My prediction was that Bosco would win 35-10, and in the end I was pretty close. The final score was 34-10 in Bosco's favor, but that score does not tell you exactly how the game went.
This very easily could have been an upset if a few plays would have went Bergen's way. The final score makes it out to be a blowout, but the truth is that Bergen had the chance to tie, and take the lead in the third quarter. A missed field goal and then a dropped would be touchdown pass, made the game turn out differently. After those plays, Bosco used good field position set up by their strong defensive play to put some cushion on the scoreboard between them and Bergen.
The game really went south late in the fourth quarter when a Bergen fourth down pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Steven Proscia, putting Bosco up 27-10 late. Bosco's last score came with about two minutes left, when freshman running back Tony Jones ran for a long touchdown run up the right side after basically being tackled in the backfield. This run had Mike saying it was, "One of the best I have seen all year!" Big words, but the run was impressive, especially since he started to the left until he almost got tackled, and then switched it to the right where he went for six, and put the final nail in Bergen's coffin.
The kids on both sides played hard, and with a lot of emotion, but in the end the better team came out with the victory. Don Bosco showed some character in a game that was a lot closer than they expected, but they also showed me that they are not the number one team in the nation. The Bergen boys on the other hand sent a message out to St. Peter's Prep that they aren't just going to roll over, but they are going to put up a fight until the final whistle blows.
Thank you Chris, Dan, Bill, Mike, and Andy for hanging out with us, and being such gracious hosts in a foreign city. The hotel room was unbelievable, the dinners were amazing, and all your kids are to die for. Hopefully you stay in touch, and thank you again from Mike and I on the MaxPreps USA Football Road Tour.
