The week of October 12, 2025, delivered an action-packed slate for New Jersey high school sports, with exciting football outcomes, the kickoff of county soccer and tennis tournaments, and fresh updates to state rankings capturing the attention of student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
Football Headlines
Week 6 brought some thrilling gridiron battles across the state. Don Bosco Prep edged out St. Joseph (Mont.) 17-14 in overtime, capped by a game-winning field goal that kept their playoff hopes alive. Bernards extended its undefeated streak with a narrow victory over Summit, while Seton Hall Prep overcame a strong challenge from Pope John XXIII. In the WJFL, Overbrook dominated Camden Catholic, and Triton took down rival Highland, continuing a competitive season for the program.
Nationally, the Garden State continues to make an impression. Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic are frequently featured in the Super 25 polls, with USA TODAY Sports listing Don Bosco Prep on its Week 7 watchlist in early October. Bergen Catholic has appeared in prior national rankings, including #16 in late September 2025 and #19 in December 2024. State-level rankings remain dominated by these powerhouse programs, with Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep holding the top two spots in recent composite rankings, followed by St. Peter’s Prep.
One of the week’s noteworthy matchups featured Lawrence hosting Burlington City on Homecoming Day. Although Lawrence (4-3) fell 24-13, the Blue Devils held their own against a 6-1 Burlington City squad. Lawrence opened the game strong, scoring on a 3-yard run by James Lyons, but Burlington City responded with a series of decisive plays, including a 30-yard touchdown run from Dante Davis and a spectacular 35-yard touchdown pass to Javyn Rasberry before halftime. Despite falling behind, Lawrence showcased resilience with a 55-yard scoring drive in the third quarter, including a 4-yard touchdown by Lyons, before Burlington City’s defense sealed the victory with a late interception by Rasberry. The game underscored Lawrence’s need to improve its passing attack, as Burlington City’s defense limited the Blue Devils’ aerial attempts entirely.
Soccer Action
Post-season soccer tournaments are in full swing. The Shore Conference girls soccer bracket was released, while Kearny advanced past Dickinson in the Hudson County quarterfinals, and Demarest progressed in the Bergen County Tournament. Impressive individual performances included Steinert defeating West Windsor-Plainsboro North, Verona extending its shutout streak, and Northern Highlands winning its Bergen County prelim. On the boys’ side, Seton Hall Prep claimed a victory over St. Thomas Aquinas, keeping playoff aspirations alive.
Field Hockey Highlights
Field hockey continues to see dominant performances, with Oak Knoll defeating rival Camden Catholic, Hillsborough besting Hopewell Valley, and Pingry topping Watchung Hills, demonstrating the strength of the sport across multiple counties.
Tennis and Other Athletics
The Girls Tennis Singles and Doubles Championships are set to take place this weekend, offering athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for state honors. Additionally, the week marked the 50th anniversary of the Shore Coaches Invitational cross country meet, celebrating decades of competition and community involvement, and an East Brunswick coach was recognized for achieving 1,000 career varsity wins across two sports. This week also coincides with Fall Officials Appreciation Week, highlighting the crucial role referees and officials play in high school sports.
With football rankings being updated weekly and postseason tournaments under way, New Jersey student-athletes are demonstrating a mix of grit, talent, and teamwork across the state. From thrilling gridiron showdowns to competitive soccer and tennis action, the state’s high school sports landscape continues to provide memorable moments and set the stage for an exciting finish to the fall season.
For continued coverage of high school sports across New Jersey, including rankings, game recaps, and tournament updates, visit Explore New Jersey High School Sports to stay up-to-date on the latest results and stories from around the Garden State.
