Four New Jersey football teams stand on the precipice of gridiron glory, just one game away from etching their names in the annals of high school sports history. Imagine the thrill of joining an exclusive club, forever linked to legendary players and unforgettable seasons. This is the opportunity that awaits four undefeated teams in the Garden State.
This article, updated on November 25, 2025, spotlights these teams on the cusp of greatness, offering a glimpse into their journeys and the stakes of their upcoming championship games.
First up, we have Don Bosco Prep's Ironmen (11-0), currently ranked at the top. Their current roster, including Matt Occhipinti, Rhett Morris, Carson Schoen, and Robert Ekins, have the chance to be mentioned in the same breath as Ironmen legends like Jabrill Peppers, Elijah Shumate, Leonte Carroo, and Darius Hamilton from the 2011 team. To achieve this, they must conquer No. 2 St. Joseph (Mont.) in the Non-Public A state final at MetLife Stadium.
That 2011 Don Bosco team, remember, finished a perfect 11-0 season, mirroring the accomplishment of nine other Ironmen squads. The stage is set for a potential repeat of history.
But the quest for perfection isn't limited to Don Bosco. On the same day at MetLife Stadium, No. 6 Washington Township (13-0) in Group 5 and No. 7 Old Tappan in Group 3 will also be vying for that coveted elite status. Washington Township will face Passaic Tech (10-3) at 1 p.m., while Old Tappan battles Cedar Creek (11-2) at 4 p.m. These teams are striving for the same thing: a state championship and a flawless record.
Then, on Sunday at Rutgers’ SHI Stadium, it's Group 1 Glassboro's turn. This team already knows what it takes to go undefeated, having won Group 1 last year with a 13-0 record. They bring a state-leading 26-game winning streak into their noon showdown with Cedar Grove (10-3).
Adding to the excitement, Fort Lee completed a perfect 9-0 season, though they were not eligible for the NJSIAA/Infinity playoffs.
Washington Township, led by players like Cole Aquino, Colin Beeler, Paris Pratt, Jaylen Robinson, and Gabe Palaganas, is hoping to replicate the success of their 11-0 team from 1992, which was led by QB Tim Huckel and RB Mike Koerner.
Old Tappan's success this season has been orchestrated by junior QB Zachary Miceli, senior RB Devyn Radolan, and junior receivers Leo Etter and Shane Small. Their aim is to join the ranks of the Golden Knights' two undefeated teams, including the 2017 squad.
For Glassboro, many of the heroes from their last undefeated season are the same players Cedar Grove has been preparing for all week. Quarterback Jack O’Connell, linebacker Ta’Sheem Butler, and the Sabb brothers, Amari and Xavier, were key players last year.
Here’s a quick rundown of the undefeated teams and their upcoming matchups:
Super Football Conference
- No. 1 Don Bosco Prep (11-0) vs. No. 2 St. Joseph (Mont.) (9-2) in Non-Public A final at MetLife Stadium
- Fort Lee (9-0) (Season complete)
- No. 7 Old Tappan (12-0) vs. Cedar Creek (11-2) in Group 3 final at MetLife Stadium
West Jersey Football League
- No. 9 Glassboro (13-0) vs. Cedar Grove (10-3) in Group 1 final at Rutgers SHI Stadium
- No. 6 Washington Township (13-0) vs. Passaic Tech (10-3) in Group 5 final at MetLife Stadium
The question is, will these teams rise to the occasion and secure their place among the elite? What do you think? Share your predictions in the comments below! Did you see any of these teams play? Let us know your thoughts!
Mike Kinney has been covering N.J. high school sports full time since 1982.
