Another Simms moves into high school spotlight

Don Bosco Prep is the latest Garden State football team to win with a Matt Simms.

Matt Simms, son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms and younger brother of Chris Simms, now with Tampa Bay, made his varsity quarterbacking debut for Don Bosco Prep over the weekend. Matt Simms, a sophomore, made a strong showing completing 7-of-14 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in leading the top-ranked team in the state to a 20-3 win over St. Anthony of South Huntington, New York.

Matt Simms admitted to having some jitters early on though he quickly showed some of the same poise of his more famous family members.

?After I got hit I knew that I was going to be okay,? Simms told the Newark Star-Ledger. ?Coach (Greg) Toal wanted to break me in slowly and not take many chances with me. I just did what I could do.?

As did his teammates, who have rolled up 25 consecutive wins, the longest current streak in the state. The juggernaut got rolling quickly, even against the highly-regarded Friars, a perennial power in the neighboring state, who enjoyed home field advantage in the contest.

Matt Simms and company settled in quickly, however, as the young signal-caller hit Jay McCahill on a screen pass that went 60 yards for a score. Later in the opening quarter, Joe Marcoux nailed a 39-yard field goal after a Tom Mele interception, propelling Bosco to a 10-0 lead.

Although Ray Vlacancich helped the Friars cut into the lead with a 27-yard field goal in the second quarter, Matt Simms went to work again, connecting with Ryan Lindsay on a 28-yard scoring strike that essentially put the game out of reach.

That?s because Bosco?s defense was stellar, holding its foe to just 121 total yards. Darius Mann collected 11 tackles from his outside linebacker spot and defensive tackle John Reznik added eight stops.

Prep coach Greg Toal appreciated the work of his defense and his new quarterback, who hopes to make special memories like his dad made with the New York Giants and his sibling enjoyed at Ramapo High. I though Matt played a good game and handled himself well,? Toal said.

PHILLIPSBURG POWERFUL IN OPENER: Another team expected to battle for state supremacy is Phillipsburg, which opened its campaign with an impressive 25-7 conquest of Northampton.

Scott Kish hit on 7-of-16 passes for 136 yards and rushed for 56 yards on nine carries, including a key quarterback draw he carried for 14 yards. Tailback Justin Gaymon was also solid for the victors, powering up 94 yards on 20 carries, including a one-yard scoring romp.

Although several players cramped up in the second half for Phillipsburg, it still handily won the opening game of its 100th season, which it celebrated with pre-game festivities. "All the cramping got us out of our rhythm," Phillipsburg coach Phil Rohm told the Star-Ledger. "I think we have to sharpen up our pass protection a bit, but we did what we had to do."