RivalsHigh 100 | Vote: Biggest game this weekend? | High School Network

Adam Zagoria
Special to Rivals High

Like two heavyweight boxers trying to make a championship fight, Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep and Concord (Calif.) De La Salle High School have been working to set up a football game on and off for the past five years.

The showdown will finally take place Saturday night when De La Salle (2-0), No. 15 in the RivalsHigh 100, plays host to No. 29 Bosco (1-1) in a nationally televised game on ESPNU.

Between them, the programs have combined to win 23 state championships.

"Obviously, we're looking forward to this game," Bosco coach Greg Toal said. "It's going to be a great challenge for us. Anytime you get an opportunity to play a class program like De La Salle, it's obviously very exciting."

Rust on the Ironmen?

Don Bosco was able to rebound from a disappointing loss to St. Xavier (Ohio) but now they are down several key members, like running back Greg Jones and wide receiver Jimmy Clark.

"There are some alums that live in California, there are some people that have work relationships out there," Campanile said. "We could possibly get even more. There are a lot of alumni that are really interested in the game. They're excited about it."

The Spartans are coming off a 27-21 victory at Loyola (Calif.) but actually dropped six spots in the RivalsHigh 100 poll because of the close victory. The Ironmen rebounded from an opening-day loss at current No. 64 St. Xavier (Ohio) by trouncing Valley Forge (Pa.), 51-0.

Bosco enters the game with two significant injuries. Junior running back Tony Jones, who holds a scholarship offer from Boston College, is out for up to six weeks after breaking his collarbone against Valley Forge. Bosco coaches hope Jones can return in time for the Bergen Catholic game Nov. 1. Wide receiver Jimmy Clark is also out at least two weeks with a separated shoulder. Those injuries likely mean more touches for Dillon Romain, Chris Burrell and T.J. Franzese.

Senior quarterback Brett Knief rebounded from the St. Xavier game by completing 11 of 20 throws for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Valley Forge. He also had two interceptions.

"Hopefully, we come out and play the way we're capable of playing," Toal said. "That's what we're looking forward to. Unfortunately, we've got a couple of injuries. But that's part of the game. We sure ain't going to make any excuses, so we're going to go out there and lay it on the line. Whatever happens, happens."

De La Salle established national prominence by winning 151 consecutive games between 1992-2003. When the NFL season began, there were five former De La Salle players in the league.

Junior quarterback Blake Wayne was instrumental in the win over Loyola. With 2:46 left to play, Wayne had a 1-yard TD run and added the two-point conversion for the 27-21 victory.

"He actually reminds me a lot of our quarterback, Brett," Campanile said. "Very good athlete. He can run and throw. He's a threat on every play."

The Spartans also feature University of Arizona-bound tailback Kylan Butler, the 59th-best prospect in California, as well as a senior receiving corps of Noah Perio, Jackson Bouza, Justin Clapp, Michael Dosen and Blair Wishom.

"I have a lot of my kids back in the skill spots," De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur told GOAZCATS.com before the season. "I have the best wide receivers that I ever remember coaching at this school."

Don Bosco has a lot of respect for the opponent it's facing this week.

"We've got to sustain a tempo for four quarters," Toal said. "They play at a great tempo and we've got to be able to match them."

Game of the Week: No. 15 De La Salle Spartans vs No. 29 Don Bosco Prep Ironmen
KEY TO THE GAME: De La Salle Spartans
De La Salle	The offense: The Spartans haven't exactly blown opponents away so far this year, winning two games by a combined nine points. In the Ironmen, De La Salle is facing a defense that blanked Valley Forge (Pa.), 51-0, a week ago. Last year, Bosco allowed opponents to score in double digits in just four of its 12 games.
KEY TO THE GAME: Don Bosco Prep Ironmen
Don Bosco	The Bosco running game: With speedy junior Tony Jones of Paterson, N.J., out for six weeks with a broken collarbone, the Ironmen lose one of their most potent offensive weapons. Dillon Romain, Chris Burrell and T.J. Franzese - as well as senior quarterback Brett Knief - will all have to pick up the slack in his stead.
Note: Playing on the big stage
Saturday night, under the lights on ESPNU ? it doesn't get much bigger than this at the high school level. Who will flinch? Who will rise to the occasion? If Bosco can pull off the "upset" on this grand stage, it will rank as one of the biggest wins in program history for a team that already owns 10 state championships and a 24-game winning streak.