As autumn deepens across the Garden State, New Jersey’s high school sports scene is entering its most thrilling stretch of the season. With playoff brackets taking shape in football, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey, Week 8 brought excitement, standout performances, and a few surprising developments that have reshaped postseason outlooks across multiple divisions.
In football, the race to the postseason is heating up with just weeks to go before public school playoffs kick off on October 31 and non-public matchups begin November 7. This past weekend, Bishop Eustace Prep took down Wildwood 25–14, while Middletown South secured an important 28–19 win over Red Bank. However, not all teams were able to take the field — Pope John was forced to forfeit its matchup against No. 4-ranked St. Joseph (Montvale) after a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak sidelined several players. The unusual turn of events drew attention from around the state, serving as a reminder of how unpredictable this late stretch of the season can be.
The updated Universal Power Rating (UPR) standings and playoff projections are being closely watched as teams jostle for postseason seeding. Programs across every region are fighting for those final crucial wins that could determine whether they host a playoff opener or hit the road when the brackets are announced.
Girls volleyball, meanwhile, saw major championship action over the weekend, with several county and conference finals concluding. Hackettstown emerged victorious in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex final after a hard-fought run through the bracket, while Randolph captured the Morris County title with a statement performance. Old Bridge also celebrated a big win, taking home the Greater Middlesex Conference championship. Power point standings have now been updated statewide as teams gear up for their state tournament runs.
On the boys soccer side, the playoff cutoff date looms large, with final power point calculations set for October 25. Across the state, strong programs continue to make their case for top seeding, while smaller schools like Dunellen are drawing attention for remarkable turnaround seasons that showcase the depth and competitive balance of New Jersey soccer.
Field hockey fans were treated to a tense Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex tournament matchup, where Phillipsburg held off a late charge from Warren Hills to advance. The win underscores just how competitive this fall’s field hockey season has become, with strong play across both North and South Jersey. In cross country, highlights from the Ocean County and South Jersey Open Championships captured the endurance and grit of athletes competing under cool, clear autumn skies. Race videos and times have generated buzz among local fans as sectional meets approach.
Off the field, the push for girls flag football to become a fully sanctioned high school sport in New Jersey continues to gain traction. The initiative, which began as a small pilot program, now has growing support from athletic associations, schools, and advocates across the state who view it as an important step in expanding athletic opportunities for female athletes.
New Jersey athletes are also drawing national recruiting attention this fall, with the Class of 2025 seeing dozens of commitments across multiple sports. In football, standout wide receiver Quincy Porter of Bergen Catholic has verbally committed to Ohio State, while Paramus Catholic’s Malachi Goodman is bound for Penn State. Millville’s explosive wideout Lotzeir Brooks chose Alabama, and Donovan Catholic’s Michael Thomas III will stay in-state with Rutgers. Defensive standouts like Hillside’s Darren Ikinnagbon (Georgia) and Snyder’s DJ McClary (Rutgers) are part of one of New Jersey’s most talent-rich recruiting classes in years.
Girls volleyball recruits are also making headlines, including Roselle Park’s Saniah Fenison signing with Lincoln University, and New Milford’s Natalya Polkowski heading to Ramapo College. On the soccer front, Millville’s Joshua Johnson Jr. signed with Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland, while Jersey City’s Yehia Abdelmeged committed to Rutgers University–Newark.
Field hockey continues to send top talent to the collegiate level as well. Timber Creek’s Emma Jordan and Princeton Day School’s Jadyn Huff both committed to The College of New Jersey, further highlighting the state’s deep pool of multi-sport athletes.
The future looks equally bright in track and field and cross country, with Delsea’s standout discus thrower recently committing to Penn State. As recruiting databases continue to update, it’s clear that New Jersey remains a powerhouse pipeline for collegiate athletics.
For fans eager to follow every headline, commitment, and championship chase across the state’s high school scene, Explore New Jersey High School Sports offers complete coverage of local teams, athletes, and playoff action.
From Friday night lights to state tournament showdowns, New Jersey high school sports continue to thrive — fueled by community pride, fierce competition, and the next generation of athletes ready to make their mark on the Garden State and beyond.
