As autumn settles in across New Jersey, high school sports are taking center stage with packed schedules, playoff pushes, and standout performances that are defining the 2025 fall season. From football and girls soccer to volleyball, field hockey, cross country, and boys soccer battles that have captivated local fans, there’s no shortage of action and excitement across the Garden State this October.
In football, Week 6 brings critical matchups as teams make their final push for postseason positioning before the playoff cutoff. The Big Central Conference saw a shake-up at the top after Somerville handed Summit its first loss of the season with an aerial showcase, while Don Bosco Prep continues to assert its dominance, defeating rival St. Joseph Regional to maintain its top ranking in several state polls. Freshmen and sophomore standouts have also made waves this year, stepping into leadership roles and setting the tone for the future of New Jersey high school football.
Girls soccer is in full postseason mode as county tournaments unfold across North, Central, and South Jersey. One of the biggest stories of the week came in Morris County, where No. 18-seeded Morris Knolls stunned Mount Olive in a dramatic upset, with standout forward Julianna Critchley reaching her 100th career point in the process. Other stars such as Anastasia Showler-Little of Boonton—who recently represented Team USA at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup—and Karolina Bodyziak of Montville, who already has 20 goals this season, continue to make national-caliber impacts for their respective schools.
In field hockey, the race for No. 1 remains intense as several programs are jockeying for position in the statewide rankings. Blair Eber of Clearview has emerged as one of the top freshmen in the state, leading her class in both goals and points, while Addison Delia of Ocean Township has been a dual threat with 8 goals and 8 assists. Defensive standouts like Mae McClelland of Seneca and Mia Morrell of West Deptford have anchored strong backlines, helping their teams stay undefeated deep into October.
The cross country season is approaching championship time, with county and conference meets kicking off this week. The Somerset County Championship looks to be one of the most competitive of the season, with Bernards, Pingry, and Ridge all vying for top honors. The NJSIAA sectional championships are scheduled for November 1, leading to the highly anticipated state championships at Holmdel Park on November 8. Top boys’ runners like Danny Kuran and Elijah McCoy from Union Catholic, Mike McGinnity of Hackensack, and Jay Adimala of Colts Neck are already positioning themselves for potential podium finishes.
On the volleyball court, powerhouse Paul VI continues its perfect season after sweeping Southern in a dominant 3-0 performance, reinforcing its No. 1 ranking in New Jersey. Princeton’s Naomi Lygas delivered one of the season’s biggest milestones, recording her 1,000th career kill in a key win that electrified fans. Statistical leaders across the Tri-County, Union County, and Skyland conferences continue to show just how deep and competitive this year’s talent pool really is.
Meanwhile, boys soccer remains one of the most emotionally charged and competitive scenes in the state. A prime example came Tuesday night under the lights at Mike Perone Field in Lawrence Township, where Notre Dame and Princeton High—two of the top Colonial Valley Conference programs—battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw that showcased the grit and intensity of both sides.
Notre Dame’s Tyler Javick opened the scoring late in the first half after receiving a setup from senior defender Jayce Palumbo, who pushed forward with purpose to start the play. Princeton’s Ari Rosenblum, a towering 6-foot-4 sophomore goalkeeper, was a standout with 14 saves, keeping the Tigers in the game despite relentless Irish pressure. Princeton struck back just before halftime when senior midfielder Aaron Thyrum delivered a long free kick that found Bram Reynolds II in front of the net for the equalizer. The teams remained locked in a defensive stalemate through two overtime periods, underscoring the parity between these CVC powerhouses.
With both teams sitting at 10-1-1, this draw only intensifies the race for the Colonial Division title—and possibly sets the stage for a thrilling rematch in the conference tournament final on November 1.
Beyond individual sports, this time of year represents the heart of New Jersey’s athletic identity. The blend of competitive fire, community pride, and student achievement makes high school sports a cornerstone of local life across the state. Whether it’s a packed football stadium on a crisp Friday night, a cross-country runner pushing through the final stretch at Holmdel Park, or a soccer match ending under the lights, every game tells a story of determination and homegrown talent.
To stay updated with in-depth coverage, scores, rankings, and highlights from across the state’s high school sports landscape, visit Explore New Jersey High School Sports — your source for the latest news on the athletes and teams that keep the Garden State’s sports spirit thriving.
