New Jersey high school athletics are in full swing this November, with state tournaments showcasing some of the Garden State’s top talent across football, soccer, field hockey, gymnastics, and volleyball. With playoffs intensifying and standout performances emerging, fans are flocking to gyms and stadiums to witness the action firsthand.
In football, the NJSIAA playoffs have reached the second round for public schools, featuring high-stakes matchups across the state. Top-seeded teams continue their pursuit of championships, including North 1 Group 3’s Old Tappan, which remains a team to watch. Individual standout performances are capturing attention, such as Union’s Hall, who rushed for an impressive 260 yards in a dominant win over Paterson Eastside. North Jersey matchups this weekend include Livingston at West Orange and East Orange at Passaic Tech on Friday, November 7. However, the intensity of playoff football has also led to moments of controversy, including a late-game brawl in the Paulsboro/Woodbury contest that cut their matchup short in the fourth quarter.
Girls soccer is reaching its quarterfinal rounds, with thrilling contests across both North and South Jersey. Top-ranked Paul VI advanced past Mount St. Mary in the South Jersey Non-Public A bracket, while Red Bank Catholic edged St. John Vianney in a tense penalty shootout. Princeton Day School, holding the No. 20 ranking, secured a hard-fought victory in the Non-Public B quarterfinals, highlighting the competitive balance across the state.
Field hockey continues to provide edge-of-your-seat excitement as quarterfinal matches are underway. North Hunterdon has stormed into the North Group 3 semifinals, while Morristown defeated Scotch Plains-Fanwood in a Group 4 quarterfinal clash. Livingston and Hillsborough battled into overtime, with Livingston ultimately securing a narrow victory. These matchups underscore the depth of talent and rivalry in New Jersey’s field hockey scene.
The gymnastics season also reached a peak on November 6 with the NJSIAA State Team Championships. St. Thomas Aquinas captured a historic state title, achieving the No. 1 ranking in the process, while Hillsborough secured its 12th Section D championship, demonstrating sustained excellence in the sport.
Girls volleyball brackets are beginning to take shape following the latest round of state tournament play, with schools vying for positions in the coming weeks. Participation across all New Jersey high school sports continues to rise, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and providing student-athletes opportunities to compete in a wide array of programs throughout the state.
In college sports news, Rider University’s women’s basketball team began the season with an impressive 65-58 win over Lafayette on Thursday night at Alumni Gymnasium. First-year head coach Jackie Hartzell celebrated her debut victory as the Broncs overcame a fourth-quarter surge by the Leopards. Graduate student Kristina Ekofo led four players in double figures with 19 points, while freshman Alena Cofield contributed 14 points in her collegiate debut. The balanced scoring helped Rider maintain a strong lead after outscoring Lafayette 25-8 in the third quarter, holding off a late-game comeback attempt. Rider will next face Boston College on November 12, kicking off a three-game New England trip that also includes matchups with Stonehill and Bryant.
For families and fans looking to experience the excitement firsthand, New Jersey offers a wide variety of athletic events and tournaments to attend throughout the season. From high school stadiums to local gyms, these competitions highlight the skill, dedication, and competitive spirit of New Jersey’s young athletes. More information on upcoming events and ways to engage with the state’s sports offerings can be found on Explore New Jersey’s High School Sports News page.
As fall sports continue into November, New Jersey is proving once again why it is a hub for high school athletic excellence, with thrilling games, emerging stars, and community support driving an exciting season for student-athletes and fans alike.
