Ironmen, Paladins Showdown Friday Night

Friday night, the undefeated Paramus Catholic Paladins will face the Don Bosco Prep Ironmen in what could be a game-changing season match-up. While kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Granatell Stadium in Ramsey, MSG Varsity will be airing the game live as part of their Friday Night Football, schedule on Optimum TV Channel 14.

“It’s one of our goals to bring viewers what we anticipate will be some of the most exciting games,” said Michael Lardner, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President, MSG Varsity, “Paramus Catholic and Don Bosco Prep are two of the top ranked teams in New Jersey, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how this match-up plays out.”

This is the first time Paramus Catholic will face Don Bosco Prep since acquiring two of its star players, Jabrill Peppers and Keyon Washington. Peppers, who split time as a corner back and running back at Don Bosco Prep, was recognized as the U.S. Air Force National Freshman Player of the Year and National Sophomore Player of the Year for the past two years.

The last time the Paladins won over Don Bosco was in 1999 in a 14-9 victory at the start of Bosco head coach Greg Toal's career. Since then the Ironmen have won 12 straight games against Paramus Catholic, allowing just 40 points and scoring between 31 and 62.

The Ironmen

Bosco is 4-1 after their 44-0 trouncing of Fair Lawn on Oct. 5. The Ironmen are currently on a four-game winning streak after dropping their season opener 13-6 to Gilman and then rebounding in their 20-10 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas. Don Bosco also picked up a 62-14 win against DePaul and a 52-24 dynamic victory two weeks ago against Alta High School in Utah.

Bosco's signal caller Frank Nutile has thrown a handful of touchdowns as the Ironmen focus on their run game. 

Elijah Hanks and Isaiah Hill are tied for bringing in 18 points so far this season for the Ironmen, with Cameron Baels on their heels with 16 points. Daivon Ellison and Spencer Scanneli will also see time on the receiving end with six points each to date. Baels also serves time as the Ironman's kicker with seven extra points and is one for three in field goals.

The Paladins

As of Oct. 3, the Paladins were undefeated, sitting at 4-0 with huge wins over Delbarton (36-23), DePaul (35-12), Demarest (54-7) and Ridgewood (42-10). The black and gold squad had last week off and are well rested heading into Friday night's match with the Ironmen. But with all that time off, the main question will be if all the extra rest winds up hurting the Paladins since their romp over Ridgewood two weeks ago.

Paramus Catholic signal caller Steve Shanley is currently 46 for 73 in passes for 849 yards and nine touchdowns. Former Don Bosco standout Jabrill Peppers who transferred to PC last winter has carried 36 times for 365 yards, six catches for 127 yards and nine touchdowns overall.

Keyon Washington has 38 carries for 282 yards and 13 catches for 234 years with four touchdowns. Najee Clayton is leading with 14 receptions and 208 yards for three touchdowns. Marquise Watson is leading the defense with 31 tackles followed by Nicholas Flores' 22.