MaxPreps.com Staff Report
EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. --- Six area teams will participate in the second-annual High School Football Kickoff Classic, a tripleheader to be played at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8.
The event begins at 1 p.m., with St. Peter's facing Delbarton, followed by Xaverian of Brooklyn, N.Y., vs. St. Joseph Regional at 4 p.m. Bergen Catholic will meet Philipsburg at 7 p.m.
Delbarton, St. Joseph and Philipsburg will serve as the home teams for the three games.
"The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority is honored to be a part of this unique event and we welcome the teams, their coaches, administrators and fans to be a part of a great day of football at Giants Stadium," said NJSEA President & CEO George R. Zoffinger.
Philipsburg defeated Bergen Catholic in last year's Kickoff Classic, 28-27, in overtime. Bergen Catholic ended its season with a 6-4 record. Philipsburg, 10-2 last season, lost to Elizabeth, 14-9, in the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV State Finals.
"Playing at Giants Stadium was a great experience for our players," said Bergen Catholic Coach Fred Stengel. "We are excited and looking forward to a tremendous rematch against Philipsburg."
St. Joseph Regional defeated Poly Prep Country Day, 30-6, in last year's Kickoff Classic. The Green Knights finished the season 4-6. Xaverian ended its 2006 season with a 9-2 record, winning the AA CHSFL Championship against Fordham Prep, 49-27. This season, the Clippers move up to AAA.
"Having been a spectator and a coach, this event brings a whole new level of excitement, not only for the teams, but for parents, students and faculty as well," said Tony Karcich, the St. Joseph athletic director and football coach. "The Kickoff Classic promotes high school football like nothing else can."
St. Peter's Prep defeated Delbarton, 36-0, in the Kickoff Classic a year ago. St. Peter's Prep lost to Don Bosco Prep, 41-0, in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 State Championship to end the season at 11-1. Delbarton, 8-4 in 2006, lost to Immaculata-Somerville, 22-14, in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group state final.
Tickets for the High School Football Kickoff Classic ay Giants Stadium are priced at $12 for adults and at $9 for students and seniors. Tickets are for General Admission seating and are good for all three games. Tickets may be purchased at the Continental Airlines Arena Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone (201-507-8900, 609-520-8383 and 212-307-7171) and at Ticketmaster outlets. For Group Sales of 20 or more, call 201-460-4370. It is recommended that fans buy their tickets early to avoid long lines on the day of the games.