High school sports are back in full swing across New Jersey, and the early weeks of the 2025 season are already delivering history-making wins, surprising upsets, and storylines that fans across the state are following closely. From volleyball teams setting new milestones to football programs fighting for state rankings, the action is already heating up.
Girls volleyball has provided some of the week’s biggest highlights. Phillipsburg’s program is making history with a 3-0 start to the season, its first time ever reaching that mark. The Stateliners capped it off with a 2-0 sweep of Warren Hills on Tuesday, showing early signs of becoming one of the state’s teams to watch. Down the Shore, Pinelands Regional has also come out strong, notching back-to-back straight-set victories against Egg Harbor and Donovan Catholic to start 2-0. Other key results from September 9 included wins for Old Tappan, Princeton, and Williamstown, proving just how deep and competitive the volleyball scene is this fall. Looking ahead, the North Penn girls volleyball team is set to host a Community Night on Thursday, September 11, an event that will feature free admission and special opportunities for middle school students to connect with the program.
On the football field, Phillipsburg also made headlines with a dominant ground game in its season opener. The Stateliners rolled up 404 rushing yards in a 28-0 shutout of Westfield, led by senior Sam Dech, who exploded for 219 yards and three touchdowns. Rahway, meanwhile, is preparing to host Perth Amboy this Thursday at Madden Field in a matchup that will test both squads. While some teams are surging, others are still trying to find their footing. Delbarton has stumbled to an 0-2 start after back-to-back losses to out-of-state opponents and will look to regroup quickly. At the individual level, defensive stars are beginning to emerge, with Belleville’s Caleb Love already recording a sack and a fumble recovery touchdown to earn recognition among the state’s top defensive linemen. NJ.com also released its list of Football Players of the Week for Week 1, spotlighting the playmakers shaping the early season.
The latest football rankings further highlight the intensity of competition statewide. Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, and St. Joseph Regional continue to dominate the early Top 25 polls, joined by powerhouses like Winslow Township, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Red Bank Catholic. The MaxPreps rankings, updated September 7, include programs like Camden, Atlantic City, and Northern Highlands, while the New Jersey Super 25, updated September 9, reflects shifting momentum with teams like Glassboro and Rancocas Valley climbing the list. Both polls confirm the same reality: New Jersey high school football is as deep as it is competitive, with private schools and public programs alike staking early claims to state supremacy.
In boys soccer, Bergen Catholic added to its storied rivalry record with a win Tuesday night. South Jersey fans also saw strong performances, with Cherry Hill West defeating Paul VI and Cherry Hill East topping Vineland. A marquee matchup is also on the horizon: Newark Academy and Livingston will square off on September 29 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Red Bull Arena, a game that has already generated buzz as one of the state’s premier rivalry showdowns this fall.
Princeton Day School’s boys soccer team delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the week, pulling out a 1-0 overtime win against West Windsor-Plainsboro North. Junior forward Keegan Fullman buried the game-winner late in the first overtime period, notching his Colonial Valley Conference-leading fifth goal of the season. PDS improved to 3-0 while WW-P North dropped to 0-3, despite showing grit in back-to-back overtime battles. Both squads will be back in action Thursday, with PDS hosting Steinert and WW-P North traveling to Hamilton West.
Field hockey programs across the state also delivered statement wins. Newton remained unbeaten at 3-0 after an 8-0 shutout of Kittatinny, while Clearview pulled off a signature 5-3 victory over third-ranked Kingsway to solidify its spot as one of the state’s top teams. Cedar Creek added to the mix with a win over Mainland, proving that South Jersey continues to be a hotbed for field hockey talent.
Cross country athletes took center stage at Trenton’s Cadwalader Park on Tuesday, where the Colonial Valley Conference held its annual meets for the second straight year. Runners from across the region tested themselves on the historic park course, kicking off what is expected to be a thrilling 2025 season. Preseason previews have already spotlighted the top teams and standout runners to watch, laying the groundwork for another year of tight races and dramatic finishes.
As fall sports roll into mid-September, one thing is certain: New Jersey continues to produce some of the most competitive and exciting high school athletics in the country. From volleyball milestones to Friday night lights, the season is just beginning, and fans, families, and athletes alike are ready for more. For additional coverage of sports, education, and the broader issues shaping our communities, visit Explore New Jersey’s politics section to stay informed on the statewide conversations happening beyond the field.
