By Zach Reagan SJP '23
Photos & Video by Anthony Salvato SJP '23
RAMSEY, NJ--Over the last 10 years or so, the Saint Joseph’s Prep (SJP) football program has blossomed into a nationally ranked powerhouse; rarely even contended against in their home state of Pennsylvania. This year the Hawks close out their initial national game schedule on a three-game win streak after falling to IMG to start their season. Now weeks removed from that defensive thriller, the Prep took on Don Bosco on their home turf in New Jersey. The game did not disappoint with the Hawks taking the 28-7 victory.
The game began quickly, when the Hawks drove down field thanks to big first down plays from senior receivers David Washington and Elijah Jones. After a small SJP penalty, senior quarterback Samaj Jones hucked the ball 30 yards downfield to his last senior receiver, Brandon Rehmann. Despite being in double coverage, Rehmann made a spectacular jumping grab to put the Hawks on the board early.
The Prep’s next drive wasn’t quite up to snuff and they had to punt. Don Bosco knew they needed to take advantage of their good field positioning after the punt came up short, and they did. By making a slow, methodical drive, perpetuated mainly by their rushing attack and runningback Logan Bush. Bush was able to score from three yards out, evening out the score to seven in the first quarter but the Prep was aiming to come out hot in their next drive.
And coming out hot they did…
The first big play of the drive was a 35-yard run from junior running back Isaiah West, then a 20-yard run from senior running back Kahseim Phillips. Capping off the drive was a ten yard catch from Elijah Jones a standard procedure as far as most possessions go for the Hawks. In the second quarter, aided by a missed 4th down conversion by Don Bosco, the SJP would go up 21-7, giving Elijah Jones his second touchdown on the day. In his best performance of the year, he went straight to crediting his coaches.
“The coverages are what we saw in film, and our play calling from our coaches was great. We had to make plays when our number is called, and that’s exactly what we do,” said Jones.
SJP Senior wide receiver Elijah Jones had 4 catches, 80 yds and 2 TD's in Game vs. Don Bosco. (Video/ Anthony Salvato)
SJP rusher Ivan Bailey Greene praised teammates for all-around effort contributing to win on the field. (Video/ Anthony Salvato)
The playmaking didn’t just come from the offensive end, but the defense showed up as well.
In the second half first-year starter Alex Haskell and junior edge rusher Ivan Bailey-Greene made a huge stop on 4th down to prevent the Iron Men from putting any more points on the board. They didn’t stop there, when in the third quarter senior edge rusher Sean McNulty scored off an interception.
Despite the win, head coach Tim Roken knew future improvements had to be made and not being known to sugarcoat his team’s performance, he acknowledged the challenges in the game.
“At times we showed inconsistency tonight in all three phases of the game. We gotta cut down the penalties, the negative yardage plays on offense and big plays [for the opponent] on defense. But overall, it’s a team victory and we’ll get back to work tomorrow.”
The Hawks are on a bye this weekend. They will start league play against Archbishop Wood on Saturday, September 30.
