Iona Prep Football Blows Out St. Anthony's, 49-0

NEW ROCHELLE – Iona Prep is on the verge of a clean getaway.

If this level of domination continues, opposing teams need to consider lighting a couple of candles ahead of the CHSFL’s traditional pregame prayers.

The Gaels started fast Saturday and simply worked over St. Anthony’s, posting a 49-0 homecoming win at Mara Field. It was the Long Island power’s most lopsided setback in at least 20 years.

Staying humble is clearly the key to an undefeated season.

“I have to remind them every day they aren’t very good,” Iona Prep coach Joe Spagnolo noted with no trace of a smile.

The Gaels have checked out mentally in past seasons. It happened last year against Monsignor Farrell, so the business-as-usual approach is being emphasized this time around.

“Our goal this year is no meltdown, no hiccups, nothing,” Iona Prep safety Mamadee Sangaray said. “We’re trying to go undefeated and make sure we’re the best team in the state.”

This defense has to rank among the best on the East Coast.

It was deep when the season began and is getting deeper as the season progresses. The Friars had two impressive drives but Iona Prep slammed on fourth-and-goal both times.

“This was expected,” Gaels defensive lineman Brady Morison said. “Coach Spags prepares us for this. We know we’re the best team in the state. We know we’re the best team in this league, so every game we go into we’re expecting to put a beating on our opponent. … We’re chasing that ring and we know each win gets us another stop closer.”

Player of the game

Morison was on the ball in a blink to help stop both St. Anthony’s scoring threats short of the goal line. He kept the pressure on all game, making sure the middle was locked off.

Takeaways

Friars’ quarterback Anthony Diieso was dinged up a week ago in a win over Xavier and departed this game after the first half. He was replaced by Sal Ranieri.

Iona Prep is logically a ball control team. The offensive line is dominant. Chase Reeves has become more and more of a running threat with each carry. The Gaels can spice things up, though, on command. Fast-developing quarterback Jaydin Jackson did a nice job of hitting Lamar Lewis, Tyrone Mushatt and Trey Newton for big plays that set up touchdowns. This offense is beginning to find a rhythm.

“We get to practice early every day to make sure our timing is down,” Lewis said. “We come into each practice with the same mindset. Every practice is hard and we all work hard because we want to make it back-to-back-to-back championships. We don’t want to lose anything.”

It’s going to be interesting to see how Iona Prep handles the playoffs. It’s hard to stay humble when you’re going against teams you’ve already thumped.

The play of the game came from Tristian Crawford, a freshman, who muffed the opening kickoff, picked it up and jetted through sideline traffic for a 99-yard touchdown.

Next up

Iona Prep (5-0) is on the road against Cardinal Hayes on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. St. Anthony’s (2-3) is back at home against St. Peters at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

Scoring

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Iona Prep football blows out St. Anthony's, 49-0