Don Bosco Powers Over St. Joseph in Annual Thanksgiving Matchup

HOW THE GAME WAS WON: The Don Bosco defense was stellar and showed no signs of letdown throughout the game. Defensive End Al-Quadin Muhammad led the the Don Bosco defense with two sacks and six tackles. When St. Joe’s threatened to score with the ball in Bosco territory, sophomore corner Jabrill Peppers came up with an interception, which helped hold the Green Knights scoreless. 


TURNING POINT: The Ironmen forced St. Joseph to punt on their first possession. On Bosco’s first drive, William and Mary bound quarterback Mike Yankovich led the Ironmen 40 yards down the field that resulted in a Jabrill Peppers one yard touchdown run on third and goal. The first series for each team would become a microcosm of the game. The Don Bosco defense forced several three and outs and the offense put together good drives mixing the passing and running game as they put up 41 points on the St. Joe’s defense. 


PLAYER OF THE GAME: From the first play of the game, Bosco junior defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad made his presence known on the field. Muhammad, a Division 1 recruit, had two sacks, six tackles, and four tackles for loss. He was everywhere on the field on Thursday. 


QUOTE OF THE GAME: “We just had to come out and play our game and win the battle up front,” Bosco defensive lineman Darius Hamilton said. Bosco’s defensive success came up front as they seven plays for loss of yardage in the first half. Bosco’s defense also forced two turnovers en route to their 41-0 victory. 


UP NEXT: Since this was only a Thanksgiving game, both team’s will move on to play state championship games next week. St. Joseph will look to become the Non-Public, Group 3 champions in a matchup with Delbarton at Kean University on December 3. Don Bosco can win their second mythical national championship and stay undefeated for the third year in a row with a win over Bergen Catholic at Metlife Stadium on December 3.


By Danielle Bonnett