2017 Early Contenders high school football preview: No. 9 Bergen Catholic

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Video: 2017 Early Contenders: No. 9 Bergen Catholic
Host Zack Poff breaks down one of the most talented teams in the country.

Head coach: Nunzio Campanile

Last season: 7-4, lost to St. Peter's Prep in Non-Public Group 4 semifinals, 28-7

Last decade: 75-36

Famous alumni/players: Pro Bowl LB Brian Cushing, former MLB infielder Mark DeRosa, NHL analyst Pierre McGuire, New York Giants play-by-play announcer Bob Papa PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Johnny Langan (6-3, 220, Sr.) — He's committed to Boston College.

DE Antonio Alfano (6-4.5, 265, Jr.) — The No. 11 overall recruit in the Class of 2019 is the top-rated player from New Jersey.

RB Rahmir Johnson (5-10, 175, Jr.) — He's a Top-200 recruit in the Class of 2019.

ATH Josh McKenzie (5-9, 185, Jr.) — The versatile playmaker is also a Top 200 recruit in the Class of 2019.

LB Javontae Jean-Baptiste (6-5, 200, Sr.) — The three-star linebacker has 11 FBS offers. KEY GAMES

Sept. 9 — vs. Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)

Sept. 16 — at No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), to be played at Mission Viejo (Calif.)

Sept. 22 — at Paramus Catholic (N.J.)

Sept. 30 — vs. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)

Oct. 14 — vs. No. 21 St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)

Oct. 27 — at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) STORYLINES

* Bergen Catholic has had one of the best programs from New Jersey but hasn't won a state title since 2004. The Crusaders have won 16 state championships in school history, including nine from 1991-2004.

* The Crusaders rank up there with anyone in the country when it comes to talent and it all starts with Langan. He is one of the toughest football players in the country, as he played the majority of the season with a severely sprained ankle. Expect a big-time senior year from the Boston College commit.

* Bergen Catholic is loaded with talent from the Class of 2019. The Crusaders have three of the top five players from the state, including the top-rated recruit from New Jersey in Alfano.

* Campanile knew he had one of the best teams in the country heading into the 2017 season, so he loaded up the schedule, including a game across the coast in Southern California against the No. 1 team in the country, Mater Dei. Bergen Catholic has two games lined up against Top 25 teams and six overall against teams that were featured in our Preseason Top 100.