The highly anticipated high school football matchup between the East St. Louis Flyers and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders is set to be a national showcase. This non-league game, part of the “Battle at the Beach Football Classic,” will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET at Carey Stadium in Ocean City, New Jersey. This is not just a game; it’s a monumental clash between two of the most storied and talented programs in the country. Both teams are ranked nationally and are known for producing elite college and professional athletes. East St. Louis is the reigning Class 6A state champion from Illinois, a powerhouse with a history of dominance. Bergen Catholic is a perennial New Jersey state champion and a national contender year after year. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have major implications for national rankings and will set the tone for the rest of the season for both teams.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: East St. Louis Flyers vs Bergen Catholic Crusaders
When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 — 4 p.m. ET
Where: Carey Stadium, Ocean City, N.J.

Where to Watch This Match?

For fans who cannot attend the “Battle at the Beach” in person, the highly anticipated game between the East St. Louis Flyers and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders will be exclusively live-streamed on FloFootball. To watch the game, fans will need to subscribe to the FloSports network, which offers a variety of sports content, including live high school football games, on-demand replays, and in-depth analysis. The broadcast is scheduled to begin just before the 4 p.m. ET kickoff on Thursday, August 28, 2025. You can access FloFootball through a web browser or by using their mobile app on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs like Roku and Amazon Fire. Be sure to subscribe early to ensure you don’t miss any of the action from this national showdown.

Who Will Win This Matchup?

This game is a true “clash of the titans” with both teams holding impressive credentials. The Bergen Catholic Crusaders, a New Jersey powerhouse, are known for their physical and disciplined play. They are consistently a top-ranked team in the state and the nation, and their program has a track record of winning state titles. On the other side, the East St. Louis Flyers are an Illinois football dynasty, boasting numerous state championships and a roster filled with Division I talent. Their high-octane offense and athletic defense are a challenge for any opponent. While both teams come into this game with a clean slate for the 2025 season, the game is being played on the East Coast, which could give Bergen Catholic a slight advantage. However, East St. Louis is a well-traveled team and is used to facing the best competition. This will be a tight contest, likely decided by a single big play or a crucial turnover.

Team Records and History

Both the East St. Louis Flyers and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders are football programs with deep and successful histories. The East St. Louis Flyers have won multiple state championships in Illinois, with a reputation for producing some of the most talented athletes in the country. Their program is a perennial contender and has a history of playing tough national schedules. They are known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense.

The Bergen Catholic Crusaders, located in Oradell, New Jersey, are one of the most successful high school football programs in the history of New Jersey. They have won numerous state championships and are consistently ranked among the best teams in the country. Their program is known for its physical style of play and strong defense, often competing against other national powerhouses. The Crusaders have a long-standing rivalry with Don Bosco Prep, one of the most famous rivalries in New Jersey high school football.

Recent Results and Scores

As this is the season opener for both teams, their recent results are based on their performance in the previous season.

Since the game on Thursday, August 28, 2025, is the first game of the season for both the East St. Louis Flyers and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders, there are no recent results for the 2025 season to report. Both teams are starting the season with a 0-0 record.

Upcoming Games Schedule

Here are the upcoming games for both teams after their national showdown in New Jersey.

East St. Louis Flyers Upcoming Games Schedule

Bergen Catholic Crusaders Upcoming Games Schedule