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Bergen Catholic edged in Sunshine State, 12-7
BRADENTON, Fla. – Though Bergen Catholic proved its worth against a potent out-of-state foe in Week One, the Crusaders were faced with the same task again – this time, very far from home.
But even in falling, 12-7, to Plant (Tampa) at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium on Friday evening, they showed enough fight to be considered a true national force.
The much-anticipated matchup, which was live-streamed exclusively on MSGVarsity.com, featured the No. 2 high school football team in MSG Varsity's tri-state Top 25 poll and a perrennial power from Florida.
Trailing 3-0 in the first half, Bergen Catholic (1-1) got on the board when Mike Gerst rattled off a 56-yard touchdown and handed his team a four-point advantage heading into halftime.
Wesley Bullock, however, scored a rushing touchdown in the third quarter to put Plant up, 9-7, but the extra-point attempt was missed. The Panthers added a field goal for insurance late in the fourth and stopped a ferocious comeback attempt on the Crusaders' final drive.
Last Saturday, Bergen Catholic quarterback Jonathan Germano completed 15 of 19 passes, threw for 310 yards and recorded four touchdowns to help his team dismantle LaSalle (Pa.), 41-17. Justin Kulcsar caught a touchdown pass, and John Tsimis added two of his own as Bergen Catholic jumped out to an early 20-0 lead and never looked back.
Fitzsimmons: Jersey boys made mark down South
Contact Brian Fitzsimmons at bfitzsim@cablevision.com. Follow him on Twitter: @FitzWriter
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