushing for 267 more. The only question is how offensive coordinator Fred Gallagher will replace running back Chris Carberry (right knee). The Friars hit the road to play winless Xaverian on Saturday. This one should be over by halftime. This is only the third meeting ever between the two schools. The Friars are 2-0 lifetime, with wins in 2003 and ’04. The Clippers have dropped games to Chaminade and Holy Trinity. And they are coming off a 31-21 loss to Iona Prep. This was not what was expected of Xaverian one year after going 9-2 and winning the Class AA title. Top back D.J. Spadaro has struggled to find running room. But undersized wideout Paul Perez has made some big catches in the spread offense. If the Friars can put some pressure on quarterback Najee Tyler, then the Clippers will crack.