Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Record of Hackensack, N.J., is returning as the sponsor of the third-annual High School Football Kickoff Classic, a season-opening doubleheader scheduled for Friday night, Sept. 12, at Giants Stadium.
“The Record has proudly supported our student-athletes and the high school sports programs they participate in for many years,” said Richard Gathen, New Business and Development Manager for The Record.
“We know how important these programs are to our readers and their families and understand the important role that they play in our communities. Sponsoring the Kickoff Classic is a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen our tradition of dedication and commitment to the youth of Northern New Jersey.”
The doubleheader commences at 6 p.m., with Bergen Catholic facing Southington, Conn., immediately followed by St. Joseph Regional against St.Peter’s Prep.
Bergen Catholic and St. Joseph Regional will be the home teams.
Bergen Catholic defeated Phillipsburg in last year’s Kickoff Classic, 48-7. Bergen Catholic ended its season with an 8-3 record.
Southington is new to the Kickoff Classic in 2008. Last season, the Blue Knights finished with a 9-2 record, winning the Central Connecticut Conference North Division title.
“Playing at Giants Stadium is a great experience for our players,” Bergen Catholic coach Fred Stengel said. “We’re looking forward to playing Southington. They run a wide-open offense and (play) a very aggressive defense. It will be a fun and exciting challenge.”
St. Joseph Regional defeated Xaverian of Brooklyn, 40-0, in last year's Kickoff Classic. The Green Knights finished the season at 9-2.
St. Peter’s Prep ended its near-perfect 2007 season with an 11-1 record, losing in the New Jersey Non-Public Group 4 final at Giants Stadium.
“The first game of the year always brings added anxiety and excitement; playing at Giants Stadium against perennial power St. Peter’s Prep will make this a special experience for our players and fans,” said Tony Karcich, the St. Joseph athletic director and head coach.
"We’ve won 19 of our last 22 opening games, which may have been the result of good scheduling. However, we have never faced an opponent the caliber of St. Peter’s Prep on opening night. This will be an awesome challenge for our football team."
Tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $9 for students (18 years and younger) and seniors (62-plus). Tickets are for general admission seating and are good for both games.
Tickets may be purchased at the IZOD Center Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone (201-507-8900, 609-520-8383 and 212-307-7171) and Ticketmaster outlets.
It’s recommended that fans buy their tickets early to avoid long lines on the day of the games. For more information, please go to www.meadowlands.com.
