New Jersey high school football rankings: Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep headline preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Crusaders look to go back-to-back after capturing first state championship since 2017.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens

By Jordan Divens

Aug 18, 2022, 12:00pm

Taking a look at Grayson's (Loganville, GA) 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson.

Tyler Atkinson is a Rare Defensive Talent in High School Football History 28,090 views 1:09

The high school football season in New Jersey kicks off with 206 games scheduled next weekend. After going 12-0 and winning the program's 18th state title last season, Bergen Catholic (Oradell) debuts at No. 1 in the state's preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

The Crusaders notched a 28-7 victory over Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) in the NJSIAA Non-Public A state championship game and finished the 2021 season ranked No. 3 in the nation. Although the Crusaders have to replace key players on offense, a loaded defense is led by Texas commit Sydir Mitchell and four-star junior D.J. Samuels as the squad starts the season ranked No. 21 nationally.

Don Bosco Prep comes into the season ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 44 in the nation after finishing with an 8-5 record in 2021. The Ironmen have massive players anchoring both sides of the ball as offensive-tackle Chase Bisontis (6-5, 290, Texas A&M commit) is ranked as the country's No. 65 overall prospect in the Class of 2023 and defensive lineman Jordan Thomas (6-5, 296) is the nation's No. 111 prospect in the Class of 2024. Both are No. 1 in New Jersey for their respective class.

Read on for a complete look at New Jersey's preseason top 25 for 2022.