Back by popular demand, the Bergen County football All-Star Game returns to Lyndhurst High School on Saturday, June 25.

The game hasn’t been played since 2019 with COVID limiting the opportunity for a school to host the event, which pits teams made up of Bergen County players in a North vs. South game. 

“The last two years when we didn’t have it, I had a lot of parents and players reach out,” said Leo Ciappina, the game’s chief organizer. “You know, it’s the last game. It’s a great experience for the players. It’s exciting whether they are going to play in college or not. Football is that special kind of game where everyone wants one more shot.”

This year's game will be dedicated to former Ramapo coach Drew Gibbs, who died in November.

“It was just such a tragic loss,” Ciappina said of Gibbs. “I want to reach out to his family. We want to make sure he’s recognized during the game.”

Former Ramapo coach Mike Miello will be the honorary coach for the North squad. Former Wood-Ridge coach Charlie Trentacosti will be the coach for the South.

The teams will practice three times starting the week of June 13 and then another three times the week of the game. In order to keep the game competitive, there are rules governing how complicated the defenses can be. 

South quarterbacks include Johnny Lembo (Lyndhurst), Donovan Salters (Lodi) and Billy Ricci (Wallington). North quarterbacks are listed as Jason Williams (Englewood), Charlie Amatrula (Old Tappan) and Russell Pigg (Waldwick/Midland Park).

Players have to be nominated by their coaches to play.

Ciappina also noted the rise of girls flag football in Bergen County and is considering the possibility of adding a girls flag football All-Star game in the future. That would be the first of its kind in North Jersey.

Kickoff for this year's game is 7 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at the gate; $5 for kids, $10 for adults. The game will be sponsored by Sinner’s Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach.

This will be the 22nd Bergen County All-Star game. The North (which traditionally wears blue jerseys) leads the series 18-3. The South (red) won the 2019 game, 14-3, before the game was halted midway through the fourth quarter as the action got heated.

Devin Miller-Singh, St. Joe’s

Russell Pigg, Waldwick/Midland Park

Ja-Ty Mayes, St. Joe’s

Pierce Kelly, St. Joe’s

John Ohnegian, St. Joe’s

Jason O’Hagan, Bergen Tech

Braden Holm, Waldwick/Midland Park

Darren Cooper is a peachy-keen high school sports columnist for NorthJersey.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis from our Varsity Aces team, subscribe today. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter and download our app.