Bergen Catholic Pulls Away Late To Defeat DePaul Catholic 28-14 In Annual Campanile Bowl

Wayne, NJ — Bragging rights in the Campanile family rivalry remained with Bergen Catholic on Saturday, as the Crusaders used a strong second-half performance and a late touchdown to defeat DePaul Catholic, 28-14, in their regular-season finale.

The matchup featured more than just two competitive football programs. Bergen Catholic head coach Vito Campanile faced his younger brother, DePaul head coach Nick Campanile, in a rivalry that has become an annual family affair. Vito improved to 3-0 against his brother in the series that began in 2022.

The game was closely contested for much of the afternoon, with both teams exchanging touchdowns and entering the fourth quarter tied at 14-14. Bergen Catholic eventually made the plays necessary to pull away, scoring twice in the final stages to secure the 14-point victory.

Junior quarterback Trey Tagliaferri led the Crusaders, completing 21 of 25 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown without throwing an interception. He also contributed on the ground, scoring on a five-yard run midway through the second quarter to give Bergen Catholic its first touchdown.

Senior Bryan Porter provided another important offensive presence. Porter rushed 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding six receptions for 48 yards. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gave the Crusaders a dependable option throughout the contest.

Junior running back Anthony Cristiano and versatile senior Porter also found the end zone as Bergen Catholic continued to apply pressure on the DePaul defense.

The Spartans answered late in the first half. Senior running back Sean Nevers scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining before halftime, tying the game at 7-7.

DePaul carried that momentum into the second half. Junior quarterback Frank Morano connected with junior Gavin Sblendorio on a 21-yard scoring play in the third quarter, bringing the Spartans even at 14-14.

With the game hanging in the balance, Bergen Catholic’s offense responded with its most important drive of the afternoon.

Tagliaferri connected with sophomore Cruz Araujo on a one-yard touchdown pass with 1:22 remaining, extending the Crusaders’ advantage to 28-14 and putting the game out of reach.

The Bergen Catholic defense then delivered the final blow. Senior defensive back Amar’e Newell intercepted a DePaul pass with just under a minute remaining, ending the Spartans’ opportunity to mount another comeback.

The victory moved Bergen Catholic to 5-4 on the season, while DePaul Catholic finished its regular season at 4-5.

Although the final score showed a 14-point difference, the contest was much closer than the margin suggested. DePaul stayed within striking distance throughout the afternoon and had the game tied entering the final quarter. Bergen Catholic’s ability to execute in the closing minutes ultimately separated the two teams.

For the Crusaders, Tagliaferri’s efficiency, Porter’s versatility and Newell’s late interception were key ingredients in the victory. DePaul received productive performances from Nevers and Morano but could not overcome Bergen Catholic’s late scoring surge.

The Campanile Bowl once again belonged to the older brother, as Vito Campanile and the Crusaders closed their regular season with a hard-fought victory.

Game statistics

Scoring summary

• Bergen Catholic: Tagliaferri 5-yard run; Nevers answered for DePaul with a 1-yard run to tie it 7-7.
• DePaul took its turn in the second half when Morano scored on a 21-yard connection with Sblendorio, tying the game 14-14.
• Bergen Catholic added two late touchdowns, including Tagliaferri’s 1-yard pass to Araujo with 1:22 remaining, to secure the 28-14 win.