Football can be a game of inches. Or in the case of Paramus Catholic's heart-stopping state playoff win over Don Bosco Prep, a game of feet.

The Ironmen's attempt at a game-winning field goal on the final play sailed just a few feet wide right, giving Paramus Catholic a 21-20 triumph. The Paladins' first win over Don Bosco since 1999 sends them into the Non-Public Group IV state final for the second year in a row.

Steve Shanley's touchdown pass to Dejon Harrison with just under three minutes to play was the winning score. Earlier in that drive, Harrison made a leaping grab of a Shanley pass on fourth down to keep the Paladins' hopes alive.

Don Bosco would move downfield, aided by two pass interference calls, to set up a 41-yard attempt for Cameron Baels. But after Paramus Catholic called two timeouts, the kick drifted wide, setting off a mad celebration by the Paladins on their home field.

Jabrill Peppers gave Paramus Catholic a huge start, returning the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. Later in the first quarter, Peppers caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Shanley, and the Paladins led 14-3 at the half.

Don Bosco's offense came alive in the third quarter with Frank Nutile under center. Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks capped one drive with a touchdown run, then Nutile threw a 72-yard bomb to Daivon Ellison to put Bosco ahead for the first time.

A Baels field goal early in the final quarter extended that lead to 20-14, but Paramus Catholic answered with a clutch drive that included two fourth-down conversions and concluded with Shanley's 10-yard TD toss to Harrison.

Don Bosco falls to 6-4 on the season, with a Thanksgiving Day game yet to play against undefeated St. Joe's of Montvale.

Paramus Catholic is 9-2 and takes on St. Peter's Prep in the Group IV state final, likely at MetLife Stadium on December 6th or 7th.

For sports video highlights of this tremendous New Jersey state football playoff game, click play in the box at left.