Don Bosco Prep's ticket to success this season will be one it has punched many times in the past: Physical defense and a tough offensive line.
Photo by Richard Ta
Has there been a more Jekyll and Hyde team in the country over the last few years than Don Bosco Prep?
Probably not.
The Ironmen have juxtaposed dominant, impressive victories (20-10 over St. Thomas Aquinas in 2012; 42-0 over St. Joseph's Prep and 28-21 over St. Joseph Regional in 2013) with some surprising defeats (13-6 loss to Gilman; 35-25 to an emerging DePaul squad).
While its talent level is not where it was from 2008-2012, this year's Don Bosco Prep squad seems to have the pieces in place to put together a consistent effort on both sides of the ball and capture another Non-Public Group IV state title.
The team's hallmark through the years, hard-nosed defense and superb offensive line play, should carry the Ironmen once again in 2014.
Nine starters return on the defensive side of the ball, including gigantic defensive tackle
Kevin Feder, who poses matchup issues against any offense. The Miami commit stands 6-foot-9 and tips the scales at 305 pounds.
Zack Chakonis, one of the state's top wrestlers, returns at defensive tackle in Don Bosco Prep's four-man front.
Brandon Simon, a talented junior who transferred from Paramus Catholic, looks like a Division I recruit at defensive end.
Anthony Malaguti, who transferred back from Bergen Catholic last season, is a powerful 6-3, 220-pound linebacker. Meanwhile, the secondary boasts
Daivon "Lucky" Ellison, one of the state's top cornerbacks, as well as
Lawrewce Stevens, another potential Division I recruit.
Feder will double as an offensive lineman, leading an otherwise inexperienced unit.
Malik Bakker is a shifty running back who should be primed for a very good junior season. He and other playmakers will need to step up for the team to reach its full potential. An extremely promising freshman class, highlighted by athlete
Berrell Neal, could help in that area.
However, the offense could live and die with new quarterback
Wes McKoy, a dynamic, dual-threat player who spent his junior season at Dwight Morrow.
A rematch with St. Thomas Aquinas will be a great measuring stick, but matchups with Fort Pierce Central and St. Joseph's Prep will also test the Ironmen before they do battle with fellow Garden State foes.
Kevin Feder is large and in charge for the Ironmen.
Photo by Richard Ta/IIIustration by Social Recluse Graphx
