One of the premier national high school football matchups of 2025 takes place on Thursday, August 28, as the East St. Louis Flyers (IL) meet the Bergen Catholic Crusaders (NJ) in a neutral-site non-conference showdown. With both teams ranked in the national top 30, this contest is a spotlight game to open the season.
Game Details
- Matchup: Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) vs East St. Louis (IL)
- Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Location: Neutral Site
- Live Coverage: Stream the game live on the NFHS Network
- Tickets: Available digitally through GoFan
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
Bergen Catholic enters 2025 as one of the nation’s elite programs, ranked #20 nationally, #1 in New Jersey, and #1 in their division. Known for their physicality, defensive dominance, and big-game experience, the Crusaders will aim to impose their style against East St. Louis. The key will be to establish control early and prevent the Flyers from finding their offensive rhythm.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #20
- State Rank: #1 (NJ)
- Division Rank: #1
- Strengths: Dominant defense, championship pedigree, physical play
- Key to Win: Win the battle in the trenches and control time of possession
East St. Louis Flyers
The Flyers come into the season ranked #30 nationally, #1 in Illinois, and #1 in their class. A perennial powerhouse, East St. Louis boasts explosive offensive talent and athleticism across the board. To take down Bergen Catholic, the Flyers will look to speed up the game and use their playmakers to break open big scoring opportunities.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #30
- State Rank: #1 (IL)
- Class Rank: #1
- Strengths: Speed, offensive explosiveness, elite athleticism
- Key to Win: Push the tempo and create mismatches in open space
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Division/Class Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Catholic Crusaders | 20 | 1 (NJ) | 1 | 0-0 |
| East St. Louis Flyers | 30 | 1 (IL) | 1 | 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.