The CHSFL delivered another important weekend as the regular season approaches its final stretch. St. Anthony’s survived a wild rivalry game against Chaminade, Kellenberg dominated previously unbeaten Xaverian, and St. Joseph-by-the-Sea continued its climb in AA-I. Meanwhile, Iona Prep and Monsignor Farrell delivered convincing victories, keeping the pressure on the rest of AAA.
St. Anthony’s Survives an Instant Classic
St. Anthony’s Friars escaped with a 49–48 victory over Chaminade in one of the season’s most entertaining CHSFL matchups. Trailing 27–14, the Friars rallied behind Xavier Bala, who rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns while adding 70 receiving yards and another score. Quarterback Anthony Diieso threw three touchdowns and added a 65-yard touchdown run.
Chaminade scored with 38 seconds remaining, but sophomore Aidyn Alston stopped the potential game-winning two-point conversion.
The Friars improved to 4–3, winning their second consecutive game. More importantly, they demonstrated the offensive firepower needed to compete with the league’s top programs. Newsday
Kellenberg Delivers a Statement Shutout
Kellenberg Memorial Firebirds handed Xaverian its second consecutive loss with a convincing 28–0 road victory. Quarterback Brayden Farrelly completed 18 of 20 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Christopher Biondi recorded five tackles, a sack and an interception as the Firebirds posted their first shutout since 2018.
Kellenberg improved to 5–2, winning its third straight game. After narrow losses to New Rochelle and Cardinal Hayes earlier this season, the Firebirds are beginning to turn competitive performances into convincing victories. Newsday
Sea Continues its Impressive Run
St. Joseph-by-the-Sea Vikings defeated Xavier 27–14, extending its winning streak to four games. The Vikings have now beaten Stepinac, St. Francis Prep, Xaverian and Xavier in consecutive weeks. At 6–2, Sea has established itself as one of the strongest contenders in AA-I. The biggest difference has been consistency. Sea is no longer relying on one signature victory. The Vikings are stacking quality results as the postseason approaches.
Around the CHSFL
Iona Prep remained unbeaten with a 50–3 victory over Fordham Prep, improving to 7–0. Monsignor Farrell shut out Cardinal Hayes 28–0, moving to 7–1 and recording its third consecutive victory.
Archbishop Stepinac defeated St. Peter’s 38–14, while Mount St. Michael extended its winning streak to five games with a 28–22 victory over Holy Cross.
Christ the King also recorded a 37–0 shutout of Nazareth.
ATS Weekend Standouts
Xavier Bala — St. Anthony’s: 212 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 70 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown against Chaminade.
Brayden Farrelly — Kellenberg: 18-of-20 passing for 228 yards and two touchdowns against Xaverian.
Christopher Biondi — Kellenberg: Five tackles, one sack and an interception in the Firebirds’ shutout victory.
Aidyn Alston — St. Anthony’s: Delivered the decisive defensive stop on Chaminade’s two-point conversion attempt with 38 seconds remaining. Newsday
ATS Takeaway
The CHSFL championship picture is getting clearer, but the separation between contenders remains interesting.
Iona Prep continues to set the standard in AAA, while Farrell and St. Anthony’s remain firmly in the championship conversation. Stepinac has also responded with consecutive victories after a difficult stretch. In AA-I, Kellenberg and St. Joseph-by-the-Sea are building momentum at exactly the right time. Xaverian’s consecutive losses have changed the conversation, but the Clippers still have opportunities to respond. The biggest takeaway is that momentum matters, but quality victories matter more.
October is separating teams that can compete from teams that can consistently finish.
What to Watch Next
St. Anthony’s at Monsignor Farrell — Friday, October 23. The Friars face another major AAA test against a Farrell team riding a three-game winning streak.
Iona Prep vs. Chaminade — Friday, October 23. The unbeaten Gaels look to maintain their perfect record against a Flyers team that nearly upset St. Anthony’s.
Kellenberg vs. Xavier — Saturday, October 24. The Firebirds look for their fourth consecutive victory.
St. Joseph-by-the-Sea vs. St. Peter’s — Saturday, October 24. Sea looks to continue its climb in AA-I.
Archbishop Stepinac vs. St. John the Baptist — Saturday, October 24. The Crusaders look to build on consecutive victories. MaxPreps.com
The contenders are emerging. Now comes the challenge of proving they can finish the regular season as strongly as they started it.
