The 2025 high school football season delivers a national spotlight matchup as the East St. Louis Flyers face the Bergen Catholic Crusaders in a neutral-site non-conference showdown on Thursday, August 28, 2025. This game features two nationally ranked powers, each entering the season ranked in the Top 30 nationally and #1 in their respective states.
Game Details
- Matchup: Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) vs East St. Louis (East St. Louis, IL)
- Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Location: Neutral Site
- Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Bergen Catholic Crusaders
The Crusaders enter 2025 as one of the top teams in the country, ranked #20 nationally, #1 in New Jersey, and #1 in their division. Known for their elite defense and disciplined style, Bergen Catholic will look to assert themselves against another state powerhouse.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #20
- State Rank: #1 (NJ)
- Division Rank: #1
- Strengths: Elite defense, championship pedigree, disciplined execution
- Key to Win: Win the turnover battle and set the tempo defensively
East St. Louis Flyers
The Flyers begin the 2025 campaign ranked #30 nationally, #1 in Illinois, and #1 in their class. With a history of explosive offenses and athletic playmakers, East St. Louis will look to test Bergen Catholic in a matchup of national contenders.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #30
- State Rank: #1 (IL)
- Class Rank: #1
- Strengths: Speed, offensive explosiveness, playmaking ability
- Key to Win: Spread the field and create mismatches with athleticism
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class/Division Rank | Record | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Catholic Crusaders | 20 | 1 (NJ) | 1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
| East St. Louis Flyers | 30 | 1 (IL) | 1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.