For the second year in a row, Bergen Catholic will open its football season in Ocean City against a national powerhouse.

The Crusaders will play East St. Louis (Illinois) on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 28 at the Battle of the Beach showcase. The game was announced Friday by the West Jersey Football Coaches' Association, which runs the Battle at the Beach.

Last season, East St. Louis went 13-1 on the way to the 6A state title in Illinois. The Flyers' only defeat was a 14-13 overtime loss to IMG Academy (Florida).

Bergen Catholic opened the 2024 season with a Thursday game at the Battle of the Beach, a 24-14 loss to IMG Academy. That was the Crusaders' only loss as they won their fourth straight Non-Public A state championship.

East St. Louis finished the season ranked No. 16 in the USA TDOAY Super 25 rankings, while Bergen Catholic finished at No. 19.

The other Battle at the Beach game that was announced Friday was Millville vs. Rancocas Valley, which will also be played on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Last month, Ramsey announced that it will be play a Week 0 game at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.