High school sports in New Jersey are officially back, and the 2025 fall season wasted no time delivering drama, excitement, and standout performances. From nationally ranked football powerhouses clashing in “Week 0” to the classic rivalries along the Jersey Shore, the Garden State’s student-athletes are already making headlines.
This season is more than just about the games — it’s about tradition, resilience, and the incredible talent that continues to emerge from across New Jersey. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest stories shaping the fall sports landscape.
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Bergen Catholic and the Power Programs Dominate Week 0
The spotlight of the opening weekend shined brightest on Bergen Catholic, the top-ranked team in New Jersey. They kicked off their season with an impressive win over national powerhouse East St. Louis (Illinois), sending a strong message that they remain the team to beat.
Elsewhere, Don Bosco Prep showcased its strength with a statement win against Melissa (Texas), proving once again that New Jersey programs can hold their own against some of the toughest teams from around the country.
South Jersey’s Winslow Township, the reigning Group 4 champion, faced a massive challenge against Florida’s national juggernaut IMG Academy. Despite the loss, the game served as a valuable test early in the season.
Meanwhile, Rancocas Valley rolled past Millville, and Montgomery pulled off one of the most thrilling wins of the weekend, edging Hopewell Valley in an overtime nail-biter.
The “Battle at the Beach” Brings Rivalries to Life
Few events capture the energy of high school sports in New Jersey like the Battle at the Beach. This year’s showcase included a slate of local matchups that drew big crowds and highlighted the depth of talent in South Jersey.
One of the featured games saw Ocean City hosting Oakcrest, a rivalry that never disappoints. The contest was less about early-season rankings and more about establishing momentum for the weeks ahead. Both programs left the field with lessons learned and confidence for the road ahead.
Spotlight on Hopewell Valley vs. Montgomery: A Classic Season Opener
Perhaps no Week 0 matchup captured the highs and lows of high school football better than Hopewell Valley vs. Montgomery.
In a dramatic showdown at Ackerson Field, Montgomery outlasted Hopewell Valley 35-28 in overtime. For Hopewell Valley, the loss was heartbreaking — but also full of promise for a team stacked with new starters and young talent.
Head coach Dave Caldwell had reminded his players before kickoff that adversity often forges stronger teams. That message came to life as the Bulldogs erased a 14-0 deficit with a furious rally, scoring 20 unanswered points in the third quarter and even taking the lead in the second half.
Senior quarterback Grayson Vlasac had a breakout debut, racking up 139 rushing yards, 100 passing yards, and two touchdown passes without a single turnover. His dual-threat ability gave Hopewell’s offense life after a sluggish start.
Other standouts included:
- Luke Hemmer, stepping in as the primary running back, who rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown while also recording a sack on defense.
- Jude Berman, a versatile athlete who grabbed two interceptions, including a 45-yard pick-six, while adding two receiving touchdowns.
Montgomery, however, had answers of its own. Quarterback Jack Kristjanson spread the ball to six different receivers and ultimately sealed the win in overtime with a 25-yard touchdown strike to Obinna Obuba.
For Hopewell Valley, the loss was filled with missed opportunities — a late field goal attempt that went wide, costly special teams mistakes, and struggles defending Montgomery’s passing attack. But as Caldwell emphasized afterward, “all those mistakes are correctable.”
The Bulldogs may have fallen short, but the fight they displayed signals they could still be one of the toughest teams in Mercer County this season.
Beyond Football: Fall Sports to Watch
While football often takes center stage, other fall sports across New Jersey are also underway, with plenty of storylines to follow:
- Girls Soccer: Top returning players are already making their mark, setting the stage for a highly competitive season across multiple conferences.
- Field Hockey: Forwards to watch this season are expected to elevate their teams’ offenses, making South Jersey’s traditional dominance even more compelling.
- Girls Volleyball: Non-Public A & B schools are once again loaded with talent, and powerhouse programs are aiming for deep state tournament runs.
- Cross Country: With strong rosters returning, expect intense battles on both the boys’ and girls’ sides as teams chase state titles.
Wrestling Pride: Luke Stanich Wins World Championship
New Jersey wrestling continues to shine on the global stage thanks to Luke Stanich, a former Roxbury High School state champion. Stanich captured the U20 World Wrestling Championship, solidifying his status as one of the best young wrestlers in the world.
His victory adds to the rich tradition of wrestling excellence in New Jersey and inspires the next generation of grapplers preparing for the winter season.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 high school sports season is off to an electric start. From national matchups to local rivalries and standout individual performances, New Jersey athletes are proving once again why the Garden State is one of the nation’s premier homes for high school sports.
Football may dominate the headlines, but soccer, volleyball, field hockey, cross country, and wrestling all have storylines that will keep fans engaged throughout the fall.
Stay on top of the action, highlights, and updates all season long at Explore New Jersey High School Sports
