Previewing the 2024 NJ Public High School Football Season
Published: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
by Kyle Ferreira
It’s August, which means those crisp fall nights are right around the corner.
For high school football players, summer is coming to an end as training camp is set to begin shortly in New Jersey. While it may not have the prestige of Texas, New Jersey football players love those Friday night lights. After another wild 2023 football season in the public ranks, this season looks to be another exciting one.
Private Catholic schools usually make the headlines in the state, but never underestimate the talent and stories found at public schools. So, what’s happening this season?
NJ’s Best Player Committed to SEC Powerhouse
Defensive end Darren Ikinnagbon is currently New Jersey’s number-one prospect in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. At a reported size of 6’5” and 251 pounds, one would think he would be playing at a powerhouse like Bergen Catholic. Instead, he plays at Hillside High School in Union County. Having a special player like Ikinnagbon is a blessing for Union County.
Scouts love his athleticism and physicality. He has a great first step, which helped him finish with 13 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. Ikinnagbon is getting ready for his senior year, but the South will be calling his name soon, as he is committed to the Georgia Bulldogs. Until then, Ikinnagbon and his teammates are ready to tackle the season ahead.
Essex County is Loaded
South Jersey and Bergen County have consistently produced the best teams in the public ranks, with Essex County not far behind. From West Orange to Cedar Grove, there are playmakers ready to shine this season.
West Orange’s Terrell Wilfong and Shabazz’s Omari Gaines are just some of the outstanding players the county has to offer. Looking at teams, Cedar Grove, Montclair, West Essex, Irvington, and others are fighting to be among the best in the county and state. Fans want good football, and Essex County is the place to be this fall.
Lotzeir is Speed
It’s very fitting that Millville High School’s nickname is the Thunderbolts since they have a player who flashes like lightning. Senior Lotzeir Brooks is blazing fast. In fact, he ran a 4.40 forty-yard dash while at an Alabama football camp last summer.
The Alabama commit holds the South Jersey record for career yards with 3,355 and touchdowns with 51. The electrifying Brooks has been a key component of a Millville squad that has dominated the southern part of the state since 2021. For him, this year is about cementing his legacy as a New Jersey legend.
There are plenty of other newsworthy stories to note about the upcoming football season.
From coaching changes at Ramapo High School to teams looking to win another championship,
it should be another exhilarating football season in New Jersey.
kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu
Posted in: sports,