St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.) at Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
St. Joseph Regional and Bergen Catholic smashed heads last year, as SJR won a 38-37 nailbiter.
File photo by Ray Passaro
The winner keeps pace with No. 19 Paramus Catholic atop the Big North–United league standings. No. 12 St. Joseph Regional (2-0) had last week off after opening with back-to-back blowouts against then-nationally ranked DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) and New Smyrna Beach (Fla.). Running back
Sherman Alston (a Boston College commit) leads the Green Knights with six touchdowns. Bergen Catholic is desperate for a win to avoid a 1-3 start. The Crusaders' two losses were against Xcellent 25 teams Curtis (River Ridge, La.) and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). Junior
Corey Russo has scored seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Just the facts: The Big North–United Division has a well-earned reputation as one of the top football conferences nationally. The five current members have combined to win two national titles, 13 state titles and compiled a collective 50-9 record against out-of-state opponents since 2004. … If St. Joseph Regional wins, it would even the record between these teams at 5-5 in games played since 2004.
Mitch Stephens: Bergen Catholic 24, St. Joseph 23
Kevin Askeland: St. Joseph Regional 28, Bergen Catholic 21
Jamie DeMoney: St. Joseph Regional 27, Bergen Catholic 14
Stephen Spiewak: St. Joseph Regional 34, Bergen Catholic 31
Leland Gordon: St. Joseph Regional 31, Bergen Catholic 20
Colin Ward-Henninger: Bergen Catholic 24, St. Joseph Regional 20
