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AFM Magazine


AFM’s National and Regional High School Coaches of the Year

by: Rex Lardner
Editor American Football Monthly
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Greg Toal, Head Coach of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ, was having success a few years ago with a program that continually ranked among the top high school teams in the state. They were beginning to surpass perennial powers St. Joe’s Regional, Bergen Catholic, and St. Peter’s Prep as the best team in the New Jersey. But he wanted to take DBP to another level.
Toal knew the Ironmen could compete with the best teams in New Jersey but he wanted to see how they would fare on a national basis. “First and foremost, I’m a competitor and will never shy away from any level of competition,” said Toal. “I wanted to play a game on a national level for years but rules had prevented it. Last year we were finally able to schedule an intersectional game.”
He did so by helping to put together a national high school game of the week with Northern California powerhouse, De La Salle, in early 2008. Toal’s thought was that De La Salle was recognized as arguably the pre-eminent program in America and would be the perfect test for Don Bosco. The Spartans, between 1991 and 2004, had won a historic 151 straight games. DBP made their signature mark that day, defeating De La Salle, 23-21.
“When I look back on our proudest moments, this game comes directly to mind,” said Toal. “It was a great effort and solidified our team as a national contender. To beat them on their home field – where they hardly ever lose – was a tremendous moment for our program.” Toal went one step further this past year: besides hosting De La Salle for the back end of the home-and-home series, DBP traveled to Alabama to play Prattville High School, a pre-season top ten national team.
The Don Bosco Prep Ironmen won both games, trouncing De La Salle 30-6 and defeating Prattville, 35-24. DBP went on to an undefeated season, finished 12-0 and beat St. Peter’s Prep in the Non-Public, Group 4 Championship game, 35-15. It was their fourth consecutive championship.
Greg Toal, at 56, is becoming a high school legend. Consider the following on his resume:

• His overall record is 246-35-12 with 13 state titles, six at Don Bosco Prep.

• His record at DBP over the last decade:
116-10.

• Has won state titles at two different programs
before becoming the head man at DBP.

• He has sent over 50 players to major college
programs.

Toal grew up in Hasbrouck Heights and was mentored by his high school coach, Pete LaBarbiera. “He taught me the importance of discipline and a strong work ethic,” said Toal. “I try to instill both in every team I coach. I believe in toughness, competition, and always giving 100%. Nothing less is acceptable.”
His college days were at Virginia Tech where he played fullback. Toal’s coaching career began at Hasbrouck Heights and from there he coached at Fair Lawn and Bergen Catholic before becoming head coach at Saddle Brook. At Saddle Brook, his team got to the state championship game in his second season. Toal then went to River Dell where he won four division championships, two state titles, and had unbeaten teams in 1985 and 1987. Then, at Hackensack High School, Toal’s teams won five consecutive state championships, 1992-1996.
When Toal arrived at Don Bosco ten years ago, the program was struggling with limited interest in the sport. He came to DBP with the thought that it was the ultimate challenge. DBP won their first title under Toal in 2002 and now have won four straight championships.
Toal also has a reputation of being a legendary motivational speaker. Former players have been known to sneak into the Ironmen’s locker room at halftime to hear his halftime speech. Some of his players have also been known to hyperventilate after his pre-game talk.
Toal believes the difference in this year’s team were the seniors. “ To be successful, you have to have senior leadership,” said Toal. “ We had 32 seniors on this year’s team and it really made a difference.” Don Bosco Prep also won most of the games where it matters most: in the trenches. “We had a dominating D-line and it showed in every game we played,” said Toal.
“A perfect example was our game at Prattville. The humidity by late in the third quarter was almost unbearable. Our seniors rose to the occasion; we were down 24-23 late in the game and scored twice to win, 35-24. It was a great effort, especially by our entire senior class.”
Toal believes that there are three keys to having a consistently successful program: a stabilized staff of assistants, team chemistry, and an innate toughness. “Most of my assistants have been with me for awhile and that helps in the continuity of the program. All of the coaches continue to work on team chemistry and that means motivating players in different ways. It’s a work in progress as the season moves along. Some players need a pat on the back and others need daily discipline. But I think a team ultimately reflects the personality of the coaches. We believe you develop this innate toughness by discipline, hard work, and a strong work ethic. I think it shows in the attitude of the players.”
In the 11 years since Toal became head coach, Don Bosco’s enrollment has increased 50% while the exposure for the school is almost immeasurable. Recognized as one of the top high school programs in the country, DBP was the consensus #1 team in the final 2009 rankings of all the major national polls. It is the first time a New Jersey high school team finished on top of a national football ranking. Part of that ranking is based on their two national, intersectional games.
“I think playing national games is exciting and a great challenge for the kids. It’s something they’ll never forget. It also gives more national exposure to high schools. Basketball began playing national games before football but we’re starting to catch up. The fellowship, experience and challenge is certainly worth it.”
By the way, Don Bosco Prep is looking for some national match-ups next fall.






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