Week 3 of the New Jersey high school football season brought marquee matchups, statement wins, and late-game drama across the state, while other sports including cross-country, field hockey, tennis, and soccer added to a busy schedule for student-athletes. With participation in high school sports hitting record levels, New Jersey continues to showcase the depth of talent and passion that defines its athletic culture.
Bergen Catholic reinforced its No. 1 ranking on Thursday night, overpowering No. 3 Winslow in a convincing 41-14 victory. The Crusaders controlled the tempo from start to finish, proving why they remain the state’s top program heading into the heart of the season.
Elsewhere, Seton Hall Prep is preparing for an interstate showdown against Chaminade of New York on Saturday, September 13, a game that will be broadcast live and watched closely by fans eager to see how New Jersey’s elite matches up across state lines. St. Joseph (Montvale) also faces an interstate challenge this weekend, hosting Cardinal Hayes of New York.
Some of the biggest storylines of the past week came from underdog performances. St. John Vianney held off Freehold Township in a nail-biting finish, while Brick Memorial rolled past Point Boro in a lopsided victory. Holmdel pulled off one of the week’s most surprising upsets, taking down No. 13 Rumson-Fair Haven in a result that reshuffled statewide rankings and boosted Holmdel’s standing as a serious contender.
In South Jersey, Cherry Hill sports programs had an eventful week. Cherry Hill East delivered a strong football performance on September 12, beating Triton 28-14 in front of a packed home crowd. Cherry Hill West kept busy on multiple fronts, competing in girls’ tennis against Bishop Eustace and squaring off with Paul VI in both boys’ and girls’ soccer.
Cross-country is also heating up, with new faces making an impact. Reagan Moore of Oak Knoll, a former soccer player, has transitioned to cross-country and impressed at the Cherokee Challenge. Polls are already underway for the New Jersey Girls’ and Boys’ Athlete of the Week, covering standout performances from September 1–7, and fans can follow and support their local athletes through Explore New Jersey High School Sports.
On the field hockey front, ranked programs continued to assert themselves. No. 10 Hammonton notched its fourth consecutive win, led by Childs, who recorded a hat trick in Friday’s matchup. Other standout scorers included Sara-Cate Walker of Princeton, Lex Groff of Haddon Township, and Laila Melendez of Bridgeton, all of whom made their presence felt in key games played September 12.
Football also provided some of the week’s most dramatic moments outside of New Jersey. At Neshaminy, senior quarterback Michael Eckart turned in a career night, throwing for two touchdowns, rushing for another, and delivering a game-breaking 39-yard run on a critical 4th-and-1 to seal an 18-14 win over North Penn. Eckart’s performance lifted Neshaminy to its first victory over North Penn since 2020, breaking a four-game losing streak and giving first-year coach Nick Felus a signature win. The senior finished with 150 passing yards, 107 rushing yards, and was carried off the field by teammates in celebration.
North Penn, meanwhile, had opportunities but fell short in critical moments. The Knights missed a short field goal in the third quarter and lost a costly fumble in the fourth, ending two red-zone drives with no points. Despite strong efforts from quarterback Matt Bucksar and running back Matthew Pownall, North Penn couldn’t close the gap as Neshaminy’s defense held firm.
Beyond individual results, the bigger picture for high school sports in New Jersey is growth. A new report from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) shows nationwide participation in high school athletics reaching an all-time high for the 2024–2025 school year. New Jersey mirrors this trend, as schools continue to see more students returning to sports and new athletes joining teams across multiple disciplines. The surge reflects a rebound from pandemic-era declines and highlights how athletics remain central to community identity, student wellness, and school pride.
From powerhouse football programs like Bergen Catholic to emerging stories in cross-country, field hockey, and beyond, New Jersey’s fall season is off to a fast start. With more interstate battles and conference showdowns ahead, fans can expect plenty of drama, rivalries, and breakout performances to define the weeks to come.
For complete coverage, schedules, and statewide updates, follow Explore New Jersey High School Sports as the season unfolds.
