Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) vs. No. 1 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)A win Friday night at MetLife Stadium in the
Non-Public Group IV final would give Bergen Catholic (8-2) its first state title since 2004, and it would mean there'd be a new No. 1 team in next week's Xcellent 25 rankings. The Crusaders have lost nine in a row to Don Bosco, but they played the Ironmen about as close as anyone this season when they
lost 33-22 on Sept. 30 – a game they led for three quarters.
Don Bosco owns the
longest active win streak in the nation among 11-man teams at 45 games and has won 54 straight against New Jersey opponents. Last week, the Ironmen (10-0) took a break from the postseason with a Thanksgiving Day 41-0 shutout of St. Joseph Regional (Montvale). Sophomore running back
Jabrill Peppers had three touchdown runs. Don Bosco is seeking is seventh state title in eight seasons. This is the second consecutive time and fourth overall since 2004 it will play Bergen Catholic for the championship.
Mitch Stephens: Don Bosco 35, Bergen Catholic 21
Steve Montoya: Don Bosco 35, Bergen Catholic 13
Stephen Spiewak: Don Bosco Prep 28, Bergen Catholic 21
Kevin Askeland: Don Bosco 41, Bergen Catholic 6
Jamie DeMoney: Don Bosco 28, Bergen Catholic 14
Jabrill Peppers and St. John Bosco can sew up the No. 1 national ranking with a win over Bergen Catholic.
File photo by Vincent Carchietta
