The Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) varsity football team will host Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, NJ) today at 1 p.m. for a home playoff game in the State Tournament. This matchup is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA Non-Public A tournament.

Bergen Catholic vs Seton Hall Prep Game Info:

What: New Jersey High School Football Playoffs
Who: Bergen Catholic vs Seton Hall Prep
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Non-Public A
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Game preview: Bergen Catholic vs Seton Hall Prep

The Seton Hall Prep football team is currently in the midst of a challenging season, sitting with a 2-7 overall record and a 0-4 mark in league play. Their latest outing saw them suffer a tough 31-0 loss to Bergen Catholic on November 2, which underscores the disparity in performance between the two teams. Seton Hall Prep’s season has been marked by struggles in both offensive and defensive execution, as they have scored only 99 points while allowing 225 points through the first nine games.

Bergen Catholic, on the other hand, has been dominating their opponents, holding an impressive 8-1 record, with a perfect 3-0 league performance. Their defense has been particularly formidable, having allowed just 115 points all season, and their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging over 33 points per game. This has made Bergen Catholic a powerhouse in both state and national rankings.

Key Stats Breakdown

When comparing the two teams, the statistics paint a clear picture of their contrasting performances:

• Rushing Yards: Seton Hall Prep averages just 66 yards per game on the ground, while Bergen Catholic has a significantly higher output at 169.7 yards per game.
• Passing Yards: Seton Hall Prep is slightly ahead in passing yards, averaging 118.1 yards per game, compared to Bergen Catholic’s 118.4. However, Bergen Catholic’s passing game has been more explosive, with standout performances from their quarterback.
• Total Yards: Bergen Catholic leads in total yards per game (354.1) compared to Seton Hall Prep’s 184.1, highlighting their ability to move the ball effectively in multiple phases of the game.
• Defensive Impact: Both teams show similar levels of defensive consistency in tackles, with Seton Hall Prep averaging 57.3 tackles per game and Bergen Catholic slightly ahead at 58.1. However, Bergen Catholic leads in sacks per game (1.9 vs. 1.4).

Team Leaders

Seton Hall Prep:

• Bryce Robbins leads the team with 51.3 rushing yards per game.
• Jack Gilmore has been the primary passing threat with 75.4 passing yards per game.
• Matthew Bergwall leads in receiving yards with 44.3 per game and contributes 2.6 points per game.

Bergen Catholic:

• Najee Calhoun is a standout in the rushing game, averaging 106.4 yards per game.
• Dominic Campanile leads the team in passing yards with 181.8 per game and has thrown for multiple touchdowns this season.
• Quincy Porter has been dominant in the receiving game with 91.4 yards per game and 6.7 points per game.

Common Opponents

Seton Hall Prep has struggled against common opponents this season, going 0-4, while Bergen Catholic has found success with a 4-0 record against the same teams. Some notable matchups include:

• St. Joseph Regional: Seton Hall Prep lost 28-7, while Bergen Catholic defeated St. Joseph Regional 28-17.
• Delbarton: Seton Hall Prep was shut out 40-0 by Delbarton, while Bergen Catholic won 42-13.
• Pope John XXIII: Seton Hall Prep came close but lost 26-20, while Bergen Catholic dominated 63-7.
• Don Bosco Prep: Seton Hall Prep lost 28-0, while Bergen Catholic secured a 24-20 victory.

Head-to-Head: A One-Sided Contest

In their most recent meeting on November 2, Seton Hall Prep was unable to score against Bergen Catholic, losing 31-0. Bergen Catholic’s defense completely shut down Seton Hall Prep’s offense, and their balanced attack kept the game out of reach for their opponents.

Looking Ahead

Seton Hall Prep will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for upcoming games, while Bergen Catholic remains a strong contender in both state and national rankings. With a playoff berth in sight, Bergen Catholic’s well-rounded team will continue to be a force, while Seton Hall Prep aims to finish the season strong despite the tough challenges they face.

For Seton Hall Prep, improving their offensive production and tightening up their defense will be key to regaining momentum. Meanwhile, Bergen Catholic is focused on maintaining their dominance as they look ahead to more competitive matchups, aiming to further solidify their position in the rankings.