Game Story: St. Edward 31, Bergen Catholic 28

[Michael Deneen]

Two of the best high school football programs in the nation played on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at First Federal Lakewood Stadium today. Bergen Catholic (Ranked #1 in New Jersey) traveled to play St. Edward (ranked #1 in Ohio), and the game did not disappoint. The matchup included lots of big plays, momentum swings, and four different lead changes. St. Edward came from behind in the fourth quarter to pull out a 31-28 win.

BC quarterback Jarrett Guarantano is the Crusaders' primary playmaker, and he performed well throughout the game. Guarantano, who is verbally committed to play for the University of Tennessee next season, went 24 of 36 passing for 336 yards, and had 71 yards of rushing. However, the Eagle defense was able to contain him in some critical situations, including a total of five QB sacks. Eagle running back Cole Gest, an Indiana recruit, was contained for much of the game on the ground, finishing with 61 yards on 15 carries. However, he did have a catch a 70 yard screen pass that he turned into a touchdown on the game's second play.

St. Edward carried that 7-0 lead into the second quarter, but BC responded with a an 11 play, 80 yard drive capped by a one yard touchdown run by Guarantano. The Crusaders ran a fake extra point, which Nick Palmer ran in for a two-point conversion. BC led 8-7 with 8:23 left in the first half. After an exchange of punts, St. Edward had its second quick strike of the game, a 57 yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Keefe to Teddy Gordon. The Eagles kicked the extra point, and took a 14-8 lead into halftime.

Halftime of the game was a bit unusual. Due to a scheduling conflict, the St. Edward band was not in attendance. They were at a band competition. Bergen Catholic's band did not make the 8 and a half hour bus ride from New Jersey. Since there were no marching bands, there was no musical halftime show. The Crusader cheerleaders performed a routine, then the crowd talked among themselves for the rest of the intermission.

Bergen Catholic received the second half kickoff, and promptly scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage. Guarantano hit wide receiver Gene Colman with a 69 yard touchdown pass, tying the score at 14-14. BC again tried to fake the extra point, but this time the Eagle defenders were not fooled...they snuffed out the play to keep the game deadlocked.

The Eagles scored a field goal on their next possession, a eight play drive that went 56 yards. Jake Budya hit the 30 yard kick, giving St. Edward a 17-14 lead with 8:23 left in the third quarter. Guarantano responded by driving the Crusaders down the field on their next possession, a good mix of running and passing. He capped the drive with a 12 yard touchdown run, giving BC the lead. This time the Crusaders did a conventional extra point, and took a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter.

St. Edward scored on its first drive of the fourth quarter, retaking the lead 21-21 on a 16 yard touchdown reception by Carl Jones. They forced a Crusader punt on the next drive, which set up the key play of the game. BC punted from their own 23 yard line, and the kick was received by Kyle Fallon at the Eagles 46 yard line. He evaded the first few tacklers, and proceeded to break free for a 54 yard punt return TD. This gave St. Edward a 31-21 lead with 7:40 left in the game.

BC refused to give in. Despite the ten point deficit, they marched down the field on the next possession. Guarantano made some very nice throws, and capped the drive with a 13 yard touchdown pass to Korab Idrizi with 3:56 left in the game. BC kicked the extra point to cut the lead to 31-28, but needed the ball back. They pooch kicked to St. Edward, which successfully received the ball and returned it to their own 46 yard line. The Eagle offense mustered two critical first downs that milked the clock, keeping the ball away from BC. They walked away with a huge 31-28 victory after Keefe took a knee on the final play of the game at the Crusader 18 yard line.

The win pushes St. Edward's record to 4-1 on the season. They return to play next Saturday with a 2pm home game at FFL Stadium against Cocoa (Florida), another football power.

[Alex Belisle]

Nice report. Sorry I couldn't be there to take photos. This win will surely seal their #1 ranking.