Don Bosco Prep remains the number one high school football team in New Jersey for the third consecutive week, according to the latest rankings released on October 12. The Ironmen secured their top position after a hard-fought 17-14 victory against St. Joseph Regional, maintaining their undefeated 5-0 record.
The rankings, which are based on the Massey Ratings model, show minimal changes in the top five, with most leading teams securing wins. St. Joseph Regional's narrow loss resulted in a slight drop in the standings, highlighting the competitive nature of the state's top-tier programs.
Key Takeaways
- Don Bosco Prep (5-0) continues its reign at No. 1 for the third week in a row after defeating St. Joseph Regional.
- The top three teams—Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, and St. Peter’s Prep—remain unchanged in their respective positions.
- Hun School (5-1) suffered its first loss of the season, falling to The St. James Academy on the road.
- Several undefeated teams, including Red Bank Catholic (7-0) and Washington Township (7-0), hold strong positions in the Top 10.
A Look at the Top 5 Programs
The elite teams in New Jersey high school football continue to demonstrate why they are ranked at the top. With challenging schedules that often include out-of-state opponents, these programs have consistently performed at a high level. This week's results have solidified the current hierarchy while setting the stage for crucial upcoming matchups.
1. Don Bosco Prep Ironmen (5-0)
Don Bosco Prep has solidified its claim as the best team in the state. Their latest challenge was a close contest against then-No. 5 St. Joseph Regional, where they emerged with a 17-14 win. This victory was crucial for the Ironmen to maintain their top ranking and undefeated status.
The team's season has been defined by tough competition. They opened with a 14-10 win against Melissa from Texas and followed it with a 38-21 victory over Monarch from Florida. Their strong performances continued with a 28-0 shutout against St. Anthony’s of New York and a dominant 47-15 win over DePaul Catholic. With their perfect record intact, the Ironmen are now preparing to face Seton Hall Prep this Saturday.
2. Bergen Catholic Crusaders (5-1)
Holding steady at the number two spot, the Bergen Catholic Crusaders bounced back from their only loss of the season, which came at the hands of their rival, Don Bosco Prep. The Crusaders showed no lingering effects from that defeat, dominating Paramus Catholic in a 45-14 victory.
Bergen Catholic's schedule has been formidable from the start. They began their season by defeating East St. Louis from Illinois and later secured a 21-14 road win against West Boca Raton in Florida. The team's resilience will be tested again this week as they host Delbarton (3-3) in a Saturday matchup.
What Are the Massey Ratings?
The Massey Ratings are a statistical model used to rank sports teams. The system, which was officially part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) during its era in college football, analyzes several factors to determine a team's strength. These factors include game outcomes, strength of schedule, and the margin of victory in each contest. This comprehensive approach provides a data-driven ranking of teams across the state.
3. St. Peter’s Prep Marauders (5-0)
St. Peter’s Prep continues its impressive undefeated season, moving to 5-0. Following a tight victory over St. Joseph Regional, the Marauders delivered an overpowering performance against Seton Hall Prep, winning 42-3. This win highlighted the team's offensive firepower and defensive strength.
The Marauders have been a dominant force all season, winning their first four games by an average margin of 32 points. Their roster includes high-level talent, such as four-star offensive lineman Oluwasemilore Olubobola and four-star running back Abdul Turay. After a bye week, St. Peter's Prep is set to face No. 7 DePaul Catholic in a significant upcoming game.
4. Hun School Raiders (5-1)
The Hun School experienced its first setback of the season, dropping a road game to The St. James Academy with a final score of 30-14. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for the Raiders, who had previously been perfect on the year against a challenging schedule.
Before the loss, the Raiders had posted convincing wins, including a 42-0 victory over Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and a 48-0 win against Mt. Zion Prep. The team's defense is a major strength, led by senior defensive ends Luke Wafle, a USC commit, and Seth Clarke, a Rice commit. Coming off a bye week, Hun School faces a major test against the nationally ranked St. Frances Academy this Friday.
5. St. Joseph Regional Green Knights (4-2)
St. Joseph Regional now holds a 4-2 record after a close 17-14 loss to the top-ranked Don Bosco Prep. Despite the loss, the Green Knights remain a formidable opponent in the state's top tier. Their two losses this season have come against the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked teams.
The Green Knights started their season strong with a 34-19 win over St. John’s College High in Washington, D.C., and a 48-0 victory over Cardinal Hayes of New York. The team features one of the state's most talented defensive secondaries, anchored by Tennessee commit KJ McClain. St. Joseph Regional will look to get back on track this week when they face No. 7 DePaul Catholic.
Undefeated Teams in the Top 25
Beyond the top-ranked teams, several other programs have maintained perfect records deep into the season. These undefeated teams include:
- No. 8 Red Bank Catholic (7-0)
- No. 9 Washington Township (7-0)
- No. 12 Old Tappan (6-0)
- No. 18 Saint Joseph (6-0)
- No. 19 Mount Olive (6-0)
- No. 22 Burlington Township (7-0)
- No. 23 West Morris Central (7-0)
- No. 25 Glassboro (6-0)
The Complete New Jersey Top 25
The competition throughout the state remains fierce, with numerous teams making a case for a spot in the Top 25. The rankings reflect both dominant performances and the strength of each team's schedule. Here is the full list of the top high school football teams in New Jersey as of October 12.
- Don Bosco Prep (5-0)
- Bergen Catholic (5-1)
- St. Peter’s Prep (5-0)
- Hun School (5-1)
- St. Joseph Regional (4-2)
- Winslow Township (5-2)
- DePaul Catholic (4-2)
- Red Bank Catholic (7-0)
- Washington Township (7-0)
- St. Augustine Prep (5-1)
- Delbarton (3-3)
- Old Tappan (6-0)
- Northern Highlands (6-1)
- Camden (4-2)
- Paramus Catholic (2-5)
- Ramapo (5-1)
- Phillipsburg (6-1)
- Saint Joseph (6-0)
- Mount Olive (6-0)
- Atlantic City (6-1)
- Rumson-Fair Haven (4-2)
- Burlington Township (7-0)
- West Morris Central (7-0)
- Kingsway (6-1)
- Glassboro (6-0)
Tracking the Action
Fans interested in following game results and real-time updates from across New Jersey can use various online resources. Platforms like the Rivals High School Scoreboard provide comprehensive coverage of games throughout the state.
These tools allow supporters to track everything from close contests to major victories, ensuring they stay informed about all the high school football action. As the season progresses, these resources become essential for following playoff races and championship contenders.