Welcome to Crusader Stadium and Jack McGovern Field in Oradell, NJ, where 7,000 fans will gather for this elite Garden State rivalry between Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep. This historic rivalry started in 1958. The Crusaders and the Ironmen have played 83 games over the last 67 years and have never failed to keep it interesting. The overall record between these two teams is 43-38-2 in Don Bosco’s favor. 

This year’s game will be the 84th meeting between these two high school football giants and will be featured in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry series, celebrating over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football rivalries.  

Over the last five years, Bergen Catholic has defeated Don Bosco three times in the state championship game. Last season, the Don Bosco Ironmen flipped the narrative and stunned the Crusaders in a close game in their regular season match up. The Ironmen went on to shock the Crusader’s again, knocking them out of the playoffs in the semifinal matchup.  

Mark your calendars for October 3rd as these two powerhouse programs clash once again. Will the Crusaders come back with vengeance and protect their home turf, or can Don Bosco maintain their momentum rolling in this historic rivalry? 

We Know Friday Nights.  

MVP

Trey Tagliaferri
Bergen Catholic

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Tommy Esposito

Bergen Catholic

Thomas is an exceptional student earning Principal's List or First Honors every trimester in his BC academic career. He is an outstanding athlete in the classroom and on the field.
Harry Long

Don Bosco

Harry is the president of national honor society and competes in DECA. Harry is also a part of the LEO business program where he partakes in business academics.

GAME SUMMARY

Bergen Catholic put together a historic performance Saturday afternoon overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat Don Bosco Prep 34–30 in an unforgettable battle between two powerhouse programs. From the opening kickoff, both teams brought incredible energy and intensity. Don Bosco Prep came out firing and built a commanding 24–7 lead by halftime, putting Bergen Catholic in a difficult position heading into the second half, but the Crusaders refused to give up. Bergen Catholic's offense came alive after halftime, consistently making explosive plays and finding ways to move the ball against the Don Bosco defense. The passing game produced several huge catches, with receivers coming through in critical moments to keep the comeback alive. Don Bosco Prep's offense was equally impressive throughout the afternoon. The Ironmen consistently moved the ball and made big plays, putting pressure on the Bergen Catholic defense and helping build their early lead. As the second half continued, Bergen Catholic chipped away at the deficit. The Crusaders' offense found its rhythm, while the defense made the stops it needed to give the team opportunities to complete the comeback. The game came down to a dramatic finish, with Bergen Catholic completing an incredible comeback from 7–24 down at halftime to earn a 34–30 victory. By the final whistle, both offenses had delivered an unforgettable performance filled with explosive plays and huge catches. It was Bergen Catholic's historic second-half comeback that ultimately decided one of the most memorable games between the two rivals.