October 24, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in New Jersey high school football as teams complete the regular season and power point totals are finalized ahead of the NJSIAA playoff cutoff. Across the state, standout programs are emerging as favorites in their respective sections, with non-public schools showing clear frontrunners and public school divisions presenting a mix of dominant squads and potential sleeper teams.

Non-Public Sectional Favorites

Non-Public A

• Don Bosco Prep (7-0): Sitting at the top of the statewide rankings, the Ironmen remain the team to beat with a perfect record and championship pedigree.
• Bergen Catholic (6-1): Last year’s Non-Public A champions, the defending titleholders are ranked No. 2 and bring experience and depth to the playoffs.
• St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) (5-2): Ranked third in the state, the Green Knights enter the postseason with momentum after a recent forfeit win that leaves them fresh and focused.
• St. Peter’s Prep (6-1): A formidable squad ranked fifth, the Marauders have the talent and coaching to make a deep postseason run.

Non-Public B

• DePaul Catholic (5-2): The defending Non-Public B champions, ranked No. 7, are positioned as a top contender in their section.
• Paramus Catholic (3-5): Ranked 12th in the state, the Paladins have proven dangerous with recent upsets, making them a team to watch despite a mixed record.
• Red Bank Catholic (7-1): Ranked 11th, the Caseys were undefeated until last week and remain a formidable opponent in playoff matchups.

Public Sectional Favorites

Group 5

• Winslow Township (6-2): Ranked sixth in the state, the Eagles are the defending Group 4 champions and a strong candidate for another sectional title.
• Phillipsburg (6-1): Coming off a dominant rushing performance, the Stateliners are ranked 18th and favored to capture their section.
• Mount Olive (7-0): An undefeated squad ranked 22nd, the Marauders could surprise opponents with their consistent performance.
• Washington Township (8-0): With a perfect record and an eighth-place statewide ranking, the Minutemen are a clear favorite in their division.

Group 4

• Old Tappan: Undefeated and ranked eighth, the Golden Knights are positioned as a leading contender in their section.
• Northern Highlands Regional: The Highlanders, ranked 10th, bring grit and recent shutout victories, making them a strong sectional threat.
• Ramapo: Ranked 14th, the Raiders have displayed dominant football throughout the season and are expected to perform well in playoffs.

Group 3

• West Morris (8-0): Undefeated and ranked 12th, the Wolfpack’s powerful rushing game positions them as favorites in their section.
• Burlington Township (8-0): Another undefeated squad, ranked 13th, the Falcons are a formidable force in their division.
• Rumson-Fair Haven (4-3): Ranked 23rd and the reigning Group 2 state champions, the Bulldogs have the potential for a deep playoff run despite their record.

Group 2

• Rutherford: Undefeated and a strong North Jersey contender, the Bulldogs are a sectional favorite.
• West Deptford: With consistent performance throughout the season, the Eagles remain a top threat in their division.

Group 1

• Glassboro (8-0): Undefeated and ranked seventh, the Bulldogs are defending Group 1 champions and a clear favorite to repeat.
• Butler (7-0): This North Jersey squad is also undefeated and expected to make a strong run in their section.
• New Providence (7-0): Another undefeated North Jersey team, the Pioneers are positioned as top contenders heading into the postseason.

As teams finalize power point totals today, the stage is set for an intense playoff weekend. From dominant non-public programs to undefeated public school squads, New Jersey high school football is entering a critical juncture where every matchup can define postseason success. For the latest updates on playoff brackets, scores, and standout performances, visit Explore New Jersey High School Sports.

Playoff Push Intensifies Across New Jersey High School Sports as Season Nears Cutoff, October 24, 2025, is a pivotal day for New Jersey’s high school athletes, as the final weekend before the official public school playoff cutoff brings excitement and high stakes across the state. With the cutoff scheduled for Saturday, October 25, teams are battling in crucial matchups to lock in favorable postseason positioning and maximize their chances in the NJSIAA tournaments.

Football Headlines: Final Regular-Season Showdowns
High school football enters its decisive week, with the last games of the regular season set to shape playoff brackets. The United Power Rankings (UPR), which determine seeding, will be finalized after tonight’s contests. One of the marquee matchups features Phillipsburg taking on Bridgewater-Raritan, spotlighting record-setting kicker Alexie Moreira in what could be a signature performance for the season.

North Jersey will see historic and rivalry games in action, including the 100th anniversary clash between Hackettstown and Warren Hills, a fixture that never fails to draw attention. Other critical contests include Ramapo vs. Northern Highlands and Ramsey vs. Dumont, each with playoff implications on the line. In South Jersey, Cherry Hill East welcomes the Bridgeton Bulldogs at 6 p.m., hoping to make a strong finish to the regular season.

Soccer Teams Race Toward Playoff Seeding
Boys’ and girls’ soccer teams across the state are competing in final regular-season games to secure vital power points before the October 25 cutoff. These points play a central role in determining the tournament brackets, which will be officially released on Wednesday, October 29.

Recent tournament outcomes are already influencing seeding. For instance, Hopewell Valley’s triumph over Hightstown has boosted their playoff profile, while Cherry Hill East’s boys’ squad is preparing to host Delsea in a South Jersey Coaches’ Cup matchup at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Fans and local communities are closely following these outcomes, aware that every goal and defensive stop could alter postseason paths.

Hopewell Valley Girls Soccer Advances in CVC Tournament with Strong First-Round Win

Hopewell Valley girls soccer has long been known for its resilience and tradition of excellence, and even in a season that has had its struggles, the team proved Thursday night that it remains a force to be reckoned with. The No. 7 seed in the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament, Hopewell Valley overcame No. 10 Robbinsville with a confident 2-0 victory, setting the stage for a quarterfinal clash with No. 2 seed Allentown on Saturday.

Despite a 9-10 record entering the tournament, the Valley Girls showed that experience, skill, and determination are never in short supply under coach John McGinley. “I thought we did a really good job tonight of possessing the ball and moving it around,” McGinley said. “Even though we didn’t score as much as we would have liked, I was pleased with how we served the ball into the box in the second half. We’ve had some changes and new players this season, but I felt tonight our possession was much improved.”

The game started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out for the first 30 minutes. The breakthrough came late in the first half when sophomore Megan Kurian demonstrated her technical skill, dribbling past defenders before firing a low shot into the far corner for her seventh goal of the season. Delainey Ross leads the team with eight goals, but Kurian’s performance showcased her growing importance to the squad.

The second goal came midway through the second half, providing insurance and allowing Hopewell Valley to control the tempo. Freshman Mackenzie Paul capitalized on a corner kick that bounced off the hands of the Robbinsville keeper and rolled across the goal line. While Hopewell Valley often scores on set plays that involve a pass into the box, this unassisted goal underscored the team’s opportunistic edge.

Hopewell Valley dominated in shots and field position throughout, outshooting Robbinsville 12-3, and goalkeeper Eva Giambanco earned a clean sheet with three crucial saves. Robbinsville managed a few late chances, including a close shot that rattled the crossbar, but the Valley Girls’ defense held firm.

Looking ahead, Hopewell Valley will face Allentown in the quarterfinals, a familiar rival in the CVC. The regular-season matchup ended in a narrow 1-0 loss for Hopewell Valley, with Allentown scoring on a counterattack late in the second half. McGinley, however, saw positives in that game. “In the first half, they pressured us, but in the second half we were better. We had chances, but against a strong team like Allentown, not converting can be the difference.”

The Colonial Valley Conference Tournament has often seen Hopewell Valley punch above its regular-season record, and this year is no exception. With their combination of seasoned leaders and emerging talent, the Valley Girls have a chance to make a significant run and remind everyone why they remain a respected program in New Jersey high school soccer. For fans following the action, scores, and playoff updates, visit Explore New Jersey High School Sports.

CVC First-Round Results
Robbinsville (4-12-1) 0 — 0
Hopewell Valley (9-10) 1 — 1 — 2

Goals: Kurian, Paul (HV)
Shots: R-3, HV-12
Saves: R-Amato 4, HV-Giambanco 3

Volleyball Spotlight: Power Points on the Line
Girls’ volleyball teams face their final power point cutoff today, marking the last chance to improve tournament positioning. Cherry Hill East is scheduled to face Our Lady of Mercy at 3:45 p.m., a matchup that could significantly impact South Jersey seeding. NJ.com also engaged fans with a statewide poll to identify the top freshman in girls’ volleyball, with voting open until early November, highlighting rising stars who are making an early impact.

Field Hockey: Tournament Focus Intensifies
Field hockey programs are sharply focused on postseason performance as the playoff cutoff approaches tomorrow. In the District 1-3A tournament, Methacton Warriors are advancing to the quarterfinals, showcasing the competitive edge that defines top-tier New Jersey field hockey. Every match leading into the cutoff carries extra weight, with coaches and players strategizing to enter the tournament in peak form.

Local Highlights and Standout Stories
The season has seen several inspiring moments. Paul VI High School’s girls’ soccer team dedicated a recent victory over Our Lady of Mercy Academy to the memory of a junior player’s late grandfather, blending athletic success with personal significance. Meanwhile, Cherokee’s boys’ cross-country team captured its fifth consecutive Olympic Conference team title, with sophomore Jack Tindall surpassing his own course record in a remarkable display of consistency and athleticism.

For fans, athletes, and families tracking the playoff chase, this weekend represents a decisive turning point. From football to field hockey, from soccer to volleyball, New Jersey’s high school sports scene is alive with intensity, dedication, and excitement. Every match played, every point earned, and every record broken this weekend could define the postseason journey for teams across the state. For more updates on high school sports action and tournament coverage, visit Explore New Jersey High School Sports.