The first weekend of the 2025 football season is in the books after a busy Saturday around New Jersey. Our team finishes off a busy three-day stretch with a few more games – stay tuned as the highlights roll in!
Shabazz 10 West Orange 7 | Super Football Conference
Basit Raimi’s first varsity game saw the native of Ghana deliver the game winning 23-yard field goal with :07 left in the fourth quarter to give Shabazz a top 20 upset to close out Week 0 in New Jersey high school football. Shabazz scored in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead and held it until West Orange tied the game 7-7 on a Farrad Green, Jr. 8-yard TD run with under two minutes to go. Shabazz quarterback Karriem Coston went to the two minute offense and connected with Nosym Brown at the five yard line in a controversial call to set up the heroics by Raimi who was making his varsity American football debut.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has all the twists and turns from an incredible ending from the Mountaineer Classic:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage West Orange is brought to you by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Shabazz is brought to you by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
DePaul Catholic 31 Pope John 3 | Super Football Conference
The Spartans’ defense shined Saturday afternoon in Sussex County as the reigning Non-Public B state champs took out the Lions in a rematch of last year’s title game. Jaxon Bastante and Logan Nagle led an impressive effort on the defensive side while Derek Zammit and Mason James teamed up to spark the offense. James caught a pair of touchdowns for DePaul Catholic (1-0) in the win. Pope John (0-1) had trouble generating offense in their season-opener, but did force four turnovers on defense.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights + reaction from Sparta:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of DePaul Catholic is made possible by JAG Physical Therapy.
Old Bridge 21 Cedar Creek 7 | Battle at the Beach
Senior QB Brody Nugent rushed for 168 yards and all three touchdowns to power the Knights to victory at the Battle at the Beach. Xavier Diaz led a stingy Old Bridge defense with two interceptions, while Justin Burch added an INT for the Knights (1-0) as well. Frenchmon Bethea threw a TD pass to Justus Peyton for Creek (0-1) in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Rowan University:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Old Bridge is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Glassboro 36 Haddonfield 20 | Battle at the Beach
Glassboro passed a season-opening test by knocking off a tough Haddons squad to close out the 2025 Battle at the Beach. Xavier Sabb, NJ’s top-ranked prospect in the class of 2027, hauled in a pair of touchdowns and added two interceptions on defense in the victory. Amari Sabb, Jojo DeLecce, and Davon Barr added rushing touchdowns for Glassboro (1-0). Van Lafakis tossed a pair of touchdowns in the loss for Haddonfield (0-1).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Rowan University:
High Point 35 Jefferson 17 | Super Football Conference
The Wildcats have high hopes in 2025 and began their season with a statement win on the road. Senior running back Jerron Martress led a rushing attack that saw five different players score on the ground for High Point (1-0). Martress also had one of the Wildcats’ two interceptions to anchor the defense. Jefferson (0-1) will look to get into the win column next week when they travel to face West Milford.
JSZ’s Sean Dugan has the highlights:
Delran 34 Bridgeton 7 | Battle at the Beach
The Bears came out strong in their Week 0 opener, building off the momentum of last season’s 9-win campaign. Senior quarterback Vinny Sacca led the charge for Delran, throwing for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. His favorite target on the day was Justin Mary Jr., who led all receivers with four catches and found the end zone in the third quarter. The Bears now face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on Ewing in their Week 1 matchup on Thursday.
JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights + reaction from Rowan University:
