High school sports in New Jersey have never been stronger. For the 2024–2025 academic year, student-athlete participation surged to record levels, marking the third straight year of growth. The total number of students competing in interscholastic athletics reached 281,971, placing New Jersey ninth among all 51 member state associations and signaling a full return to pre-pandemic enthusiasm.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) credits much of this momentum to the diversification of sports offerings. Traditional staples like football, soccer, and basketball remain dominant, but emerging programs—particularly girls flag football and girls wrestling—have given more students opportunities to compete. Athletic directors across the state say the rise of new sports is helping schools engage a wider range of student-athletes, while also creating a more inclusive culture in high school athletics.
The enthusiasm could be felt immediately as the fall season kicked off. Stadiums, gymnasiums, and fields across New Jersey were filled with both anticipation and the unmistakable energy that comes with fresh competition.
Football: Powerhouses, Upsets, and Rising Stars
Few states take high school football as seriously as New Jersey, and the 2025 season has already delivered dramatic storylines.
Bergen Catholic remains the team to beat. The Crusaders are eyeing their fifth straight Non-Public A state championship, a run that would cement their place as one of the most dominant programs in state history. They opened their campaign with a thrilling 22–21 win over nationally ranked East St. Louis, reminding everyone that Bergen Catholic isn’t just a state power, but a national one.
Phillipsburg, meanwhile, looks determined to avenge last year’s Group 4 state final loss. The Stateliners made a statement with a commanding 28–0 victory over Westfield, powered by an incredible 404 rushing yards. That kind of ground dominance suggests they are once again poised to be a top contender in the Big Central Conference.
Winslow also enters the season with lofty expectations after completing an undefeated 2024 season capped by a Group 4 state championship. With depth, speed, and a winning culture, the Eagles are a team everyone will be watching closely.
Elsewhere, Montclair Kimberley Academy staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Pingry, and Don Bosco Prep, under head coach Dan Sabella, looks primed to contend in the ever-competitive Super Football Conference.
The competition is fierce, the rivalries are intense, and fans are already circling dates on the calendar for matchups that will shape the playoff picture.
Soccer, Field Hockey, and Volleyball Shine in the Fall
Football might dominate the headlines, but soccer, field hockey, and volleyball are also delivering standout moments in the early weeks of the fall season.
On the soccer pitch, Jackson Township’s girls’ team secured a big win over Ranney, while Pascack Valley topped Holy Angels in a strong performance. Boys’ soccer fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Newark Academy vs. Livingston matchup, which will be staged at Red Bull Arena on September 29—a showcase event that highlights just how much the sport continues to grow in New Jersey.
Field hockey has its own stories to tell. Newton High School set the tone with a decisive 4–0 victory over Phillipsburg, putting the state on notice that they will be a team to watch in the coming weeks.
Volleyball opened with excitement as well. Morristown overcame Mendham in a comeback victory that underscored both resilience and competitive spirit. These moments highlight why fall sports in New Jersey continue to draw strong crowds and generate passionate school spirit.
Princeton High’s Heather Serverson Earns 200th Career Win as Tigers Blank Hopewell Valley
On a crisp September evening at Ackerson Field, Princeton High’s field hockey program celebrated a milestone that went far beyond the final score. Head coach Heather Serverson, now in her 18th season at the helm, collected her 200th career victory as the Tigers defeated Hopewell Valley, 2-0, in Colonial Valley Conference play.
For Serverson, who has been guiding Princeton athletes since the mid-2000s, the moment was about more than a round number in the win column. Coaching, she explained, has always been about her love of the game, the lessons she teaches through it, and most of all, watching players grow.
“It’s exciting and I’m glad it’s with this great group of girls,” Serverson said after the victory. “I’m also glad the milestone is behind us because I think the girls were starting to feel some pressure. For me, the real milestone is still being here, coaching in the same community for so long. That’s not easy in this climate, and I’m grateful to the families and players who have made it possible.”
Her record now stands at 200-85-10, a testament to consistency in one of New Jersey’s most competitive high school conferences. Serverson is currently the dean of CVC field hockey coaches, and her longevity has made her a fixture on the sidelines.
Princeton, now 1-1 on the season, got on the board early thanks to first-half goals by Nikki Lee and Lila Casto. Assists came from senior leader Sarah Cate Walker and Heidi Johnson, who both helped set the tone for a balanced attack. Goalie Morgan Suttmeier recorded four saves to secure the shutout.
Walker, a four-year varsity player, said the team had been chasing this milestone for their coach since the offseason. “We are so happy for her. She pushes us hard, but it always pays off,” Walker said. “This is something that belongs to all of us, especially the seniors. We’ve been waiting for it, working for it, and now it feels like we got to give something back to Coach.”
The night also carried significance on the opposite side of the field. Hopewell Valley senior goalkeeper Theodora Milchanoski reached her own career milestone, notching her 200th save. Milchanoski has been the Bulldogs’ starting goalie since her freshman year and has been instrumental in guiding the program through several winning seasons.
Her defensive teammates—Jane Hunter, who recorded her third defensive save of the year, along with Kennedy Rotondo, Myla Sullivan-Schuyler, Sammy Rice, and Peyton Tracy-Enderle—helped keep the game close against Princeton’s pressure. First-year head coach Alicia Fellows praised her young squad, noting that the group is improving with every match and will benefit from the experience gained against top-tier competition.
Even with the milestone behind them, Serverson emphasized that the work continues. “This group makes coaching easy,” she said. “They’re fun, they want to be here, and they work hard every single day. That’s what makes this meaningful.”
For Princeton High, Monday’s victory was more than just the first win of the season—it was a reminder of how high school sports tie a community together. Milestones like Serverson’s 200th win are celebrated not only by the players on the field but by alumni, parents, and the entire school community that has watched the program grow under her leadership.
As the season unfolds, both Princeton and Hopewell Valley will look to build momentum, and their early September matchup served as a showcase of talent, resilience, and the kind of stories that make New Jersey high school sports so compelling year after year.
Princeton (1-1) 1 1 0 0 — 2
Hopewell Valley (0-3) 0 0 0 0 — 0
Goals: Princeton – Lee, Casto. Assists: Princeton – Walker, Johnson.
Shots: Princeton 8, Hopewell Valley 4. Saves: Princeton – Suttmeier 4, Hopewell Valley – Milchanoski 6.
The NJSIAA’s Controversial Competitive-Balance Plan
While participation numbers are climbing, not all news in New Jersey high school athletics has been without debate. Earlier this year, the NJSIAA announced a new regulatory effort aimed at so-called “non-traditional” public schools—districts that attract tuition-paying students or use specialized programs that critics argue give them an unfair athletic advantage.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the NJSIAA will implement a competitive-balance formula designed to move successful football and basketball programs into higher classifications based on their past results. Supporters of the plan argue it levels the playing field for smaller programs that struggle to compete against schools with broader recruiting reach. Critics counter that the changes may punish schools for success rather than addressing underlying inequities in resources.
This comes after the association’s 2022 decision to eliminate Tournament of Champions events due to declining interest and the need to streamline postseason schedules. Together, the changes signal a shift in how high school sports are being managed in New Jersey, with participation on the rise but governance increasingly under the microscope.
New Jersey High School Sports: Early Standouts in the 2025 Fall Season
The 2025 high school sports season in New Jersey is already delivering storylines, standout performances, and a glimpse at which teams could dominate through the fall. While football often commands the spotlight, other sports like soccer, field hockey, and volleyball are also seeing strong early-season showings. For fans, parents, and athletes, this time of year is a reminder of just how deep New Jersey’s talent pool runs across multiple sports. You can always keep up with schedules, scores, and coverage of every sport across the Garden State through Explore New Jersey High School Sports.
Football: Power Programs and Rising Contenders
As is often the case, the fall begins with football commanding attention. The state’s balance of powerhouse private programs and tough public school teams makes New Jersey one of the most competitive regions in the country.
Bergen Catholic once again holds the top ranking in the state, showing no signs of slowing down in their quest for a fifth straight Non-Public A state championship. The Crusaders opened the season with a statement win over a nationally ranked opponent, sending a clear message that they remain the team to beat.
Close behind is Don Bosco Prep, another storied North Jersey program with championship pedigree. The Ironmen sit at #2 in the early rankings and look every bit the part of a team capable of running deep into the postseason.
Public schools are also making noise. Phillipsburg, always known for its physical style of play, delivered a dominant 28–0 victory over Westfield to open the season. Their rushing attack looks poised to be one of the most effective in the state, which makes them a major contender among Group 5 schools.
Winslow Township is another team drawing attention. The Eagles capped last year with an undefeated run and a Group 4 state title, and their upcoming clash against Bergen Catholic on September 12 is already being circled as one of the season’s biggest showdowns.
St. Joseph Regional of Montvale continues to be a major force in the Non-Public landscape, while other teams like St. Augustine Prep, Red Bank Catholic, Ramapo, and Washington Township have all started strong or bring back enough returning talent to stay in the championship conversation.
Field Hockey: Early Statement Wins
Beyond the gridiron, New Jersey’s field hockey scene is heating up. Newton High School opened their season with a commanding 4–0 win over Phillipsburg, showing an aggressive attack and stout defense. Programs like Kingsway, Eastern, and Moorestown are also expected to factor into the statewide picture as the season progresses.
Soccer: Big Matches Ahead
On the soccer fields, several programs are already turning heads. Newark Academy is preparing for a major test against Livingston, with the matchup set for Red Bull Arena later in September. The chance to compete on a professional pitch gives both teams a spotlight moment early in the season. Other perennial soccer powers such as Delbarton, Christian Brothers Academy, and Clifton are expected to be fixtures in the rankings throughout the fall.
Girls Volleyball: Momentum Builders
The volleyball courts are alive with early drama. Morristown earned a gutsy comeback win against Mendham in their opener, a result that could spark momentum for the rest of their campaign. Top programs like Immaculate Heart Academy, Paul VI, and Union Catholic are also worth following as they continue their strong reputations in New Jersey volleyball.
Why New Jersey High School Sports Matter
High school sports in New Jersey bring communities together in a way few other things can. From Friday night football under the lights to packed gyms for volleyball matches, every town rallies around its athletes. These early-season results are just the beginning, and with months of competition ahead, new stars will emerge, underdogs will make their runs, and championship dreams will be built week by week.
A Bright Future for New Jersey Athletics
What is clear is that student-athletes are back in full force, families are engaged, and communities are rallying around their teams. From powerhouse programs to rising schools making their mark, the Garden State’s sports culture is thriving. With record-setting participation and more sports opportunities than ever before, the future looks especially promising for New Jersey high school sports.
Stay connected with the latest updates, team performances, and schedules across all fall sports through Explore New Jersey High School Sports, your home for Garden State athletics.
