Bergen Catholic Offense Dominates in Commanding Win Over St. Joseph Metuchen in Non-Public A Quarterfinals

The Bergen Catholic Crusaders (8-2) began their quest for a fifth consecutive state championship title in emphatic fashion, winning 56-14 against the St. Joseph Metuchen Falcons (8-2) in the NJSIAA Non-Public A Tournament Quarterfinals at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey.

With five minutes left in the first quarter, the Bergen Catholic special teams unit made a significant impact with a blocked punt by Amar'e Newell, which landed at the St. Joseph 35-yard line.

The Crusaders only needed one play to score first, as quarterback Trey Tagliaferri threw a 35-yard pass down the middle to wide receiver Bryan Porter, who made a sliding catch in the end zone.

Bergen Catholic's defense forced the Falcons into a three-and-out. Crusaders punt returner Anthony Willis showcased his speed by returning the punt to the St. Joseph eight-yard line.

Once again, Bergen Catholic wasted no time extending its lead. Tagliaferri tossed a screen pass to Willis, who zigzagged his way into the end zone for a touchdown, making it 14-0 with three and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

St. Joseph's offense struggled again, leading to another short punt that gave the Crusaders excellent field position at the Falcons' 34-yard line. The Bergen Catholic offense was clicking on all cylinders, utilizing a powerful running tandem of Dante Kain and Najee Calhoun to advance the ball inside the five-yard line. Kain capped off the drive with a touchdown run, increasing the lead to 21-0 with just 13 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Bergen Catholic showcased its quick-strike ability as Tagliaferri threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Austin Busso, extending the margin to 28-0.

The Crusaders' defense continued to dominate, forcing another St. Joseph three-and-out. Anthony Willis again flipped the field position, returning the punt to the Falcons' 12-yard line.

Following two consecutive carries by running back Najee Calhoun, he barreled into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown with less than seven minutes left in the half.

St. Joseph's offense tried to regain momentum but faced immediate setbacks. On their next offensive series, Bergen Catholic linebacker Micholas Mauro made a punishing tackle on a running play, stripping the ball and recovering it at the Falcons' 20-yard line.

On third and ten at the St. Joseph ten-yard line, Tagliaferri lofted a pass into the left corner of the end zone, where wide receiver Jamel Hammary made an impressive catch while keeping his feet inbounds for a touchdown, increasing the lead to 42-0 with six minutes remaining in the half.

Finally, St. Joseph's offense managed to string together a successful drive—a 14-play, 80-yard effort that consumed over six minutes of clock time—culminating in a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Scaramuzzo to halfback Anthony Walker with just twenty seconds left.

In the third quarter, Tagliaferri continued his standout performance, connecting for a second touchdown with wide receiver Anthony on a 30-yard pass, boosting the margin to 49-7.

In the fourth quarter, both teams traded scores. St. Joseph's quarterback Justin

Scaramuzzo crossed the goal line on a six-yard touchdown run, while Bergen Catholic running back Max Rizza powered his way into the end zone on a two-yard touchdown.

The Crusaders will now face the undefeated Don Bosco Ironmen (10-0) in the Non-Public A Semifinals on Friday, November 21st, at Granatell Stadium on the campus of Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.