Five Things We Learned About Bergen Catholic

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='412019' first='Trey' last='Tagliaferri'] Is the Real Deal</h3>   Freshman quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='412019' first='Trey' last='Tagliaferri'] wasted no time proving he belongs on the big stage. He ran Bergen Catholic's offense with poise, keeping drives in rhythm and on time. His touch on the deep and intermediate routes stood out, especially his connection with sophomore wideout [player_tooltip player_id='703169' first='Austin' last='Busso'], who hauled in a touchdown.   What impressed most was Tagliaferri's composure under pressure. Even as East St. Louis mounted a comeback, he stayed calm and delivered when it mattered most. His clutch throw to Brian Porter on a two-point conversion sealed the win and showed just how advanced he already is. With another huge test against Winslow looming, Trey will be under the microscope again — and all signs point to him being ready for the spotlight.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TagliaferriTrey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TagliaferriTrey</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/bryan_porter08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bryan_porter08</a> for the conversion! What a game at Carey Stadium. 22-21 Crusaders. This program has ice in its veins. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/77JHa2HixU">pic.twitter.com/77JHa2HixU</a>— Ryan Patti (@ryanwpatti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanwpatti/status/1961187049861754937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bergen Catholic's Offense Can Win in Multiple Ways</h3>   One clear takeaway from Bergen Catholic's opener is just how versatile their offense is. They proved they can win through the air or on the ground. In the passing game, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='412019' first='Trey' last='Tagliaferri'] showed strong chemistry with his playmakers, including [player_tooltip player_id='437687' first='Bryan' last='Porter'], Austin Bussp, and even [player_tooltip player_id='284069' first='Najee' last='Calhoun'] out of the backfield. That balance allowed Bergen to remain unpredictable and keep East St. Louis off-balance.   On the ground, the duo of [player_tooltip player_id='212385' first='Dante' last='Kain'] and [player_tooltip player_id='284069' first='Najee' last='Calhoun'] provided a physical punch. Both backs ran with vision, burst, and toughness, often finding holes before they fully opened. Their ability to complement a strong offensive line added another layer to the attack.   Ultimately, Bergen Catholic's ability to mix up looks and attack in different ways makes them one of the most difficult teams to defend. Opponents can't pigeonhole them into one style, and that versatility is going to be a problem all season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bergen Catholic's Defensive Line Is Dominant</h3>   If there was any doubt, Bergen Catholic showed why they own the best defensive line and pass rush in New Jersey. Their front four wrecked East St. Louis from start to finish.   Sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='836216' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] continues to terrorize offensive tackles, winning both on the edge and in the run game. His ability to disrupt read-option plays stood out all night. Alongside him, Texas A&M commit Jermaine Kensler showed why he's one of the top prospects in the state, forcing a fumble and recording a strip sack. That type of game-changing presence is rare.   Bergen Catholic's defensive front looks unstoppable. They collapse pockets, force mistakes, and stonewall rushing attacks. For opposing offenses, moving the ball against this group will be one of the toughest challenges in New Jersey football this season.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='836216' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] completely dominated the first half for No. 14 Bergen Catholic <a href="https://twitter.com/jwvaughn13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jwvaughn13</a> Had him for two sacks and he disrupted multiple plays in the backfield. One of the top prospects in the 2028 class showing out 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/F5GSDzoMrU">pic.twitter.com/F5GSDzoMrU</a>— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport/status/1961170475255796039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2025</a></blockquote>     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] Is as Advertised</h3>   Bergen Catholic's win over East St. Louis proved once again that [player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] is every bit the player his ranking suggests. The Ohio State commit, currently Prep Red Zone's No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class, showed why he's considered the top defensive back in New Jersey.   Thomas lined up all over the field, from outside corner to slot and even safety. That versatility made it nearly impossible for East St. Louis to find a consistent matchup. He combined smooth footwork with disciplined eyes, refusing to bite on misdirection or play fakes. His late-game pass breakup on a crucial drive highlighted that discipline, as he tracked the ball perfectly and dislodged it at the catch point to kill momentum.   In addition to his defensive presence, Thomas made a significant impact on special teams. His blocked punt shifted momentum and set up Bergen Catholic's game-winning opportunity with the two-point conversion. Plays like that underline his ability to be a difference-maker in all phases of the game.   In short, Thomas backed up every bit of his reputation. He showed why Ohio State locked him up early and why he'll continue to be the gold standard for defensive backs in New Jersey.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Final Bergen Catholic 22 ESL 21 Here are the winning plays No 21 [player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] blocks the punt and No 27 Amar'e Newell returned for the TD to get BC within a point with 1:23 left. Then No. 3 [player_tooltip player_id='437687' first='Bryan' last='Porter'] caught the 2-point conversion pass from No 12 [player_tooltip player_id='412019' first='Trey' last='Tagliaferri'] <a href="https://t.co/wT3mIM2M8Z">pic.twitter.com/wT3mIM2M8Z</a>— Marc Narducci (@sjnard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sjnard/status/1961194513650913671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📦📦 <a href="https://t.co/jUy9kdVzUH">https://t.co/jUy9kdVzUH</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] ✞²¹ (@jordanthomas_21) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanthomas_21/status/1961435783035793861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Special Teams Matter</h3>   If one takeaway stood out from Bergen Catholic's clash with East St. Louis, it's that special teams can win or lose games. The Crusaders had a costly mistake early, fumbling a snap on an extra-point attempt that wiped points off the board. Yet, when it mattered most, their special teams delivered the game-changing play—a blocked punt returned for a touchdown that swung momentum and sealed the victory.   What this game proved is that Bergen Catholic is dangerous in all three phases. The offense moved the ball efficiently. The defense created havoc up front and forced timely stops. And the special teams chipped in with the deciding score. That balance makes Bergen Catholic the most complete team in New Jersey at the moment.   As they chase a fifth straight state championship, Bergen Catholic showed they're more than just a talented roster. They're poised, well-coached, and capable of winning games in multiple ways. Against a powerhouse like East St. Louis, all three phases had their fingerprints on the win—and that's why the Crusaders remain the team to beat.