Season 74 of Don Bosco Prep football will begin with the Ironmen on the road, but in a familiar spot.
The school released its official 2021 season schedule last week and it shows the Ironmen opening up against St. John’s College High School of Washington, D.C. on Friday, Aug. 27. While the two schools have not played in football before, St. John’s College is no stranger to North Jersey non-public powerhouses, having played (and defeated) St. Joseph Regional in 2016 and 2017.
In a strange 2021 twist, St. John’s College is actually playing a spring schedule right now, allowing coach Dan Sabella to see them up close.
“We played Gonzaga and they are in the same league, and watching them this spring, what jumps out at me is they have a big offensive line,” Sabella said. “They are big and physical and have good team speed. It will be a challenging start.”
Don Bosco dead coach Dan Sabella during pre game warm ups as Don Bosco goes against Bergen Catholic in high school football played in Oradell, NJ on November 14, 2020.
Don Bosco has played multiple games in Washington, D.C., including in 2019 (a loss to Gonzaga College High School) and in 2013 (a victory over Friendship Academy).
The Ironmen will face New York City power Christ the King on Labor Day weekend, with the game currently scheduled to be played at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at Granatell Stadium. The two schools have also never met. The Royals finished 7-3 in 2019.
“They are certainly one of the best teams in the area,” Sabella said. “They’re a tough, quality opponent and it’s a reasonable traveling move for both of us, so it just made sense.”
While the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has yet to approve out-of-state competition for fall sports, most schools are assuming it will do so. Sabella did note that the schedule could still change.
Don Bosco head coach Dan Sabela celebrates Don Bosco's win topping Bergen Catholic 21-20 in a dramatic comeback on the final play of the game at Bergen Catholic in Oradell, NJ on November 14, 2020.
Sabella also noted that former Don Bosco standout Leonte Carroo was expected to join the Ironmen coaching staff this fall. Sabella believes Carroo will work with the wide receivers, but stressed that former NFL star Nate Burleson is remaining an assistant in that capacity as well.
The Ironmen played a shortened season in 2020, finishing 2-3, but ended their season with a 21-20 win over Bergen Catholic.
The rematch of that game, which will also be the 75th meeting between the two schools, is slated for Sept. 24 in Ramsey.
2021 Don Bosco football schedule
Aug. 27: at St. John’s College, DC, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3: Christ The King, 6 p.m.
Sept. 11: at Seton Hall, 1 p.m.
Sept. 24: vs. Bergen Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct 1: vs. St. Peter's Prep, 7 p.m.
Oct 9: at Delbarton, 1 p.m.
Oct. 15: vs. DePaul, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23: at St. Joseph, 1 p.m.
Oct. 29: at Paramus Catholic, 7 p.m.
Darren Cooper is a high school sports columnist for NorthJersey.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis from our Varsity Aces team, subscribe today. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter and download our app.
Email: cooperd@northjersey.com
Twitter: @varsityaces