Corey Russo ran for the game-winning touchdown against Don Bosco Prep.
File photo by Glenn Kross
No matter how big of an underdog it seems,
Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) always seems to play competitively in games against its long-time rival Don Bosco Prep.
On Saturday, it hung around long enough to pull off a huge upset, getting a game-winning, 41-yard touchdown run from running back
Corey Russo to come away with a stunning 10-3 victory.
The Crusaders accomplished the heroics with
Corey Gaarn filling in behind center for star junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who was on the sidelines after suffering a wrist injury last week.
Bergen Catholic trailed for most of the second half, after Don Bosco Prep nailed a field goal going into the half to end an otherwise scoreless two quarters.
With under five minutes to play, Bergen Catholic kicker
Joe DiFlippo tied the score at 3-3 with a 24-yard field goal.
Bergen Catholic's defense forced a punt. A 37-yard completion from Gaarn to
Kyle Cook set up Russo's game-winning run.
The win marks only Bergen Catholic's third victory against Don Bosco Prep since 2004.
It's also another demonstration of the team's resiliency under head coach Nunzio Campanile.
Bergen Catholic lost in lopsided fashion, 49-20, to St. Peter's Prep before coming back to beat Bentonville (Ark.) and later, St. Edward (Cleveland, Ohio). Then after losing 44-7 to Paramus Catholic, it rattled off victories against DePaul and St. Joseph Regional before beating Don Bosco Prep on Saturday.
The non-public Group IV playoff bracket is shaping up to be one of the nation's more intriguing postseason tournaments. Paramus Catholic looks poised to claim the top seed, with Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep and St. Peter's Prep in the mix for the No. 2 seed.
At 7-1, South Jersey power St. Augustine could also be a factor.
