St. Anthony Drops Batter Against Salesians – The562.org

The562’s football coverage in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.

The562’s coverage of St. Anthony athletics is sponsored by Jane & BI Mais, Class of 1949.

Friday night’s game between St. Anthony and Salesian was less about who could score the most points and more about who could allow the fewest. The two teams managed just two total touchdowns in a defensive slugfest, and the Saints failed to overcome an early deficit in a 10-7 loss.

The two teams totaled ten punts and five turnovers. After the game, St. Anthony head coach Jeff Magdaleno praised the defense and said the game came down to his team’s discipline.

“We had a pretty good game plan and obviously when the defense is stepped up like that you have a lot of luxury to stay in the game. But obviously we became a bit undisciplined today because we stalled the game on offense, passed the ball and took penalties.”

The two teams fought two empty-handed duels in the first quarter, so the scoreboard remained empty until the second quarter. On the second play of the quarter, Salesian RB Ayden Ramirez launched for a 71-yard touchdown, which was by far the longest play of the night and the only TD of the half.

Only four Saints drives in the first half ended in a turnover on downs, a punt, a punt and an interception by Michael Sherrills. Salesian scored a field goal before halftime and took a 10-0 lead into the break.

“When it comes to putting things together on offense, we do that, but then it’s the turnovers and the big plays that make the difference,” Magdaleno said of the first half. “Unfortunately it made the difference tonight.”

St. Anthony gave the ball away three more times in the second half with interceptions by Justice White, Skylar Eatmon and Emmanuel Amaya.

The Saints found an interception of their own from Evan Anglin down the left sideline in the fourth quarter to spark a St. Anthony drive. QB Aidan Jones then connected with Jasiah Lolesio-Pua for a big lead before an incredible catch by Marco Transfiguracion scored the Saints’ only touchdown of the night.

Despite the loss, Jasiah Lolesio-Pua finished the night with a game-high seven catches for 98 yards.

“It was a focus to move him and give him a different look since we know he is the focal point of the defense,” Magdaleno said of Lolesio-Pua. “He’s very versatile for us.”

Salesian’s J’ Anthony Cobb finished the night with 81 rushing yards, while Ayden Ramirez had 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.

St. Anthony faces Harvard-Westlake next week.

“Our guys’ fight has been going on all year and it has gotten worse. I’m excited for the rest of the year. Two more league games and we’ll take them one by one. We just have to finish strong.”