Analyzing KIAB Non-Public Award Winners

Keep It a Buck Podcast has established itself as the premier platform covering New Jersey high school football, building strong relationships with coaches across multiple conferences while also hosting events and tournaments that impact the state's football landscape. This season, the platform took another step forward by unveiling its own slate of award winners. In this article, we break down those selections, highlighting each player's skill set, on-field impact, and who they are as young men beyond the game.     NON-PUBLIC POY    [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey'] earned the Keep It a Buck Podcast's Non-Public Player of the Year, and the impact tells the full story.   Early in the season, Bailey battled an ankle injury. However, once he returned, St. Joe's transformed. The offense became more efficient. The scoring output increased. Most importantly, the Knights turned into a championship-level team.   Down the stretch, Bailey was the engine. Whether lining up in the Wildcat, at wide receiver, or in the backfield, simply getting the ball in his hands changed games. He brought versatility. He brought explosiveness. And when St. Joe's needed a play most, he delivered — including a touchdown in the Non-Public A state championship.   What sets Bailey apart is how directly his presence translated into wins. His return didn't just add production; it elevated everyone around him. That stretch run cemented St. Joe's title and validated his value.   As Bailey heads to Harvard, his skill set projects clearly. He's the type of do-it-all back who can impact games in multiple ways. Looking back, this championship run will stand as a defining chapter — and Bailey will go down as one of the most dynamic players in Super Conference history.    Co-Offensive POY    [player_tooltip player_id='212405' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] earned Co-Offensive Player of the Year, and his season fully justified the honor.   For much of the year, Bell had St. Peter's Prep operating like a well-oiled machine. Over 25 career starts, he rewrote parts of the program's record book, finishing with 55 career touchdowns—second all-time in school history—and 4,015 passing yards, which ranks fourth all-time.   However, the growth went beyond numbers. This season, Bell took a clear step forward as a leader. His poise under pressure improved, and that composure kept the offense efficient in big moments. As a result, St. Peter's Prep enjoyed one of its most productive offensive seasons in school history.   Physically, the tools have always been there. Bell has a big arm and can drive the ball downfield. When calm in the pocket, his deep-ball accuracy consistently showed up. That development didn't go unnoticed, as he ultimately flipped his commitment from UMass to the University of Delaware.   In every sense, Bell looked like a senior quarterback. He led. He produced. And he delivered when it mattered. The award simply capped a season that will be remembered as one of the most impactful quarterback runs in St. Peter's Prep history.      Co-Offensive POY    [player_tooltip player_id='412019' first='Trey' last='Tagliaferri'] put together a season that's hard to top, especially considering it was his first full year as a varsity starter. Arguably, no freshman quarterback in New Jersey had a bigger impact.   From the outset, Tagliaferri looked comfortable running the Bergen Catholic offense. He finished the season with over 2,200 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, showing efficiency, maturity, and command well beyond his years.   What separates him is the variety he brings to the position. He operates effectively from under center and the shotgun. He throws well on the move. He attacks every level of the field — outside the numbers, over the middle, and vertically. Moreover, when plays break down, he can buy time, extend drives, and use his legs to pick up first downs.   From a holistic standpoint, Tagliaferri is one of the most well-rounded quarterbacks in the state. The mental processing, physical tools, and poise are all evident on film. That said, the next area of growth is handling consistent pressure, particularly against aggressive defenses like Don Bosco's. Still, given that this was his first year starting, that development feels inevitable.   The award was well deserved. Tagliaferri already holds offers from Illinois, Ole Miss, and Rutgers, and with continued growth, that list is only expected to expand. Moving forward, his trajectory remains firmly upward.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My full sophomore season highlights. Thank you to my team this year and my coaches for helping us have a great season. I love this team and loved everyone on it. Thank you seniors for everything. 132/212 2238 yards 30 TDs 3 INTs<a href="https://twitter.com/bccoachvito?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bccoachvito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BergenCathFBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BergenCathFBall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Tonyrazz03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tonyrazz03</a>…— TreyQB (@TagliaferriTrey) <a href="https://twitter.com/TagliaferriTrey/status/1994566989789237448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote>    Co-Defensive Player of the Year    [player_tooltip player_id='991975' first='Tahj' last='Gray'] entered the season with significant hype. By year's end, he fully justified it on the field. This season marked the moment Gray separated himself as one of the top defensive players in the country and solidified his status as Prep Redzone's No. 1 linebacker.   What stands out immediately is his versatility. Gray seamlessly shifts between a stand-up edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker, impacting games from multiple alignments. That flexibility allows St. Joe's to deploy him where disruption is most needed.   The production followed. Gray finished the season with 102 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and five pass deflections. He combines length, athleticism, and burst, particularly when threatening the outside shoulder as a pass rusher. Just as important, his motor never stops. His effort shows up snap after snap, regardless of alignment or situation.   Moreover, Gray's impact directly translated to winning. His presence anchored a championship-level defense and played a major role in St. Joe's capture of the Non-Public A state title.   Heading into next season, Gray remains one of the premier defensive prospects in the nation. His recognition as Co-Defensive Player of the Year was well earned — and his trajectory continues to point upward.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Check out 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='991975' first='Tahj' last='Gray'] Full season Highlights!! 102 tackles 10.4 tackles for loss 4.0 sacks 5 pass deflections <a href="https://t.co/jmw8wV0lBa">https://t.co/jmw8wV0lBa</a>— Tahj “TJ” Gray (@TahjG17) <a href="https://twitter.com/TahjG17/status/1999168117306450234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>    Co-Defensive Player of the Year    [player_tooltip player_id='431426' first='Mikahi' last='Allen'] earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and the tape makes it obvious why. If you're looking for a linebacker who moves like a defensive back, Allen sets the standard.   At 6'3”, 227 pounds, Allen gives Don Bosco unmatched flexibility. He allows the defense to be multiple. He can play in the box. He can rush off the edge. And, just as importantly, he can run with wide receivers in coverage. That versatility alone separates him from most defenders in the country.   Statistically, the impact was clear. Allen helped anchor the No. 1 defense in New Jersey, finishing with 58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a defensive touchdown. However, the numbers only tell part of the story. His presence dictates protection schemes and forces offenses to constantly locate him before the snap.   Moreover, Allen is an effective blitzer with elite closing speed. When he's sent, he creates immediate havoc. When he's not, his range and instincts still disrupt timing and spacing. Simply put, if you lose track of him, he makes you pay.   That dominance has translated nationally. Allen recently competed in the Under Armour All-American Game, earned an offer from Georgia, and is set to visit Texas A&M. As his football IQ continues to rise, so does his ceiling.   Ultimately, Allen isn't just one of the most athletic defenders in the country — he's one of the most versatile. That combination makes him a true game-changer and one of the hottest defensive prospects in the current recruiting cycle.

Keep It a Buck Podcast has established itself as the premier platform covering New Jersey high school football, building strong relationships with coaches across multiple conferences while also hosting events and tournaments that impact the state's football landscape. This season, the platform took another step forward by unveiling its own slate of award winners. In this article, we break down those selections, highlighting each player's skill set, on-field impact, and who they are as young men beyond the game.