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Bergen Catholic's Kaj Sanders celebrates a touchdown. (Photo by Shaquan Woody - JSN)

Crusaders March Past Ironmen in Bergen County Football Rivalry

High School, Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, Featured, Football

September 24, 2023

The 79th rendition of New Jersey’s greatest high school rivalry saw recent history repeat itself, as Bergen Catholic marched north up Route 17 and into Granatell Stadium before steam rolling Bosco by a final score of 38-15. The hype and build up of the annual clash of Catholic powerhouses seemed to be sucked out of the Bosco crowd near-instantaneously, as the scoreboard saw the Crusaders take a 21-0 lead before the second quarter even began. And while Bosco took their “goose-egg” off the board on a second-quarter safety, Bergen never looked back after getting seven on their second possession of the game. Let’s break down the game:

First Quarter

Bosco’s opening kickoff is run back for 20 yards. After a punt and missed field goal by the Crusaders and Ironmen respectively, Bergen opened the scoring with junior QB Dominic Campanile connecting with five-star wideout Quincy Porter on a 33-yard touchdown. On the next drive, Bergen defensive back Jordan Thomas picks off Bosco QB Devin Sisler. BC quickly adds to their lead with another long TD pass, this time to TE Dante Kain. Bergen tacks on one more TD, this time an 8-yard run Mujahid Russell to cap off a dominant first quarter.

Second Quarter

Don Bosco Football vs. Bergen Catholic - Lamont Lester

Lamont Lester (Photo by Shaquan Woody - JSN)

With as bad of a first quarter imaginable, Bosco was desperate for any jolt of momentum. And while a turnover on downs in the red zone appeared to have put those desperate hopes to bed. However, Bergen’s following drive was short-lived, as Bosco’s first points of the game came from a crushing safety by Lamont Lester. Later on in the quarter Bosco added another seven to their total, with senior running back Logan Bush taking a 13-yard run to the house. Bergen would add some insurance to their lead with a seven-spot of their own, taking a 28-9 lead to the half.

Third Quarter

Bosco’s first possession of the half did not last long, with Bergen defensive linemen Delaney Fludd came down with an interception of his own. The Crusaders would only get 3 out of the drive, a 27-yard field goal by junior kicker Guytano Bartolomeo. Both teams would exchange scoreless drives, and the third quarter would wind down with Bosco having the ball in the red zone.

Fourth Quarter

Said-red zone drive for the Ironmen quickly turned into a turnover on downs, and Bergen took over possession on their own 1-yard line. With six minutes to go, Rutgers commit Kaj Sanders runs 38 yards into the endzone for a 38-9 lead. Bosco would run put one more TD on the board: a 25-yard run from Colin Brennan. Bergen got the ball back with about a minute and change left on the clock, and victory formation watched the clock tick to zero.

Bergen’s 38-15 victory on Bosco turf watched them improve their victory to 4-1. Meanwhile, Bosco’s early woes continue, with their record dropping down to a surprising 1-4. While a three-peat of state championships meetings at MetLife Stadium seems out of the picture for now, Bosco still holds the edge in the all-time series (41-36-2). But Bergen’s reign of terror on New Jersey high school football did not skip a beat this past Friday, and it seems as if it won’t end anytime soon.

Notable Players

Bergen Catholic: