STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — St. Joseph by-the-Sea head coach Tressor Baptiste insists last year’s CHSFL AA-1 title holds little value now — other than proving his 2025 squad is more battle-tested.
“It’s always tough (to defend),” said Baptiste, now in his fourth season in Huguenot. “Every opponent gives you their best shot when you’re the defending champs. But our kids embrace that challenge. They understand that last year doesn’t win you anything this year; you have to earn it all over again.”
And that’s exactly what top-seeded Sea will try to do Saturday when it faces No. 2 Xavier at 11 a.m. at Fordham University in the Bronx for all the marbles.
Baptiste’s crew is riding a stingy defense into the game, having allowed single digits in points in three of their last four games. The only tilt they allowed more than that was a 28-6 loss to CHSFL AAA representative Monsignor Farrell, the state’s second-ranked team which is playing for its own division crown later in the day at the same site.
“Our defense is playing with great communication and trust. The kids are flying around, tackling well and doing their jobs,“ said Baptiste. ”The improvement really comes from preparation; they take the film work seriously, and it’s showing on the field. They’re playing fast, confident and together.”
Joey Moran, carrying the ball, can beat you on offense and defense for Sea. Photo credit, Kara Buzga
They will have to play that way against a Xavier team that dominated St. Peter’s, 30-13, in last Saturday’s other semifinal. The Eagles beat Sea, 15-14, earlier this season in a non-league game.
The Knights advanced by running the ball effectively out of their Wing-T offense, which is a run-heavy offense known for deceptive plays and misdirections. Quarterback Peter Heaney leads the team in rushing yardage (1,191) and rushing TDs (15). When he pulls up to throw, he is 23 for 55 for 330 yards passing and four TDs. Two other backs — Riley McLaughlin and Elijah Stewart — have combined for 14 more rushing TDs.
“Xavier is a disciplined and well-coached team,” said Baptiste. “They don’t beat themselves, and they execute the Wing-T at a high level. That offense is challenging because it forces you to play assignment football every snap. If one guy’s eyes aren’t where they need to be, they’ll expose it. Their physicality and commitment to the run game stand out on film.”
St. Joseph by-the-Sea’s defense has been stingy of late. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)
Sea has more than enough defensive might in rushers Mike Zawatsky and Santino Paradiso, while lineman Anthony Ferrari controls the trenches.
Linebackers Joey Moran and Sal Leto constantly apply pressure and rover Dom D’Orazio is all over the field. Defensive backs Chris Dunne, Matt Fuentes and Nick Laona will have to come up and make key tackles since Xavier doesn’t figure to be throwing the ball that much.
Baptiste said his squad came out healthy following its 20-6 semifinal victory over Fordham Prep last Saturday.
“We came out of the game in good shape,” said Baptiste. “At this point in the season nobody is 100 percent, but we’re healthy enough and ready to go.”
Sea has enough firepower on offense to put up some points as Moran is third in the league in rushing with 838 yards and has nine rushing TDs. Quarterback Pete Tronolone has been effective, throwing for 815 yards and seven TDs.
“We have to win first down, protect the football, and stay ahead of the sticks,“ said Baptiste. ”Their defense is tough, so we need to be efficient, physical, and take advantage of our opportunities when they come.”
As for the X-factor for his team in the game, Baptiste didn’t focus on one group or one player.
“Our depth and our leadership,” he noted. “We’ve had different guys step up each week, and that versatility is big for us. I think energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate play could be the difference in a game like this.”
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