NJ High School Football Teams Flex Muscles Against Out-of-State Competition

New Jersey’s  top three ranked high school football teams took on out of state competition this past weekend. St. Peter’s Prep, Don Bosco Prep, and Bergan Catholic all opened their seasons with victories.

The three schools showed why New Jersey football is alive and well. The three teams have national recruits and all were put on display this weekend.

Friday night, Don Bosco Prep, the defending National Champions, traveled Maryland to take on Gilman High School. Entering the game, Gilman was the 23rd ranked team in the country while Bosco was not in the top 25. After the Ironmen victory, Don Bosco is now ranked 22nd.

Don Bosco appears to have reloaded from a team that lost 28 seniors from last season. Paul Canevari rushed for three touchdowns while the Ironmen defense played an excellent game. Don Bosco won 33-6.

Bergen Catholic QB, Tanner McEvoy

 On Saturday afternoon, Bergen Catholic topped LaSalle High School by a score of 22-21. The win was the first for new head coach Nunzio Campanile who came over to Bergen Catholic after being an assistant at Don Bosco. The Bergen Catholic defense forced a late turnover to clinch the game after quarterback Tanner McEvoy threw a touchdown pass followed by a conversion run. McEvoy is being recruited by teams throughout the country, including Rutgers.

Speaking of Rutgers, the school allowed St. Peter’s Prep to use their field for the game against St. Joseph’s of Philadelphia. St. Peter’s Prep has a trio of national recruits, all being saught after by Rutgers. Offensive lineman Keith Lumpkin who recently gave his verbal commitment to Rutgers, paved the way for star running back Savon Huggins.

Savon Huggins, St. Peter's Prep

 Huggins, who is being heavily recruited, rushed for 161 yards and four  touchdowns in the St. Peter’s Prep 35-7 victory. The win was a little bit of revenge for St. Peter’s who opened last season with a 40-28 loss to St. Joseph.

Another Rutgers recruit, Sheldon Royster, added a 50 yard punt return for a touchdown in the win. With the victory, St. Peter’s Prep has made it’s way into the national rankings at 25.

In a New Jersey against the world type of weekend, the three teams from the Garden State prevailed. It’s no wonder Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is pushing for the state’s top players to wear Scarlet and White next season.