By, Kyle Alves-Ferreira
RAMSEY, NJ – The #3 ranked Don Bosco Prep Ironmen (2-3) were no match against the Iona Prep (NY) Gaels (3-0) Thursday, falling 10-4 at home.
The start of the 2026 season for the Ironmen has been one that has challenged them to perform at a high level. Look at their previous week of contests for example when they faced national powerhouse Chaminade (NY) and one of the Garden State’s best in Delbarton.
Following a tough loss to the Green Wave, the Ironmen responded greatly on Tuesday with a 8-3 victory at Ramapo. Back home at Granatell Stadium Thursday night, Don Bosco welcomed the Gaels out of New Rochelle, New York for a massive NJ-NY battle.
Just like the Ironmen, the Gaels feature many outstanding athletes who are poised to be successful at the next level. This includes midfielder and North Carolina commit Timmy Plunkett, a five-star recruit in the class of 2026 according to Inside Lacrosse. The future Tar Heel proved why he deserved that rating against one of New Jersey’s best teams.
Off a two goal performance against Wilton (CT) Tuesday, Plunkett dazzled against a talented defense like the Ironmen.
With Iona Prep up 2-0 after the first quarter thanks to two goals from Billy Haggerty, Plunkett got to work. The senior’s first goal of the night came at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter to put the Gaels up 3-0. Later in the quarter, Plunkett extended the Gaels’ lead to four to make it 4-0 with 1:36 remaining in the first half.
The scoring continued for Plunkett as his third goal at the 9:30 mark of the third quarter earned him a hat trick. Plunkett would then add two more goals to his name late in the same quarter and early in the fourth.
Plunkett’s performance Thursday showcased what he is capable of against major competition. It’s a reason why the coaches in Chapel Hill are excited for a player of his caliber.
Furthermore, the Gaels possess a leader who recognized his teammates postgame.
“We had a gameplan coming into this game, stay patient, stay disciplined, there’s no shot clock, keep the ball on our side and let them make a mistake,” a well-spoken Plunkett said postgame. “Don Bosco is a fantastic team so we knew we had to play our game. There were just opportunities where there was picks and there were just openings for me to get to the net and I knew I had to take those opportunities and we played team ball so the ball was swinging so that just gave me opportunities to get some goals tonight. But, it was a team performance all together.”
“We don’t go anywhere without him,” Iona Prep’s acting head coach Nick Trizano said about Plunkett after the game. “When he leads this team we’re a really good team.”
For Don Bosco, it was a tough performance for a squad known for winning tough battles. The Ironmen looked out of sync and thanks to Iona Prep controlling possession, Don Bosco failed to generate scoring opportunities, especially in the first half.
Despite getting shutout in the first half, the Ironmen rebound somewhat in the second half. This was especially true when they scored three goals in the fourth quarter.
Now facing a losing record through five games, the Ironmen have to figure out their defensive woes, especially against elite competition. With the likes of IMG Academy (FL), St. Anthony’s (NY), Northern Highlands, and Chatham all to follow, Don Bosco needs to adjust quickly.
