High School Football: Matt Simms Continues the Simms Football Legacy

Step aside Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning, there is a new quarterback dynasty forming in football, the Matt Simms. Following in the footsteps of his Super Bowl winning father, and NFL starter older brother, Matt Simms is among the most highly regarded high school prospects that will be entering college later this year. Following a brilliant and prolific career at Don Bosco Prep School in Ramsey New Jersey, a school highly regarded for his powerhouse football program, Matt Simms earned a scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he will get a chance to continue the Matt Simms legacy.

Though he is at times remembered for the two State titles he lost, the three year starter won 32 games for Don Bosco during his prep career, while accounting for over 6,000 yards passing and 60 touchdowns. He went on to win All-State honors and was named a High School All-American in the process.

The highly competitive and at times emotional Matt Simms is also known for his toughness. Matt led his team on an amazing come from behind victory against St. Joseph in the 2006 season opener while playing with a separated shoulder. His high school coach Greg Toal has praise the younger Matt Simms for his dedication to the game noting that his star quarterback works on football all 12 months out of the year. His offensive coordinator has also been quick to point out that Matt Simms demonstrated the precise passing and consistency of his famous father.

Still, coming into this season there were questions surrounding Matt's ability to perform in a big game. In 2005 Don Bosco finished 11-1, with its only loss coming in the State championship final. In that game Matt Simms threw the ball away twice and was unable to get his team into the end zone in the second half. Don Bosco, which had been favored, was left with a 15-22 defeat at the hands of St. Peters.

This year with over 16,000 fans watching at his dad's old stomping grounds, Giant Stadium, Matt Simms led his school to a State finals victory against their old nemesis St. Peters. On a cold, windy night not made for passing, Don Bosco totally route their opponents 41-0. While a lot of the success that night could be attributed to the Prep school's running attack, Matt Simms turned in a flawless performance, the type of championship performance worthy of his famous name.