The New Jersey high school football postseason is in full swing, with public schools battling it out in the sectional semifinals and non-public programs entering their first week of the playoffs. Alongside the high-stakes playoff matchups, there are also some intriguing consolation games on the schedule that are sure to captivate fans across the state.

Elevating the Game: New Jersey's High School Football Playoffs Reach New Heights

Playoff Powerhouses Collide in Semifinal Showdowns

The North Jersey, Section 1 playoffs are set to deliver a thrilling slate of semifinal matchups. In Group 1, top-seeded Butler (9-0) will host Glen Ridge (5-4), while New Milford (7-2) welcomes Mountain Lakes (5-4). In Group 2, Westwood (8-1) takes on Shabazz (7-2), and Bernards (10-0) squares off against Pequannock (8-2). The Group 3 semifinals feature a clash between Pascack Valley (8-1) and Montville (7-2), as well as a showdown between Passaic Valley (7-2) and River Dell (7-3). In Group 4, Ramapo (6-3) travels to face Ridge (8-1), while the Group 5 semifinals pit Ridgewood (6-3) against East Orange (7-2) and West Orange (8-2) against Piscataway (7-3).

North Jersey, Section 2 Semifinals Showcase Elite Programs

The North Jersey, Section 2 playoffs are also heating up, with several marquee matchups on the docket. In Group 1, Cedar Grove (10-0) hosts Verona (7-3), and New Providence (8-2) welcomes Hasbrouck Heights (7-2). Group 2 features a clash between Glen Rock (8-1) and High Point (9-1), as well as a battle between Hanover Park (8-1) and Ramsey (7-2). The Group 3 semifinals pit Old Tappan (8-1) against Cranford (7-2) and West Essex (7-2) against West Morris (8-2). In Group 4, Woodbridge (10-0) takes on Northern Highlands (5-4), and Phillipsburg (8-1) hosts Chatham (7-2). The Group 5 semifinals showcase a matchup between Elizabeth (6-4) and Passaic Tech (8-2), as well as a showdown between Union City (8-1) and Bridgewater-Raritan (4-6).

Central Jersey Playoffs Deliver Intriguing Semifinal Clashes

The Central Jersey playoffs are also set to provide some thrilling semifinal action. In Group 1, Woodstown (8-1) welcomes Pennsville (6-4), while Shore (9-0) hosts Woodbury (4-5). The Group 2 semifinals feature a clash between Rumson-Fair Haven (9-0) and Delran (9-1), as well as a matchup between Wall (7-1) and Haddonfield (6-3). In Group 3, Cedar Creek (8-2) takes on Delsea (3-6), and Somerville (10-0) hosts Ocean City (6-4). The Group 4 semifinals pit Millville (7-2) against Marlboro (6-3) and Brick Memorial (8-2) against Jackson Memorial (5-5). The Group 5 semifinals showcase a showdown between Washington Township (8-2) and Cherry Hill East (9-0), as well as a battle between Atlantic City (7-2) and Cherokee (5-5).

South Jersey Playoffs Promise Intense Semifinal Clashes

The South Jersey playoffs are also set to deliver some thrilling semifinal matchups. In Group 1, Glassboro (9-0) hosts Riverside (7-3), and Schalick (7-3) welcomes Paulsboro (8-2). The Group 2 semifinals feature a clash between Camden (7-2) and Willingboro (7-3), as well as a matchup between Point Pleasant Boro (8-2) and Manchester Township (8-2). In Group 3, Hopewell Valley (10-0) takes on Seneca (7-3), and Mainland (7-3) hosts Holmdel (8-1). The Group 4 semifinals showcase a showdown between Middletown North (8-0) and Shawnee (7-3). The Group 5 semifinals pit Toms River North (10-0) against Kingsway (8-2) and Rancocas Valley (8-2) against Hillsborough (7-3).

Non-Public Programs Kick Off Postseason Battles

The non-public programs are also set to enter the fray, with several intriguing first-round matchups in the Non-Public, Group B playoffs. St. Thomas Aquinas (7-2) hosts St. Mary (Ruth.) (7-3), Holy Spirit (7-1) welcomes Donovan Catholic (2-6), Notre Dame (6-4) takes on St. John Vianney (7-3), and Paul VI (6-2) faces off against Immaculata (8-1). Additionally, Paramus Catholic (3-6) hosts Hudson Catholic (5-3).

Consolation Games Offer Opportunities for Redemption

Alongside the high-stakes playoff action, there are also several consolation games scheduled for Week 10. These matchups provide opportunities for teams that have fallen short in the regular season to find redemption and end their campaigns on a high note. Highlights include Lakewood (4-6) visiting J.P. Stevens (2-7), Buena (4-6) taking on Point Pleasant Beach (5-4), and Pemberton (4-4) facing off against Pinelands (4-5). These consolation games are sure to offer exciting and unpredictable outcomes as teams look to salvage their seasons.