Catholic high school football league roundup

One of Long Island’s biggest rivalries delivered an instant classic Friday night.

Sophomore Aidyn Alston made a tackle, stopping a two-point conversion run with 38 seconds left as St. Anthony’s held on for a 49-48 home win over Chaminade in the CHSFL.

“It was definitely tears of joy,” Alston said. “That was God’s timing for me right there.

“This rivalry is gonna go on forever,” he added. “I had to do it for the seniors, coaches and St. Anthony’s alumni.”

The Friars overcame a 27-14 deficit behind Boston College commit Xavier Bala.

He rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns and added two catches for 70 receiving yards and a score.

“He took over in the second half and played unbelievable,” St. Anthony’s coach Joe Minucci said. I think it’s fair to say that that’s his most dominant performance in four years here.”

St. Anthony’s quarterback Anthony Diieso threw for 206 yards and three scores. Rory McDermott caught three passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Diieso’s 65-yard touchdown run put the Friars ahead 49-42 with 2:48 remaining. Chaminade’s Sean Carnevale found Christian Birch Trani for a 28-yard score with 38 seconds left, setting up Alston’s decisive stop.

“I was ecstatic,” McDermott said. “Just to have a game like that, as close as it was, and to pull it out, it was amazing. That was an awesome experience.”  — Jared Valluzzi

Kellenberg 28, Xaverian 0: Brayden Farrelly completed 18 of 20 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns to lead visiting Kellenberg (5-2). Christopher Biondi had five tackles, a sack and an interception to help the Firebirds earn their first shutout since their 41-0 win over Fordham Prep on Oct. 26, 2018. Will Auerbach had a sack. Brennan Cooney snagged an interception.

Brendan Barkley ran for 43 yards and a TD, and he caught a TD. Quinn Saccheri caught six passes for 98 yards and a TD, adding six carries for 49 yards. Doug Cristales ran seven times for 35 yards and a score.

Xaverian is 5-2.