Coming off a forfeit victory, the No. 3 Green Knights (5–2) are back on the field for a marquee rivalry match up against No. 2 Bergen Catholic (6–1), marking the 58th clash between the two sides.
"You choose either one of these schools because you want to play the other guys," said SJR Coach Augie Hoffmann.
"I've seen a bunch of different rivalries, and none of them are like this, so these are the ones you've got to win."
Nearly a year ago, the Green Knights fell to Bergen Catholic in the state playoff semifinals. In heart breaking fashion, SJR lost 20-14 in overtime, missing out on the chance to play at MetLife Stadium. Now with the calendar flipped to 2025, the Green Knights have a chance to avenge that loss in the same place where they had their hearts broken in 2024.
"We never forgot about the loss," said Senior Nate Bailey.
"We know what it takes to play at that level after having such a close game, and hopefully we can apply some of that stuff and be successful this year without making the same mistakes."
This season, the Green Knights' offense has been playing very consistent, averaging 29.4 points per game.
Quarterback Mason Geis, who will be taking most of the reps at QB, is coming off a solid game vs one of the best defenses in the state, Don Bosco. In a 17-14 loss, Geis passed for 250 yards, a 69% completion percentage, and connected with Brady Shust for a touchdown. That performance brought his season totals to 552 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in 2 games started this year.
"We moved the ball well last game, but we just have to finish and execute in the red zone," said Mason Geis.
"We also just have to make plays when they need to be made."
SJR's offense is also equipped with elite weapons like Kyshawn Bryant and Nate Bailey, who have been vital during the season and will be a huge part of Saturday's game.
Bryant, the junior running back, has found himself playing a major role in multiple facets of the field. On special teams, Bryant has 171 total return yards, along with a touchdown return. On offense, Bryant has accounted for a total of 348 yards, 126 receiving and 222 rushing, along with five touchdowns, all coming on the ground.
Another valuable piece for the Green Knights has been senior Nate Bailey, who has 348 total yards in just 3 full games played this year. After being out with an injury, Bailey was back vs Don Bosco and he looked better than ever, hauling in eight passes for 81 yards.
"I'm just trying to be available as much as possible; the best ability is reliability," said Nate Bailey.
"I just have to be at the right place at the right time."
The Crusaders' offense has had an amazing start to the season, other than a hiccup where they scored just nine points versus Don Bosco. Aside from that loss BC has averaged 34.3 points a game.
Trey Tagliaferri, the sophomore QB, has had an excellent season thus far, passing for 1,469 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just one interception. Tagliaferri's favorite passing option this year has been WR Austin Busso, who has hauled in 37% of Tagliaferri's passes, accounting for 706 yards and eight touchdowns.
"Trey (Tagliaferi) has a cannon, he can throw, he can make all the throws," said Hoffmann
"Bergen has a few great wide receivers over there, Quincy Porter, and Austin Busso are really good football players. The best we've seen all year,"
On the ground, the Crusaders have been efficient as well, rushing for 953 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior running back Najee Calhoun has produced 441 yards and seven scores. Although both teams have strong offenses, in years past, the match up has been decided on defense, and this year should be nothing new.
The Green Knights' defense has been a reliable group all year, allowing under 20 points in four of the five games all season.
The stars of SJR's defense have been the linebacker duo of Tahj Gray and AJ Revella. Gray has put up 51 total tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 2.5 sacks, while Revella has 42 tackles of his own while having two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Bergen Catholic's defense has been very strong all year, allowing an average of 12 points a game. The strongest part of the Crusaders' defense has been their defensive back room, which has proved to be the best in the state. The tandem of Amare Newell and Jordan Thomas has been what drives the defensive backs, totaling five of the Crusaders' 10 interceptions.
"I just have to make the right reads, make the right decisions, and get the ball to our guys so they can make plays in space," said QB Mason Geis
The Crusaders' defensive backs may be their deepest group, but their biggest star is edge rusher Jackson Vaughn, ranked No. 29 nationally in the Class of 2028, with 3 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 23 tackles.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m. at Bergen Catholic High School.
