Bridgewater-Raritan Football Coach Named Coach Of Year For Historic Season

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan High School's head football coach, DJ Catalano, was honored by the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL) with the High School Football Coach of the Year Award.

The recognition happened at the annual NJSYFL Awards Dinner on Feb 1, at the Gran Centurions in Clark with about 200 guests in attendance.

Catalano led the Bridgewater-Raritan football team to its first-ever state sectional playoff title in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 state championship this past fall. His team achieved a 9-3 record during his third season as head coach.

The NJSYFL is a respected youth football league in New Jersey, comprising an estimated 24 teams from various northern and central New Jersey communities. Bridgewater-Raritan is one of the communities participating in the league.

Upon receiving the award from Russ Yeager, the NJSYFL's long-time Commissioner, Catalano acknowledged the contributions of his 22 senior players. He noted that these players had developed through the Bridgewater-Raritan program within the NJSYFL.

Catalano also extended his appreciation to youth coaches from his local area and across the NJSYFL.

"The coaches are the people who are the lifeline, and the NJSYFL is the one who gets the kids interested in football," said Catalano. "Once the kids catch that bug, it gives them more time to develop."

This award highlights the connection between youth sports development and high school athletic success in the Bridgewater-Raritan community.