![\"sea](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6AMDTID62BBQFPNVI6VS5OBLYQ.jpg\")
Joey Moran, carrying the ball, can beat you on offense and defense for Sea. Photo credit, Kara Buzga<\/p>\nSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 St. Joseph by-the-Sea head coach Tressor Baptiste insists last year\u2019s CHSFL AA-1 title holds little value now \u2014 other than proving his 2025 squad is more battle-tested.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always tough (to defend),\u201d said Baptiste, now in his fourth season in Huguenot. \u201cEvery opponent gives you their best shot when you\u2019re the defending champs. But our kids embrace that challenge. They understand that last year doesn\u2019t win you anything this year; you have to earn it all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Baptiste\u2019s 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\u2019s second-ranked team which is playing for its own division crown later in the day at the same site.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur defense is playing with great communication and trust. The kids are flying around, tackling well and doing their jobs,\u201c said Baptiste. \u201dThe improvement really comes from preparation; they take the film work seriously, and it\u2019s showing on the field. They\u2019re playing fast, confident and together.”<\/p>\n
Joey Moran, carrying the ball, can beat you on offense and defense for Sea. Photo credit, Kara Buzga<\/p>\n
They will have to play that way against a Xavier team that dominated St. Peter\u2019s, 30-13, in last Saturday\u2019s other semifinal. The Eagles beat Sea, 15-14, earlier this season in a non-league game.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 Riley McLaughlin and Elijah Stewart \u2014 have combined for 14 more rushing TDs.<\/p>\n
\u201cXavier is a disciplined and well-coached team,\u201d said Baptiste. \u201cThey don\u2019t 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\u2019s eyes aren\u2019t where they need to be, they\u2019ll expose it. Their physicality and commitment to the run game stand out on film.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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)<\/p>\n
Sea has more than enough defensive might in rushers Mike Zawatsky and Santino Paradiso, while lineman Anthony Ferrari controls the trenches. <\/p>\n
Linebackers Joey Moran and Sal Leto constantly apply pressure and rover Dom D\u2019Orazio 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\u2019t figure to be throwing the ball that much. <\/p>\n
Baptiste said his squad came out healthy following its 20-6 semifinal victory over Fordham Prep last Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe came out of the game in good shape,\u201d said Baptiste. \u201cAt this point in the season nobody is 100 percent, but we\u2019re healthy enough and ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to win first down, protect the football, and stay ahead of the sticks,\u201c said Baptiste. \u201dTheir defense is tough, so we need to be efficient, physical, and take advantage of our opportunities when they come.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the X-factor for his team in the game, Baptiste didn\u2019t focus on one group or one player.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur depth and our leadership,\u201d he noted. \u201cWe\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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