PC vs. Bosco Preview

Paramus Catholic vs. Don Bosco will have every North Jersey football fan’s attention on Friday night. ESPN2 will broadcast the game that will kickoff at 8 p.m. Both teams have their schedule’s geared toward New Jersey opponents with the exception of PC playing one more out of state game. Bosco has several starters out for the season due to injury and PC has performed well against each opponent this season. Sounds like a tale of two stories, right?

The Ironmen (2-3), are coming off a victory over Friendship Academy in Maryland. PC (5-0) absolutely dominated St. Mark’s out of Delaware at home last week. Last year vs PC, Toal out-coached Partridge on both sides of the ball and the Ironmen defeated the Paladins 31-8. Not to mention, Jabrill Peppers was held to less than 30 total yards. Bosco is deflated at this point. Both of their safeties have torn ACL’s. The previous leader of their defense, Eric Meile, is also out for the year. Nevertheless, the Ironmen managed to overcome adversity and put up a nice performance vs Friendship last week. You can’t help but think that there is no way Bosco is going down, on national tv, in a big game like this, vs. Jabrill Peppers, without a fight.

Paramus Catholic (5-0), is riding high after they put a beating on St. Mark’s of Delaware last week. The Paladins have received big contributions this year from senior’s RB/DB Keyon Washington, WR/DB Tyrone Washington, Jabrill Peppers, and strong lines on both sides of the ball.

The Gameplan: 

Senior quarterback Nick Crusco made his first start last week in Maryland and helped the Ironmen put up 26 points. At this point, it might be best for the Ironmen to start Crusco not because he is better than Temple commit Frank Nutile, but because PC might not have a good sense of what they will be dealing with. I don’t think Toal will alternate quarterbacks even if Nutile is healthy enough to play, but it could be a good idea mixing it up. If Bosco can contain Keyon Washington and force a couple of turnovers, I think they can come away with a win. PC should look to spread the field and keep Bosco on their heels. Don’t forget, Jabrill Peppers has yet to beat his former team (Bosco).

The Paladins host the Ironmen on their new turf field in front of a crowd of over 5,000. This will be only the second game on national TV between two north jersey opponents. The first was St. Joseph vs Bosco in 2007 and it aired on CBS College Sports.

Prediction: I rarely pick against Bosco. Although I think they will keep in close in the first half, PC has too much depth and will utilize each of their playmakers to pull apart the Bosco defense. The pick: 33-21 PC