The 2025 high school football season is set to deliver an early heavyweight showdown as Bergen Catholic vs East St. Louis highlights the non-conference slate on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Both programs enter the new season with national attention, rich traditions, and reputations as perennial state champions.
This game will be played at a neutral site, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a matchup that already has fans buzzing across the country.
For more updates on Illinois high school football, visit our Illinois football coverage. Fans of New Jersey football can follow all the latest New Jersey high school football updates here.
Matchup Preview
The East St. Louis Flyers (IL) will face the Bergen Catholic Crusaders (NJ) in what many analysts call one of the top interstate battles of the 2025 season. Both teams open the year at 0-0, but their preseason rankings and historical success place them among the elite in their respective states.
- Game Info: Bergen Catholic vs East St. Louis
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Location: Neutral site
- Type: Non-conference
Fans can find more state-specific football schedules and news through our Find Your School portal.
Team Rankings and Records
Bergen Catholic Crusaders (Oradell, NJ)
- National Rank: 20
- New Jersey Rank: 1
- Division: 1
- Record (2025–26): 0-0 (Preseason)
The Crusaders are once again the top-ranked team in New Jersey, a position they’ve grown accustomed to under head coach Vito Campanile. Bergen Catholic continues to reload with Division I recruits each year, and their dominance in the Big North Conference makes them one of the toughest programs in the nation.
East St. Louis Flyers (IL)
- National Rank: 30
- Illinois Rank: 1
- Class: 1
- Record (2025–26): 0-0 (Preseason)
The Flyers hold the crown as Illinois’ most dominant program, known for producing NFL talent and electrifying offensive play. Head coach Darren Sunkett has built East St. Louis into a national powerhouse, capable of competing with the best in the country.
Key Storylines Heading Into the Game
1. Clash of State Champions
Both teams are ranked No. 1 in their respective states, making this a rare matchup where pride and state supremacy collide on neutral ground. Fans from both Illinois and New Jersey will be eager to see which team comes out on top.
2. National Implications
With Bergen Catholic ranked No. 20 nationally and East St. Louis at No. 30, this matchup has direct implications for the national top 25 rankings. A win here could catapult either program up the board, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
3. Elite Talent on Display
Both programs are known pipelines for Power Five college recruits. Expect to see four-star and five-star prospects lining up on both sides of the ball, making this a must-watch game for college scouts and recruiting analysts.
Video Highlights and Media Buzz
Both teams have been in the preseason spotlight.
- Bergen Catholic was recently featured in the 2025 Preseason MaxPreps Sophomore All-America Football Team highlight, proving their depth of young talent.
- East St. Louis made headlines for having one of the Top 10 Toughest High School Football Schedules this season, which only underscores the level of competition they face.
Fans can expect media coverage, highlight reels, and national attention for this game.
Common Opponents and Historical Context
While Bergen Catholic and East St. Louis have not met before, their resumes are filled with victories against nationally ranked opponents. Both teams are battle-tested in playoff atmospheres, and although their head-to-head record is 0-0, this meeting could set the stage for future showdowns.
- Bergen Catholic thrives in the rugged New Jersey landscape, often taking on rivals like Don Bosco Prep and St. Joseph Regional.
- East St. Louis dominates Illinois but also schedules tough interstate games to prepare for deep playoff runs.
What to Expect on the Field
Bergen Catholic’s Strengths
The Crusaders’ offensive line is among the best in the nation, providing protection for their dynamic quarterback and explosive skill players. Their defense is known for speed and discipline, often forcing turnovers that shift momentum.
East St. Louis’ Game Plan
The Flyers bring speed and athleticism across all positions. Their offense is designed to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, while their defense plays aggressively, pressuring quarterbacks into mistakes.
Neutral Field Factor
The fact that this is a neutral-site game removes home-field advantage, leveling the playing field and creating an atmosphere where execution will matter more than crowd energy.
Fan Engagement and Ticket Info
This game is expected to draw not only fans from Illinois and New Jersey but also neutral spectators and scouts who recognize the magnitude of the matchup. Both schools carry national reputations, ensuring a strong turnout.
For more local football coverage and game schedules, check our Illinois football section and New Jersey football updates.
Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
This game is one of the toughest to predict in the early season.
- Bergen Catholic has size, discipline, and the edge of being the No. 1 ranked team in New Jersey.
- East St. Louis brings speed, athleticism, and a schedule that will push them against the toughest competition in the country.
Analysts believe the game could come down to turnovers and special teams play. A single mistake could swing the outcome.
Why This Game Matters
High school football fans crave these kinds of cross-state showdowns. Beyond the pride of their home states, both programs seek national respect. With the 2025 MaxPreps Top 25 still shaping up, a strong performance here could elevate one team into the spotlight for the remainder of the season.
This matchup also showcases how high school football continues to grow as a national spectacle, with interstate games generating attention on par with major college football contests.
The Bergen Catholic vs East St. Louis showdown on August 28, 2025, is more than just a non-conference game. It’s a battle of champions, a test of national rankings, and a showcase of some of the most talented high school athletes in the country.
Fans of both programs and neutral observers alike should circle this game on the calendar. Whether it’s Bergen Catholic’s disciplined approach or East St. Louis’ explosive athleticism that prevails, one thing is certain — this matchup will set the tone for the 2025 season.
Stay connected for complete coverage of this and other marquee matchups by visiting our Illinois high school football hub, checking updates from New Jersey football, and finding state-specific info here.
