The heavy lifting is over for Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). Now the Ironmen can secure their place on the national football scene.
With a thrilling 23-21 come-from-behind victory at six-time mythical national champion De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) a year ago, Bosco arrived at the promised land.
Bosco TE Ryan Cobb made key TD grab last season against DLS.
Photo by Dennis Lee
Now comes the rematch in New Jersey at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Ironmen are ranked 16th nationally in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25. De La Salle is No. 21.
“It’s probably the greatest moment of my life and every one of my players,” Bosco coach Greg Toal said during a raucous post-game celebration last year."
It was a game few thought the Ironmen would pull out. Especially after falling behind 21-7 at halftime and being outgained 207-86.
Especially with their speed back Tony Jones (shoulder) and fastest receiver Jimmy Clark (concussion) out of the game.
But the Ironmen spread their receivers wide and let their horses do the job up front. Dillon Romain, a bullish 5-foot-10, 210-pound back rushed 25 times for 150 yards and a touchdown. Athletic poised quarterback Brett Knief fooled everyone on a 4th-and-3 call with a jump pass to Ryan Cobb in the back of the end zone to cut the lead to 21-20.
Patrick Murray missed the extra point with 10:55 remaining, but then redeemed himself with a game-winning 19-yard field goal 10 seconds remaining.
The Ironmen, thoroughly dominated in the first half, completely turned the tables by piling up 170 yards to 40 for the Spartans, who responded to the loss with a 10-game win streak and a spot in the California Division I state title game.
Bosco went on to win its final 12 games and third consecutive non-public Group IV state title.
“You know coming back here they want to return the favor to us,” Bosco offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile said by phone Friday.
Said De La Salle defensive coordinator Terry Eidson from New Jersey on Wednesday: “That loss definitely stung the program. That woke the kids up. It definitely turned around our season. We won’t need a wakeup call this year. We’re much better prepared.”
At least on defense the Spartans are.
With six returning starters led by two-way lineman Dylan Wynn and linebacker Blake Renaud, a pair of juniors, De La Salle allowed only 94 yards last week in an unspectacular but gritty win over a very good Serra (San Mateo) squad, which many believe is the top team in the Central Coast Section.
DLS's Blake Renaud (65) is one of the top junior LBs in California.
Photo by Dennis Lee
Not terribly big, the team’s defense may be one of the best in school history, which is saying something.
“The strength of their team is offensive front and our strength is our defensive front (seven),” Eidson said.
Led by Brandon Sacco (6-4, 260) and James Kitteredge (6-4, 265), the Ironmen will likely play smash mouth again, however they do have fantastic outside threat in Jones. They also have a new quarterback in Gary Nova, a 6-2, 205-pound junior with a lot of poise and a strong arm.
The last four quarterbacks have earned All-State status, so Nova has some large shoes to fill.
“He’s looked very good,” Campanile said. “He’s just not battle-tested yet.”
Clark also hopes to make a strong contribution after sitting out last year.
“It’s pretty simple with them,” Eidson said. “They smash you in your face and everyone gets real physical. They’re not afraid to push you around. They play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
For one of the first times in head coach Bob Ladouceur’s career, the De La Salle offense is way behind. The Spartans have had a tough time trying to replace last year’s leader and starting quarterback Blake Wayne. They used three signal-callers last week with little success.
No one has yet to emerge, though look for De La Salle to use the passing exploits of sophomore Bart Houston (6-2, 185) and running prowess of Travis Paces and Scott Herting.
“Obviously we need to move the ball and we can’t turn it over like last week,” Eidson said, speaking of three lost fumbles.
Even though they sputtered, De La Salle has an advantage in that it has played a game. This is the opener for the Ironmen.
“We’ve showed pretty good in scrimmages, but this is the real thing against a very good opponent,” Campanile said. “We always push and preach about how hard we work. But De La Salle has identical expectations. It should be a great game in a great environment.”
About 7,500 fans are expected for the contest, which will be televised on MSG on tape delay Sunday morning. About 1,500 extra seats were brought in to accommodate fans in this highly anticipated game.
“It was supposed take place several years ago, so the fans can’t wait to see it,” Campanile said.
Longtime sports writer Mark Czerwinski, of the Bergen County Record, said De La Salle wasn’t very physically impressive at practice on Thursday, “but they are really quick off the ball. … Bosco has 30 seniors, at least seven who are going to play in college. … It should be a real good game.”
Among those Ironmen who have committed to Division I programs are Sacco and Bryan Murphy (Pittsburgh), Steele Divitto (Boston College) and Ryan Cobb (Virginia) and Kittredge (Vanderbilt). Jones also has several offers but has yet to pick.
“I know they love their team and what’s not to like” Eidson said. “We hear it’s the most talent they’ve ever had.”
