November 18, 2011

Sophomore running back Jonathan Hilliman has rushed for five touchdowns this season. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

St. Peter's Prep Marauders Photo Gallery

Neither St. Peter's Prep nor Bergen Catholic felt they had delivered an "A" performance in their first meeting back on Oct. 28, a game won by Bergen Catholic 27-18.

As these two long-time rivals meet again tomorrow afternoon in Oradell, both know it will need a better showing to advance in the rugged Non-Public, Group IV section.

Third-seeded St. Peter's Prep looked poised to pull off the upset three weeks ago at Caven Point, but four turnovers proved too much for the Marauders to overcome. The ill-timed miscues negated what had been a strong offensive showing for Prep, which totaled more the 400 total yards.

Meanwhile the Crusaders' high-powered offense was held in check for most of the game in a way few other defense had before.  Bergen Catholic was victimized by a pair of turnovers and did not get an offensive score in the first half against the Marauders.

Thanks to the schedule and a first round bye, the Crusaders have not played since that Friday night at Caven Point and have had three weeks to prepare for the rematch.

To reverse the outcome, Prep will need another big game from West Virginia-bound QB Brandon Napoleon, who tossed for 203 yards and rushed for 92 yards last time. Jared Crayton caught eight passes and Trejon Dinkins exploded for 150 receiving yards in a breakthrough game.  The Marauders will need more from Charlie Callinan this time around and gets a key addition with sophomore running back Jonathan Hilliman, who missed the first meeting.

Bergen Catholic, ranked No. 2 in the state, will rely on the dangerous tandem of QB Jonathan Germano and receiver John Tsimis. Led by corner Tre Bell and safety J.R. Robinson, the Marauders were able to hold Tsimis (40 catches this year) to a season-low two catches and 14 yards. But the resourceful Germano simply turned to Ryan Finkel, who had six catches for 103 yards.

Players to Watch for Bergen Catholic:
Jonathan Germano, QB
Despite the graduation of Tanner McEvoy, the Crusader offense hasn't missed a beat with Germano taking over at quarterback. The junior has been spectacular this season, passing for 1,820 yards and 23 touchdowns for Bergen Catholic. Germano lit up Friendship Academy for 355 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-32 victory. In the first meeting with St. Peter's Prep he tossed for two scores and ran for another.

Charles Wingate,WR/DB
Wingate might not look imposing at just 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, but the senior has the ability to be a game-changer in the Crusader secondary. Wingate leads Bergen Catholic with six interceptions on the season, two of them coming in a loss against nationally ranked Plant of Florida. A willing tackler, he has made 37 stops this season, six coming in the first meeting with St. Peter's Prep.

Players to Watch for St. Peter's Prep:
Jonathan Hilliman, RB
Injuries kept Hilliman out of the first meeting between St. Peter's Prep and Bergen Catholic, but now the sophomore is healthy and could be the x-factor in tomorrow's rematch. A powerful runner, Hilliman has averaged close to seven yards a carry this season while splitting time with Jared Crayton. Hilliman rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown in his first game back last week against Notre Dame.

J.R. Robinson, WR/S
One of the few two-way starters for the Marauders, Robinson has elevated his game on both sides of the ball. The senior had touchdowns on offense and defense in the third quarter of last week's win over Notre Dame. He caught a 40-yard touchdown from Brandon Napoleon then returned an interception 35 yards for a score. Robinson has 17 receptions and a team-high five interceptions on the year.