With all due respect to Lawrence-Sayville, the Long Island football game of the year sees archrivals clash with religious fervor. Yes, we’re talking Chaminade-St. Anthony’s.
Chaminade is in the CHSFL Class AAA title game for the first time since 2002 while St. Anthony’s is playing for its fourth straight championship.
The teams met Week 4 in Mineola, a 24-23 thriller won by St. Anthony’s when the defense stopped the Flyers’ two-point attempt in the final minute.
The game is 4 p.m. Saturday at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale.
St. Anthony’s (8-2)
Coach: Rich Reichert (219-50-3, 26th season)
2012: Results l Roster
Key Players: Sr. RB Anthony Anderson, Sr. DB Fifunmi Familusi, Jr. QB Greg Galligan, Sr. LB Anthony Leggio, Sr. OG Joe Tustin.
Turning Point: The Friars’ 24-23 road win over Chaminade evened their record at 2-2 after an uncharacteristic 0-2 start. More importantly, St. Anthony’s and its young defense learned to win in a hostile, pressure-packed situation.
Last Appearance: St. Anthony’s beat Westchester upstart . Linebacker Anthony Leggio scored on a 61-yard fumble return and Anthony Anderson added a 1-yard touchdown run. Both players are back for one more championship run.
Chaminade (9-1)
Coach: Stephen Boyd (21-20, fourth season)
2012: Results l Roster
Key Players: Jr. QB Sean Cerrone, Sr. DB John McDaid, Jr. RB Robert Speranza, Sr. WR Tom Zenker.
Turning Point: Chaminade took a big step forward Week 3, rallying to beat Iona Prep on the road in what was the first night game in New Rochelle. The Flyers scored on their final possession to pull out a 34-31 win.
Last Appearance: St. Anthony’s handed the Flyers a 34-32 loss in the 2002 championship game. Like the last two meetings, the CHSFL title was decided by two-point attempts. Chaminade went for and failed to convert a pair of passes after scoring two touchdowns in the final 3:40.
Key Stat: St. Anthony’s has won the last 20 meetings against the Flyers, dating back to 31-19 Chaminade victory in 1998.
