Private school powers top the Garden State preseason rankings.
MaxPreps 2013 New Jersey Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Coming off of a non-public Group IV title last season, Paramus Catholic is the team to beat in New Jersey heading into the fall.
Photo by Vincent Carchietta
Chris Partridge
2012 finish: 10-2; non-public Group IV champion
Team previewParamus Catholic stunned the New Jersey football community last season by coming from behind to defeat Bergen Catholic for the section crown. With numerous starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Paladins should be even stronger in 2013. Superstar
Jabrill Peppers can make plays all over the field, on both sides of the ball. Led by
Juwann Bushell-Beatty, the team has a big, experienced offensive line. Quarterback
Steve Shanley is also back, and has weapons
Najee Clayton and
Tyrone Washington to throw to.
See the Top 15 New Jersey football dynasties2. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)Head coach: Tony Karcich
2012 finish: 10-2; non-public Group III champion
Team previewLast year, St. Joseph Regional nearly opened its season with a victory over nationally-ranked Our Lady of Good Counsel. It went on to capture the non-public Group III title, something it will be heavily favored to do again in 2013.
Spencer Aukamp is back behind center for his third year as quarterback. Running back
Sherman Alston and receiver
Quai Jefferson are also back.
Mark Fossati returns at linebacker after an All-American-caliber junior year.
See our New Jersey football professional photo galleries
3. Bergen Catholic (Oradell)Head coach: Nunzio Campanile
2012 finish: 8-4
Team previewBergen Catholic will face one of the country’s top schedules this season, with matchups against Curtis (River Ridge, La.), Jordan (Sandy, Utah) and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). Its performance against in-state foes will ultimately dictate whether or not it can win its first state title since 2004. Whoever emerges at quarterback will have tight end
Garrett Dickerson to throw to.
Corey Russo should have a big year at running back. Dickerson,
Kurt Holuba and
Cameron Queiro lead an impressive defense.
See last season's New Jersey football playoff brackets4. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)Head coach: Greg Toal
2012 finish: 8-3
Team previewLast year's was a see-saw season for Don Bosco Prep. It lost its opening game to Gilman and rebounded with a road victory against St. Thomas Aquinas. This year, Don Bosco Prep will strive for greater consistency. The Ironmen lose their best defensive player in Alquadin Muhammad but return eight starters on that side of the ball, including talented defensive back
Daivon "Lucky" Ellison. Quarterback
Frank Nutile should be vastly improved. After missing out on a state title for the first time since 2005 a year ago, Don Bosco Prep is hungry for redemption.
See last season's final New Jersey football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard
5. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)Head coach: Rich Hansen
2012 finish: 8-2
Team previewA bulk of last year’s skill players return this season for St. Peter’s Prep. Junior quarterback
Brandon Wimbush and senior running back
Jonathan Hilliman form one of the state’s top backfields. Look for defensive back
Minkah Fitzpatrick, an elite class of 2015 recruit, to also see some action on offense. The team’s line play on both offense and defense could determine how far it goes in 2013.
See last season's New Jersey All-League football teams
