Sports

Confident, stronger Biaggi runs Iona past Poly Prep

Poly Prep's Devon Rose dodges a tackle for a score.

Poly Prep’s Devon Rose dodges a tackle for a score. (Priyanka Katumuluwa)

Mario Biaggi doesn’t have to answer questions about whether he should be Iona Prep’s only quarterback anymore. A year after having to look over his shoulder at times for rap mogul Sean (Diddy) Combs’ son Justin, the senior proved he is in full control of the Gaels this season in Saturday’s 35-14 romp over Poly Prep in non-league football.

“I guess I feel stronger,” the bulked-up Biaggi said. “I’m a senior. I feel a little more confident.”

With Combs is at UCLA, Biaggi is still at Iona and scored twice on the ground and ran all over and through Poly Prep in New Rochelle. He rushed for 159 yards on 25 carries and had scoring runs of 14 and 13 yards. Biaggi also passed for 69 yards.

“The year of experience was huge,” Gaels coach Vic Quirolo said. “He sees things a lot better. We are all on the same page.”

Biaggi’s second score gave Iona, which also won last year’s meeting, a 28-6 lead late in the third quarter. Gaels running back Shaquille Townsend also ran for two touchdowns. Biaggi felt his inconsistency at times last year was more about him than the threat of people questioning his status as the team’s No. 1 quarterback.

“I had to step up last year,” Biaggi said. “When I didn’t step up, that was might fault. So, no it’s the same thing.”

Poly Prep struggled against Michael Barbuto and a strong Iona defense. The saftey was flying all over the field, was seemingly in on ever tackle and helped stiffle the Blue Devils running game, forcing quarterback Chris Parket to do his damage in the air.

“Coach preached that we had to swarm to the ball,” Barbuto said.

The Blue Devils got a 22-yard touchdown pass from Parker to Devin Rose in the second quarter and a12-yard scoring run from Parker in the fourth to get his team within 28-14 with 9:50 left to play. Iona responded with a 38-yard punt return for a score from Brian Thompson to seal the contest.

Iona moves forward with plenty of confidence in itself and its matured quarterback entering next weekend’s CHSFL Class AAA opener against powerhouse St. Anthony’s.

“He really stepped up in the leadership role,” Barbuto said of Biaggi, “and became a real leader of the offense.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com