The Bergen Catholic Crusaders(8-1) capped off the regular season on an 8-game winning streak after rolling past the Seton Hall Prep Pirates(2-7) at Jack McGovern Field/Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey.
After the Bergen Catholic defense forced the Seton Hall Prep offense on a three-and-out in their first offensive series of the game, the Crusaders offense marched right down the field in eight plays and 75 yards, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dominic Campanile to wide receiver Quincy Porter with seven minutes left.
Bergen Catholic’s offense started at its 28-yard line in the second quarter. The Crusaders effectively mixed up the passing and running game to advance the ball into Pirates territory.
Bergen Catholic chewed up a four-minute-plus drive lasting ten plays and 72 yards, resulting in Dominic Campanile lofting a pass into the right corner of the end zone, where Quincy Porter reeled in the catch as the Crusaders extended their advantage to 14-0.
Bergen Catholic received the opening kickoff in the third quarter and put on a masterful drive that lasted over eight minutes, 18 plays, and 80 yards. Kicker Guytano Bartolomeo belted home a 20-yard field goal that widened the Crusaders’ lead to 17-0.
Seton Hall eventually had to punt the ball away on its first offensive possession of the second half. Bergen Catholic’s offense started at its 32-yard line.
With time winding down in the third quarter, Dominic Campanile took the snap, dropped back in the pocket, and unleashed a deep pass in stride to Quincy Porter. Porter sprinted towards the end zone for the spectacular 64-yard touchdown that expanded the margin to 24-0.
In the fourth quarter, the Crusaders put the game away for good on a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Mujahid Russell.
Bergen Catholic heads into the playoffs, aiming for a four-peat state championship title. On Saturday, November 16th, at 1 p.m., the Crusaders will face off against a familiar opponent in Seton Hall Prep at Bergen Catholic High School.