The 2025 football season is officially here! JSZ has tons of highlights for you, including action from the fifth annual Battle at the Beach in Ocean City!
Bergen Catholic 22 East St. Louis (IL) 21 | Battle at the Beach
The Crusaders turned in one of their most inspired wins in quite some time as they kicked off their 2025 campaign in thrilling fashion. A Jordan Thomas blocked punt and an Amare Newell return touchdown with 90 seconds left in regulation brought Bergen Catholic (1-0) back in before the offense executed a successful, go-ahead two-point conversion. The Crusaders’ defense held on in the final seconds to secure the win. Sophomore QB Trey Tagliaferri was 13-20 with 154 yards and a touchdown pass while star sophomore EDGE Jackson Vaughn had two sacks in the win. Bergen Catholic travels south to Florida next week for a matchup with West Boca Raton.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and postgame reaction from Carey Stadium:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by American Dream in East Rutherford.
IMG Academy (FL) 35 Winslow Twp. 14 | Battle at the Beach
The Ascenders fended off a second quarter surge from the Eagles, controlling the second half to knock off the third-ranked team in the Garden State and stay unbeaten. Louisville commit Lekhy Thompkins rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including a 56-yard scamper late to seal the deal for nationally-ranked IMG Academy (3-0). Jalen Parker threw for 253 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown in the loss for Winslow Township, who will face Highland next week ahead of a big Week 2 showdown with Bergen Catholic.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Ocean City:
Northern Highlands 27 Holy Spirit 12 | Battle at the Beach
Cornell commit Chase Calarco rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Highlanders to victory in Ocean City. Jack O’Callaghan threw TD passes to Doyle Flatt and Drew Vandersnow in the win for Highlands (1-0). Ty Costabile threw a pair of TD passes for Spirit (0-1) in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from OC:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Northern Highlands is brought to you by American Dream in East Rutherford.
Jackson Township 33 North Brunswick 0 | Non-Conference
The first game in the new era of Jaguar football was a smashing success, literally. Jackson Township (1-0) picked up the first win in its programs history Friday night thanks to a monster three-touchdown game from senior running back Jonah Glenn. The Jaguars’ defense came up with a number of big stops and turnovers throughout the game. Jackson Township will prepare to face Southern Regional next week while North Brunswick (0-1) gets in Big Central Conference action against South Brunswick in Week 1.
JSZ’s Nick Doll has the highlights and reaction from Middlesex County:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Township is made possible by Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of North Brunswick is made possible by JAG Physical Therapy.
