The Crusaders capped off 2023 by defeating Delbarton in the state final, making it three straight seasons as Non-Public A champions. Bergen Catholic finished the year with an 11-1 record; that one loss was to Chaminade-Madonna, a high school in Florida.
Vito Campanile’s team had virtually no weaknesses on either side of the ball, with an elite offense and defense. The offense scored 398 points, which was good for the best in both Non-Public divisions.
The Crusaders are set up to potentially run it back for a fourth consecutive state title in 2024. Dominic Campanile enters his senior year, coming off a 2,028-yard and 28-touchdown season through the air. Campanile’s top target, Quincy Porter, also returns after hauling in 19 touchdowns for 1,107 yards from Campanile last season. Defensively, Naiim Parrish returns after a team-leading five interceptions last year, along with one of Bergen Catholic’s sack leaders, Benjamin Carey.
The Ironmen finished 2023 with a record of 5-6, falling to Delbarton in the state quarterfinals in a hard-fought game on the road. After a slow start to the season, winning only one of their first five games, Don Bosco fought back to save their season.
After finishing the regular season on a 3-1 stretch, Bosco went on the road and took down Pope John in the first round of the state playoffs before their loss to Delbarton. Last year, this unit’s standout feature was its defense, which allowed only 207 points. The offense put up points but fell victim to being in a division with Bergen Catholic and St. Joe’s.
During his senior year, Deven Sisler will try to lead the Ironmen on a run to a state title. Juniors Dante DeLuca and Colin Brennan will provide a one-two punch at running back, while senior Julian Zimmermann enters his final year after 229 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. On the other side of the ball, Kyle Ramos will keep an eye out for after his team-leading 43 tackles back in 2023.
The Paladins are the United Red’s newcomers. They hope the division change and a new season will bring success. Paramus Catholic came out of the gates strong, owning a 3-1 record after defeating Chaminade (NY) on the road. The win would be their last victory of the season, going 0-7 the rest of the way.
During their skid to end the year, the defense struggled to get stops and allowed 28 points or higher in each of the last seven games. However, the team was able to get some experience against two of their new division rivals during that time, which could be helpful in 2024. The Paladins will also have a strong group returning for redemption this season, starting with three seniors on offense.
Crew Colon threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior last season. Crew also had two rushing touchdowns, while running back Xavier Williams found paydirt a team-leading 16 times. James Dely could be Colon’s top receiver target after hauling 17 catches last season for 325 yards and two scores.
The Green Knights were Bergen Catholic’s most significant obstacle for the division crown last year. St. Joe’s division record was 3-1, and that one loss came to the Crusaders, ultimately ending the Knights’ chances at being United Red Champs. While their season ended with a disappointing loss to Seton Hall in the state quarterfinals, the Green Knights were never out of any game.
All four of the teams’ losses were determined by one score, which is something to be proud of but also heartbreaking. The Knights’ point differential of +117 (347 PF and 230 PA) was second only to Bergen Catholic. The main question entering the season’s first week will be if they can duplicate that success again this year.
After losing a lot of players who were seniors last year, new head coach Augie Hoffmann will lead a new group in his first year at his alma mater. Running back John Forster should see his workload increase after a solid junior season that saw him find the end zone four times on the ground and once through the air.
The receivers are the only offensive group that will have almost everyone back from last season. Javon Williams, Nathan Bailey, and Mekhi Rossignol will all be players to watch, hoping for a state playoff run in 2024.
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