IONA HAS EDGE IN PREP BATTLE
JEFF NAPOLITANO has coached against Vinny O’Connor many times.
“It’s still special,” said Napolitano, who will guide No. 2 Iona Prep against his old high school coach, O’Connor, and third-seeded St. Francis Prep, today at 4 p.m. at Kings Point in a CHSFL AAA semifinal. “But this is, without a doubt, the most important game we’ve had against one another.”
But Napolitano (SFP Class of ’80) is far more concerned with what this game means to his program’s future than with his own past.
“We haven’t won a AAA championship since 1969,” said Napolitano, whose team knocked off St. Francis Prep in the AA title game a year ago. “This is the first time in a long time that we’ve been in good position to do something.”
This game will feature IP’s talented QB John O’Neill, who played his best game of the year last week and SFP’s FB/LB Chris Zambrano, who is a force at both positions. Prediction: Iona Prep 22, St. Francis Prep 14.
No. 1 St. Anthony’s vs. No. 4 Holy Trinity, at Kings Point, today, 1 p.m.: Holy Trinity gave the Friars one of their toughest tests when they met earlier in the year. Expect the Titans to stay with St. Anthony’s, but the Friars’ relentless running attack will be too much and they will advance to their third straight AAA title game. Prediction: St. Anthony’s 20, Holy Trinity 10.
PSAL QUARTERFINALS
No. 6 Curtis at No. 4 Wagner, today, noon: After an opening week loss to Sheepshead Bay, few teams have been better than Wagner. This always fierce rivalry will be even more spirited with so much on the line. Prediction: Wagner 30, Curtis 20.
No. 7 August Martin at No. 3 Canarsie, today, noon: Martin has quietly been on quite a roll, while Canarsie nearly was upset by Bayside last week. The Chiefs will be strong enough to squeak out one more win before their luck runs out. Prediction: Canarsie 22, Martin 20.
No. 2 Lehman vs. No. 9 Columbus, at Clinton, today, noon: The undefeated Lions appear to be on their way to a championship game clash with the only other unblemished team – Sheepshead Bay. They will pull away in the second half today. Prediction: Lehman 28, Columbus 12.
No. 12 Campus Magnet at No. 1 Sheepshead Bay, today, noon: The Bulldogs shocked many with a win over Fort Hamilton, but there won’t be another upset here. Prediction: Sheepshead Bay 28, Campus Magnet 6.
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Other games: Today – CHSFL AA semifinals: 10 a.m.: Holy Cross vs. St. Peter’s, at Kings Point. 7 p.m.: Cardinal Hayes vs. Stepinac, at Kings Point. CHSFL A semifinals – 1 p.m.: Xavier at St. John the Baptist; Spellman at St. Joseph by the Sea.


