Complete team effort leads DePaul Catholic football to second state title in three years

The DePaul Catholic football team celebrates with the New Jersey Non-Public B trophy after defeating Pope John, 33-21, in the New Jersey Non-Public B state final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday November 29, 2024. Joshua Guirguis/D2 Sports Network

EAST RUTHERFORD - After back-to-back years of battling Red Bank Catholic for the New Jersey Non-Public B state title, the DePaul Catholic football team finally faced a new foe at MetLife Stadium.

The Spartans outlasted Pope John, 33-21, to capture their second state title in three years.

Notre Dame commit Nolan James, Jr. spearheaded a potent ground attack rushing for 244 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 29 attempts. Fellow Notre Dame commit Elijah Burress caught a touchdown in the second half to add to the Spartan lead. Ohio State commit De'zie Jones snagged a pair of red zone interceptions with the latter being the final nail in the coffin securing DePaul's second state title in the last three years.

Pope John's Tylik Hill attempted to revive the team's hopes in the ground game rushing 32 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns but the effort would be to no avail.

DePaul finishes the season with an 11-1 record, while Pope John caps its campaign with a 5-8 record.