2026 NYCHSFL POTW #7
Xavier Bala (Sr.); RB – St. Anthony’s Friars Demonstrating why he is regarded as the #3 overall 2027 prospect in the entire Empire State (per 247 Sports); the Boston College bound, 230-pound, “Baldwin Beast” was truly at his best this past Friday night in propelling the Friars to the 49-48 comeback victory over their archnemesis Flyers of Chaminade!! Officially credited with four touchdowns (3 rushing, 1 receiving), but having a say in several of the other St. Anthony’s scores; the returning All-Catholic and/or 2nd-Team All-State selection from a season ago was pretty much a “runaway train” for the full 48 minutes of play, as he amassed a mind-blowing sum of 282 yards of total offense! Surpassing the 200-yard mark for the second time in his swan song campaign; Bala would carry the pigskin on 17 occasions for a cumulative gain of 212 yards (just weeks removed from racking up a