Reporter: Isaiah Rosario
The early-season team preview for Don Bosco Prep can be described as dominant. The current number one team in New Jersey, according to MaxPreps, started off their 2026 season with two back-to-back 38-14 wins against non-New Jersey schools. The Ironmen opened their play against fellow New Jersey school Pope John with a dominant 42-0 win. In these three wins, the Ironmen have outscored opponents by 90 points. They will look to continue their dominant play against Paramus Catholic this Friday at 7 p.m.
The Ironmen maintain a dominant roster year after year, and this year is no different. The Don Bosco class of 2027 maintains consistent power-conference-level talent. Aidan O’Neil is a current Notre Dame commit, and Mikahi Allen is a Texas A&M commit. O’Neil is currently the third-ranked prospect in NJ in the class of 2027, and right behind him is Allen, who is the fourth-ranked prospect in the class. Wide receiver and Rutgers commit Isaiah Alvarez, and tight end and Texas commit JT Geraci, round out Don Bosco players who are currently ranked in the top 50 in the class of 2027, per 247Sports.
You cannot speak about the success of Don Bosco this season without talking about the jump that Ca’si Thomas has taken this year. In his sophomore year, he averaged 41.9 yards per game, and now in his junior year he is averaging 104.7 yards per game, which is over a 60-yard-per-game increase. Thomas already has six total TDs on the year, only three games into the season, and is on the verge of a major breakout season.
A key storyline to follow throughout the season is whether Don Bosco will be able to rebound following the 24-21 loss to St. Joseph Regional in the Non-Public A Championship. The Ironmen had a comeback in the second half, down by ten, and scored a key touchdown in the fourth, but were unable to convert a fourth down late that led to St. Joseph’s lifting the trophy.
When you look at the remaining schedule for Don Bosco, their schedule is certainly no cakewalk, as they must face off against St. Joseph, Bergen Catholic and St. Peter’s Prep within the next five weeks. That five-week stretch for the Ironmen, which features three of the other top four teams in the state of New Jersey, would certainly prove who this Don Bosco Prep team is as they hunt for their first state title since 2015.
