Bergen Catholic is our pick as the top team in New Jersey this season. There is certain to be plenty of competition for the top spot this season.
Photo by Vincent Carchietta
8-3
Head coach: Nunzio Campanile
Team previewDon’t be surprised if this is the year that Bergen Catholic gets over the hump and dethrones six-time state champion Don Bosco Prep. Despite losing receiver John Tsimis to an offseason injury, it returns plenty of offensive firepower, including quarterback
Jonathan Germano, receiver
Kyle Queiro and tight end/defensive end
Garrett Dickerson. A game against Bishop Gorman will test the Crusaders before their October showdown with Don Bosco Prep. Bergen Catholic has
numerous players committed to Division I programs.
2. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)2011 finish: 11-0
Head coach: Greg Toal
Team previewMany are predicting a down year for Don Bosco Prep. In addition to key losses to graduation, it has also endured the transfer of several key players and the loss of top assistant Anthony Campanile, now at Rutgers. However, it’s far too early to write off the Ironmen yet. The defense, led by
Al-Quadin Muhammad and
Rahzohnn Gross, will carry the team, while the offense has plenty of potential. Don Bosco Prep tops our list of the
Top 10 most consistent New Jersey football programs.
3. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Tony Karcich
Team previewLed by 300-game winner Tony Karcich, St. Joseph Regional will be among the state’s best teams yet again. Like 2004, it is possible that the Green Knights could emerge as New Jersey’s overall top team. Quarterback
Spencer Aukamp is more than capable behind center, while receiver
Ricky Jeune is one of the team’s best playmakers in years. St. Joseph is jumping into the interstate game fray with a matchup against Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). St. Joseph ranks No. 2 on our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 New Jersey football dynasties.
4. Timber Creek Regional (Erial)2011 finish: 12-0
Head coach: Rob Hinson
Team previewThe clear preseason No. 1 in South Jersey, Timber Creek has the talent and experience to compete with anyone in the state. Hinson’s squad finished 12-0 last season and returns five seniors who are committed to Division I schools to go along with plenty of young talent. You can find Timber Creek Regional on our list of
New Jersey Group football champions for the past 10 years.
5. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)2011 finish: 7-4
Head coach: Rich Hansen
Team previewSt. Peter’s Prep should be in store for a bounce-back season following a 7-4 campaign in 2011. Junior running back
Jonathan Hilliman will power an offense that also features 6-foot-4 receiver
Charlie Callinan. Defensively, the team returns cornerbacks
Tre Bell and
Minkah Fitzpatrick. Line play on both sides will likely determine how far the Marauders go this fall. Search for St. Peter's Prep players on our list of
2011 New Jersey All-League football teams.
