PC vs Bosco Preview

Background: If you don’t already know, Don Bosco (6-3) got off to a slow start this season and has clearly put the past behind them. Aftter a win in week one, Bosco lost three straight games (two of them to out of state opponents). In week six, Bosco defeated Friendship Academy on the road in Washington D.C. The Ironmen have not lost since.

Nick Crusco replaced Temple commit Frank Nutile at quarterback and has remained the starter since Bosco’s win in D.C. The Ironmen have relied on their front 7 on defense to force turnovers give their offense good field position. You look at a team like Bosco, who has been decimated by injuries all season long, and think, how has this team managed to win? Well, when one player went down someone else stepped up. For example, Danny Yankovich is playing as a wide receiver and defensive back. Bosco has managed to sustain their toughness and get the job done by producing in the win column.

Photo by Brian Carr

Paramus Catholic (8-2) is looking to return to MetLife Stadium for the second year in a row behind head coach Chris Partridge. The Paladins have lost to St. Joe’s and Don Bosco this year. Paramus Catholic has been plagued by turnovers in both losses this year. At times it seems like there is almost too much talent on the field and they can’t mesh together. Nevertheless, PC used its speed to fly by its first five opponents and is undefeated vs. out of state opponents this year.

What’s at stake: The bottom line is win or go home. There will be no ESPN camera crew, big sponsors and lights like the matchup in the regular season. The winner moves onto MetLife Stadium to play the winner of St. Peter’s Prep vs. St. Augustine (it will likely be St. Peter’s Prep). The loser goes home. Forget about the fact that Peppers has yet to beat Bosco. Everyone loses at some point in their career.

How the game will be won: This matchup will come down to the little things. I know it sounds cliche but its true. Converting short third downs, establishing field position, and penalties will all play a factor. The last time the teams played, Paramus Catholic turned the ball over on their first two possessions of the second half vs. Bosco and that really hurt them. If you’re Paramus Catholic, how could you not turn to Peppers in the wildcat? Two Division 1 bound players in Jabrill Peppers and Keyon Washington who are fast and experienced. That doesn’t mean that PC shouldn’t use their traditional offense, but quarterback Steve Shanley couldn’t get the job done in the first game. Test Bosco’s defense with Peppers until they give up a long run. Bosco doesn’t have much depth on defense either, so why not go with the hurry-up offense? The Paladins were once a team that was looking to win national championship this season behind eight Division 1 offerees this year. For now they need to focus on getting past Bosco. 

Bosco’s defense has been the strength for the Ironmen since defeating Frienship Academy (D.C) in week five. Linebacker’s Kyle Kleinberg and Anthony Malaguti have made plays and anchor the Bosco defense. It’s hard not to notice them. And you can’t forget about 6’9 nose guard Kevin Feder who has clogged up the middle since returning from an injury a few weeks into the season. Offensively, expect running back Elijah Ibutoken-Hanks to play a big role and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him rush for over 150 yards. Bosco should have success with play action just like they did in the first game. Nick Crusco has to have a big game for the Ironmen.

Will Bosco’s toughness outlast PC’s talent?

I guess we’ll find out from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. I think Bosco takes care of business.

Bosco 27-21