By Jeff Moeller
MaxPreps.com
As a high school football quarterback, Don Bosco Prep's Matt Simms had it all.
He had the pedigree and the recognition of the Simms' name, an institution began by the steady, consistent play of quarterback father Phil, who starred for the New York Giants, and continued by brother Chris, whose star is one the rise with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the past three seasons at Don Bosco, Simms has passed for more than 6,000 yards and 60 touchdowns, earning his share of accolades on the state and national level.
Expectations were as high as could be. As well as trying to meet the lofty expectations bestowed upon him through his stature, Simms also had to deal with the inheritance of the starting quarterback job from Rutgers' current signal caller Mike Teel, who did not lose in two years as a starter at Bosco.
The pressures that surrounded him revolved around one simple, yet daunting task - winning a state championship. As a sophomore starter, the Ironmen lost the 2004 title to Bergen Catholic and a pair of Simms' second-half interceptions derailed their chances last season against St. Peter's Prep.
This season, both Bosco and St. Peter's were on a collision course since the preseason. From the beginning, Simms and Will Hill - his St. Peter's counterpart - dissected opposing like an experienced surgeon. Week after week, both quarterbacks led their teams to double-digit blowouts leading to their clash Dec. 1 at Giants Stadium.
Before a crowd of nearly 17,000 at Giants Stadium on a cold and windy night similar to the 2005 title tilt, Simms finally got the monkey off his back.
The Louisville-bound rifleman calmly and collectively completed six of eight passes for 135 yards and a touchdown in a 41-0 rout. Simms hit Alexander DiSanzo, his favorite target throughout the season, on a 15-yard scoring strike in the first quarter.
"A lot of people will remember me for the two state titles I lost," Simms said. "But I just want to be remembered as someone who played hard and didn't give up. I was just happy to play my final game on the field where my father won so many big games. I'm also happy for the school and my teammates. There has been so much support for me through the years."
Despite Simms' efforts against St. Peter's, it was the Bosco ground game - spearheaded by freshman Tony Jones and junior Guy Germinario - that proved to be the difference.
"Going into the game, we felt we could run the ball on them," Simms said. "We thought the initial weather forecast (rain and high winds) would help us as well. Our offensive line pounded them all night, and they did a great job for us all season."
Even though his season ended on a high note, Simms' year nearly was shattered in the opening week of the season. Against highly-touted St. Joseph's Prep from the greater Philadelphia area, Simms and his teammates were struggling throughout the first half. He suffered a separated left shoulder when he was driven to the ground on a sack.
Through the pain, Simms completed 11 of 14 passes in the second half and led his team to a comeback victory. It would set the tone for a season driven by pride and determination.
"He has really matured and we knew he would be ready," said Bosco offensive coordinator and quarterback guru Nunzio Campanile, who also worked with Teel. "His game became more precise and consistent this season. (Simms) has all the tools. We have had some good quarterbacks here, and he is near the top."
"He's a tough kid and no one works harder," added Bosco head coach Greg Toal. "He knows it's a 12-month season, and he is always looking ahead. He has a 12-month attitude as well. We'll miss him, but he is definitely ready for the next level."
The nationally-ranked Louisville Cardinals will definitely welcome him.
