Israel Abrams plans to lead No. 4 Montini to a championship three-peat

Montini senior Israel Abrams is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, ranked among the top four by all the national recruiting services. He is also a top-tier talker, quick to turn a phrase that cries out for a headline:

‘‘We have one mentality, and that is to kill.’’

‘‘We are going to go 38-0, we will win three state titles and stamp our name in history.’’

‘‘I don’t have to worry about the guys on this team. The coaches stay locked in, and so do the guys. It is a well-oiled machine.’’

It is worth noting all the ‘‘wes’’ in those bold statements and all the team goals mentioned. Abrams, a Miami recruit, isn’t thinking about raising his profile a notch to be named the top quarterback in the country. He isn’t boasting about his five-star ranking. He is focused on winning.

‘‘He’s a coach’s dream,’’ Montini coach Mike Bukovsky said. ‘‘He loves to play the game. We’ve never had one instance or issue with him not wanting to practice or anything like that. He always loves to compete, to challenge himself and to be challenged.’’

Abrams is 6-4 and nearing 200 pounds. Bukovsky is thrilled with the weight and muscle Abrams added during the offseason after he threw for 4,072 yards and led the Broncos to an undefeated season and the Class 4A state title in 2025. Abrams was 233-for-340 with 40 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He also scored 10 rushing TDs.

‘‘[Abrams] is detailed in how he attacks things,’’ Bukovsky said. ‘‘He is always interested in that aspect of the game, watching film and studying. That is the backbone of his character. And his arm might be even stronger than last year.’’

Seniors Luca Florio, Damacio Ortegon and Johnny Neustadt return, and Donovan Evans transferred in from St. Rita. Bukovsky says it is the best corps of wide receivers in school history.

‘‘They are going to be looking to eat, and I am going to get the ball to them,’’ Abrams said.

Montini, which is ranked No. 4 in the preseason Super 25, has won 24 consecutive games. Abrams took over the starting job during his sophomore year and led the Broncos to the Class 3A title. Seven starters return on offense and five on defense from the Class 4A championship team last season.

‘‘The only negative with us this year is we aren’t a super-deep team,’’ Bukovsky said. ‘‘But that’s natural for a school our size. Five hundred twenty-five kids. And that is coed. We are always going to be chasing depth a little bit.’’

Starting offensive linemen Michael Lombardo (6-1, 280 pounds), Hunter Mancione (6-5, 265) and Gavin Ericson-Staton (6-6, 285) return. Highly recruited sophomore Blake Pohlman (6-3, 215) leads the defensive line with seniors Johnny Louise (6-2, 225) and Namari Anderson (6-3, 380).

‘‘When your top player shows up mentally and physically prepared to practice every day, that goes a long way,’’ Bukovsky said. ‘‘[Abrams] is motivated by winning. How many state championships did all of the state’s phenomenal superstar QBs win over the last decade or so? [Abrams] is probably at the top of the list.’’