Prediction: Bergen Catholic (N.J.) goes undefeated

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make to the Garden State where one of the nation’s top teams, Bergen Catholic, is gearing up for another state championship run. Armed with one of the best defensive lines on the East Coast, the Crusaders should be in the running for another NJSIAA Non-Public A state crown.

Player Spotlight: EDGE Jackson Vaughn

Jackson Vaughn is just heading into his second season of playing varsity ball, but the defensive end has certainly garnered the attention of every college around the country with his edge rushing talents. The 2028 standout is coming off a modest season when it comes to statistical numbers but we expect him to make a big jump this fall.

Others to watch: CB Jordan Thomas, DL Jermaine Kinsler, CB Xavier Jackson, WR Bryan Porter, OL Jack Harris, DL Jayden Beckley, QB Walker Snee

Season Prediction: 9-0

Yes, the Crusaders graduated quite a bit of talent from last year’s state championship crew. No more Quincy Porter at wide receiver or Dominic Campanile under center on offense, but there are still plenty of players back from the 2024 roster and some transfers have bolstered the roster as well. The team’s defense is ultra-talented and we think the Crusaders’ offense will hit its stride in the first couple of weeks against East St. Louis (Ill.) and West Boca Raton (Fla.). The end result? An undefeated season and another NJSIAA Non-Public A state title.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 28 – East St. Louis (Ill.) Flyers – W
Starting the season at the historic Carey Stadium to begin the season is a great way to ring in the 2025 campaign. The Crusaders hand the Flyers their first loss and send them back to the Midwest.

Sept. 5 – at West Boca Raton (Fla.) Bulls – W
Traveling down to the Sunshine State to take part in the Adidas Classic, the Crusaders narrowly edge out the Bulls in South Florida.

Sept. 12 – at Winslow Township (N.J.) Eagles – W
Now already having beaten a couple of the country’s better high school football programs, Bergen Catholic upends Winslow Township to move to 3-0.

Sept. 20 – Pope John XXIII (N.J.) Lions – W
Another solid New Jersey program and another win for the Crusaders as the near the midway point.

Sept. 26 – at Don Bosco Prep (N.J) Ironmen – W
The Crusaders meet their foe that they usually cross paths with in state championships in the Ironmen. In a hard hitting affair, Bergen Catholic comes away unscathed in a 28-21 win.

Oct. 10 – at Paramus Catholic (N.J.) Paladins – W
Remaining on the road, the Crusaders pickup a 42-7 blowout win over the Paladins.

Oct. 18 – Delbarton (N.J.) Green Wave – W
Back at the friendly confines of home, Bergen Catholic puts on a show in a 41-14 rout.

Oct. 25 – St. Joseph Regional (N.J.) Green Knights – W
With sights set on an undefeated regular season, the Crusaders cruise by the Green Knights and improve to 8-0 heading into the regular season finale.

Nov. 1 – at Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) Pirates – W
Unbeaten season on the line, Bergen Catholic doesn’t let up in a 41-7 win heading into the postseason.