Bergen Catholic vs. IMG Academy: Preview, prediction for biggest football game of the week

This is maybe the biggest game of the entire regular season in North Jersey.

Bergen Catholic has won three straight Non-Public A state titles and enters the season ranked No. 1 in the New Jersey Super 25 . The Crusaders are also ranked No. 19 in the latest USA TODAY Super 25.

IMG Academy, a national superpower out of Bradenton, Florida, started the season ranked No. 2 in the nation but fell to No. 9 after a stunning 35-34 loss Corner Canyon (Utah) last week .

Is it an advantage to have already played a game? Over the years, I’ve seen that work both ways. On one hand, IMG has already played and has a sense of their identity. On the other, that gives Bergen Catholic an edge in scouting. IMG won’t know what Bergen Catholic has, especially early in the game.

Last year, I went down to Florida and saw the Crusaders get destroyed by national power Chaminade-Madonna. There are levels in high school football. Bergen Catholic is the best team in New Jersey. IMG is one of the best in the nation. How big is that gap? Last year, it was 40 points between Bergen and Chimanade-Madonna.

I think the gap is a lot closer now. Last year, Chaminade-Madonna got out to a 21-0 lead in a blink. This year, Bergen Catholic is better on defense, and the secondary is elite. I think this a game in the second half, but I think IMG will keep the Crusaders' offense in check.

Bergen Catholic vs IMG Academy prediction

I see it like 28-14 IMG Academy , but it’s close the whole way. No one is hanging 60 on this Bergen Catholic defense.

To read all of Darren Cooper's predictions for Week 0 in North Jersey, click here .

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen Catholic vs. IMG Academy: Preview, prediction for biggest football game of the week