The North Jersey football season is officially just one month away, kicking off for many teams on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Here are 10 games we already have circled on the calendar.
Bergen Catholic vs. IMG Academy
Thursday, Aug. 29 in Ocean City
The Crusaders will carry the North Jersey football banner − and the state’s top ranking − into the Battle at the Beach to take on one of the most prominent high school programs in the country. The Ascenders finished No. 5 in the USA Today Super 25 in 2023. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.
Ridgewood vs. Clifton
Friday, Aug. 30 at Paramus
The two-day, four-game Grasso Classic in Bergen County features this showdown of Group 5 powers each coming off a rare down year. Clifton knocked off the Maroons 28-21 last year and have only beaten Ridgewood twice since 2011. The game will kick off at 2 p.m.
Wayne Valley at Northern Highlands
Friday, Sept. 6
This is a battle of two teams with major state title expectations. The Highlanders bring back possibly North Jersey’s top quarterback in Nate Johnson, while Indians junior quarterback Danny Ferrauilo is a name to watch this season.
Park Ridge at St. Mary
Saturday, Sept. 7
The Gaels broke through in 2023, reaching the playoffs and finishing 6-5. Park Ridge has been a powerhouse in the NJIC for the last several years, but graduated a lot and has a new coach in Jim Cleary. The winner of this game stamps itself as a rival to Rutherford for NJIC superiority.
Rutherford at Glen Rock
Friday, Sept. 27
Speaking of the Bulldogs, they remain the team to beat in the NJIC, but will face their toughest regular season test against the Panthers and new coach Kyle McCourt . Last year, Rutherford prevailed 28-7.
DePaul at Paramus Catholic
Friday, Sept. 27
At least 10 Division I players will be on the field for this one as both teams try to move up in the North Jersey non-public race. DePaul is led by receivers Dez Jones (Ohio State) and Elijah Burress (Notre Dame), while the Paladins lean on super offensive lineman Malachi Goodman.
Don Bosco at Bergen Catholic
Saturday, Sept. 28
It's Bergen-Bosco LXXX (80). It’s so big, we use roman numerals. The Ironmen lead the all-time series 41-36 with two ties, but the Crusaders have dominated the series lately, winning eight of the last 11 meetings, including a 38-15 win last year.
Passaic Tech at Ramapo
Saturday, Oct. 5
Two premier North Jersey public school programs meet after losing in their respective state championship games last season, Passaic Tech in Group 5 and Ramapo in Group 4. Both teams will have new quarterbacks in 2023, but plenty of firepower. It's a rare Saturday game for both teams.
River Dell at Pascack Valley
Friday, Oct. 18
This is the “Rumble for the Rail” game. River Dell has one of the best young quarterbacks returning in junior Zion Yoon, while the Panthers will lean on All-County running back Kevin Regula to keep the offense rolling down the tracks.
Watch NJ high school football live on the NFHS Network
NJIC Championship Game
Friday, Oct. 25 or Saturday, Oct. 26
Rutherford has won an unprecedented three straight conference titles after last year’s convincing (and wet) win over Park Ridge. The Bulldogs still look like the team to beat in the conference. Can they make it four?
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 10 must-see North Jersey football games on the 2024 schedule
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