Don Bosco Prep had a hard time getting the St. Peter's Prep offense off the field in their regular-season football finale. But when presented with a chance, the Ironmen found a way to take full advantage.

A pair of defensive touchdowns proved to be the difference as Don Bosco scored a 28-20 triumph at Caven Point in Jersey City. Wankeith Akin had an interception return for a score, and Marcellus Earlington ran back a fumble.

It was Earlington's scoop-and-score that proved to be the critical play. St. Peter's was driving for a go-ahead touchdown when a shotgun snap went over the head of the Marauders' quarterback. Earlington grabbed the ball and raced 62 yards the other way to put Don Bosco ahead.

St. Peter's would pull within one point when Johnathan Lewis, the star quarterback who was originally expected to sit out this game, ran 24 yards for a touchdown. The Marauders missed a two-point conversion try, however.

Then after a failed onside kick, Don Bosco essentially put the game away on Jalen Berger's 51-yard touchdown run. It was the only offensive score for the Ironmen other than a touchdown pass from Tommy DeVito to Tommy Courtney on their opening drive.

St. Peter's dominated both time of possession and offensive yardage, putting together a series of long drives behind a powerful running game. Damion Abrams led the way with 29 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Backup quarterback Maasai Maynor threw for 153 yards and ran for 65 before being shaken up on Earlington's touchdown, prompting Lewis to come into the game.

Overall, St. Peter's had more than 450 total yards of offense, but the two turnovers proved very costly.

Berger had 105 rushing yards for Don Bosco, which finishes the regular season 5-4 and shares the North Jersey Super Football Conference's United Red Division title. The Ironmen will be the fourth seed in the upcoming Non-Public Group IV state playoffs.

St. Peter's falls to 6-3, and will be the third seed in the same state playoff bracket.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey and NJSFC high school football game, click play in the box at left.