NJSIAA Non-Public Group A Final Recap: St. Joseph (Mont.) vs. Don Bosco Prep
What a championship battle we witnessed in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group A Final! St. Joseph (Montclair) pulled off a thrilling 24-21 victory over Don Bosco Prep in a game that had everything – explosive plays, clutch performances, and championship-level intensity that every young athlete dreams of competing in.
This wasn’t just another high school football game. This was a masterclass in resilience, execution, and what it takes to win when the stakes are highest. For youth players watching from the stands or following along, this game showcased exactly why football is the ultimate team sport.
First Quarter: Setting the Stage
Don Bosco Prep came out firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Carson Schoen found his rhythm early, connecting with Isaiah Alvarez on a spectacular 50-yard touchdown bomb that sent their sideline into a frenzy. The extra point from John Devir made it 7-0, and suddenly the Ironmen looked like they were ready to run away with this championship.
But champions don’t fold under pressure. St. Joseph (Mont.) answered right back with their own explosive play. Quarterback Lamar Best showed ice-cold composure, finding Stalin Knowlden streaking down the field for a 38-yard touchdown strike. Kyle Salinas nailed the extra point, and just like that, we had ourselves a 7-7 tie.
The first quarter alone demonstrated two crucial lessons every youth player should absorb: first, explosive plays can change momentum in an instant, and second, how you respond to adversity often determines the outcome of the game.
Second Quarter: Don Bosco’s Air Attack
Don Bosco Prep’s passing game continued to click in the second quarter. Schoen, who would finish with an impressive 193 yards through the air on 12-of-25 passing, found another big-play target in Zakai Murphy. This time it was a 40-yard touchdown connection that showcased the kind of precision and timing that championship teams execute under pressure.
With Devir’s extra point, Don Bosco had regained the lead at 14-7. Their aerial attack was looking unstoppable, with receivers creating separation and Schoen delivering strikes when it mattered most.
St. Joseph (Mont.) couldn’t find the end zone on their next drive, but they showed championship poise by not panicking. Instead, they methodically moved the ball into field goal range, where Kyle Salinas connected on a 19-yard field goal. Heading into halftime at 14-10, the Green Knights had kept themselves within striking distance.
For young kickers watching this game, Salinas provided a perfect example of why special teams matter. That three-point swing kept momentum alive and set up everything that would unfold in the second half.
Third Quarter: The Championship Turnaround
The third quarter was pure magic for St. Joseph (Mont.), and it’s where this championship was truly won. Sometimes in football, everything clicks at once – and that’s exactly what happened for the Green Knights coming out of halftime.
Nathan Bailey exploded through the Don Bosco defense for a 35-yard touchdown run that brought the crowd to their feet. Bailey, who finished with 50 rushing yards on just 10 carries, showed the kind of breakaway speed that changes games. Salinas added the extra point, and suddenly St. Joseph had their first lead of the game at 17-14.
But they weren’t done. Just minutes later, quarterback Lamar Best punched in a 10-yard touchdown run that demonstrated his dual-threat capability. Best finished the game with 35 rushing yards on 10 carries to go along with his 88 passing yards, proving that championship quarterbacks need to beat you with both their arm and their legs.
With Salinas adding another extra point, St. Joseph (Mont.) had scored 14 unanswered points and taken a commanding 24-14 lead. In just one quarter, they had completely flipped the script on this championship game.
Fourth Quarter: Championship Composure
Don Bosco Prep wasn’t going to give up their championship dreams without a fight. The Ironmen mounted one final drive, with Dante DeLuca punching in a 3-yard touchdown run that brought them back within three points at 24-21.
DeLuca, who led Don Bosco’s ground game with 79 rushing yards on 19 carries, showed the kind of grinding, physical running that wears down defenses. His touchdown gave the Ironmen life and set up a tense final few minutes that had both sidelines on edge.
But here’s where St. Joseph (Mont.) showed true championship character. Instead of playing not to lose, they continued to play aggressive, smart football. Their defense stepped up when it mattered most, and their offense controlled the clock to perfection.
Statistical Breakdown: Tale of Two Game Plans
The numbers tell the story of two completely different approaches to winning football games. Don Bosco Prep relied heavily on their passing attack, with Schoen’s 193 yards through the air carrying their offensive production. The Ironmen completed 12 of 25 passes with no interceptions, showing excellent ball security in the championship spotlight.
Their receiving corps was balanced and explosive. Isaiah Alvarez caught 3 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, while Zakai Murphy hauled in 5 receptions for 72 yards and a score. This kind of balanced attack is exactly what youth coaches should emphasize – multiple weapons that defenses can’t key on.
St. Joseph (Mont.) took a more balanced approach that proved championship-worthy. Lamar Best managed the game beautifully, completing 10 of 15 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. His 66.7% completion percentage showed the kind of accuracy and decision-making that wins titles.
But the Green Knights’ real strength was their rushing attack, which accumulated 106 yards on 33 carries. That’s over 3 yards per carry against a championship-level defense, with multiple contributors making impacts. Nathan Bailey’s 50 yards on 10 attempts provided the big-play element, while Best’s 35 yards showed his ability to extend plays and create rushing lanes.
Special Teams and Defense: The Unsung Heroes
Championship games are often decided in the margins, and this game was no exception. Kyle Salinas was absolutely clutch for St. Joseph (Mont.), converting all three extra point attempts and nailing a crucial 19-yard field goal that kept them within range during the second quarter.
For young players, Salinas demonstrated why special teams practice matters just as much as offensive and defensive drills. Championships aren’t just won by skill position players – they’re won by complete teams that execute in all three phases.
The defensive statistics show two units that made big plays when needed. Don Bosco Prep’s defense recorded 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, showing their ability to create negative plays. Meanwhile, St. Joseph (Mont.) forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2 of them, creating crucial short-field opportunities that championship teams capitalize on.
Lessons for Young Athletes
This championship game showcased several key principles that every youth football player should internalize:
Resilience Wins Championships: St. Joseph (Mont.) never panicked when they fell behind 14-7. Instead, they stayed patient, executed their game plan, and made halftime adjustments that completely changed the game’s trajectory.
Balanced Attacks Are Harder to Stop: While Don Bosco’s passing game was explosive, St. Joseph’s ability to hurt teams both through the air and on the ground ultimately proved more difficult to defend over four quarters.
Every Phase Matters: Special teams and defense weren’t afterthoughts in this game – they were difference-makers that directly contributed to the final outcome.
Preparation Shows Up in Big Moments: Both teams executed complex plays under championship pressure because they had prepared for these moments all season long.
Championship DNA on Display
What made this game special wasn’t just the final score – it was watching two well-coached teams execute at the highest level when everything was on the line. Both St. Joseph (Mont.) and Don Bosco Prep showed the kind of preparation, execution, and mental toughness that defines championship-caliber programs.
For coaches watching this game, both teams provided excellent examples of game management. Don Bosco Prep’s willingness to attack vertically in the passing game created explosive opportunities, while St. Joseph’s balanced approach and strong running game controlled the clock when they needed to protect their lead.
The Green Knights’ third-quarter explosion demonstrated the importance of halftime adjustments and coming out strong in the second half. Their ability to score 14 unanswered points when the championship was on the line showed championship composure that every youth team should strive for.
Building Champions at Every Level
Games like this NJSIAA Non-Public Group A Final remind us why youth football matters so much. These players didn’t become championship-caliber overnight – they developed these skills through years of dedicated practice, coaching, and competition at every level.
At Boardwalk Beasts Football Club, we see this same championship potential in our youth athletes every single day. The fundamentals displayed in this game – accurate passing, decisive running, solid special teams play, and opportunistic defense – are exactly what we emphasize in our training programs.
Whether you’re just starting your football journey or working toward your own championship moments, this game showed that success comes from preparation, teamwork, and never giving up when the pressure is on. St. Joseph (Mont.)’s comeback victory proves that championships aren’t won by the team that plays best for one quarter – they’re won by the team that executes when it matters most.
Congratulations to St. Joseph (Mont.) on their NJSIAA Non-Public Group A championship, and to Don Bosco Prep for an incredible season that came down to the final minutes. This is the kind of football that inspires the next generation of champions.
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