Don Bosco Shocks the State - Takes Down No. 1 Bergen Catholic

Coverage by: Nery Rodriguez

One of the most anticipated games of the New Jersey high school football season lived up to its billing — and then some — as No. 2 Don Bosco Prep hosted No. 1 Bergen Catholic under the Friday night lights. It was a clash of titans — north Jersey powers loaded with D1 prospects, championship aspirations, and a rivalry that needs no introduction.

But when the dust settled, it was Don Bosco who emerged victorious, handing Bergen Catholic its first loss of the year in a 14-9 defensive masterpiece.

This was never going to be a shootout. Both teams came into the matchup allowing under 10 points per game, and each defense showed why. Don Bosco’s front seven smothered Bergen’s run game, limited big plays, and recorded a crucial second-quarter interception from Jack Hinspeter that helped shift momentum.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Bosco capitalized on short yardage situations in the second. Ca’Si Thomas got the Ironmen on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run, and just minutes later, Dante DeLuca punched in another short score to make it 14-0.

Trey Tagliaferri, Bergen’s steady senior quarterback, led a second-quarter response and connected with Jamel Hammary for an 11-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 14-6. However, the two-point attempt failed, and Bergen still trailed by two scores.

After halftime, Jacob Soltys nailed a 32-yard field goal to make it a 5-point game, and the Crusaders had all the momentum. But the Bosco defense never broke.

Neither team found the end zone in the final 24 minutes. Instead, it was a grind — field position, time of possession, and big third-down stops. Bergen outgained Bosco 299 to 201 in total yards, but the scoreboard told the only stat that mattered.

Ca’Si Thomas led Bosco with 44 receiving yards and a touchdown on the ground, while quarterback Carson Schoen managed the game efficiently, throwing for 91 yards without a turnover.On the other side, Najee Calhoun ran hard for 79 yards, and Austin Busso had a game-high 86 receiving yards for Bergen. But it wasn’t enough to crack the Ironmen.

These two teams will likely see each other again — and no one would complain. It was a physical, high-level football game between two of New Jersey’s blue bloods. Don Bosco now improves to 5-0 and takes control of the SFC United Red, while Bergen Catholic drops to 4-1, suffering its first in-state loss since 2022.

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