Nov. 3, 2025- The three-time defending Group 5 state sectional champions are back in the NJSIAA semifinal round. It might not have been the route they planned, but the High School North Mariners will gladly take it.

A 40-yard touchdown run by Lucas Elias preceded a six-yard TD run by Cole Garrison, who would later return a kickoff 86 yards to the house, capped by an Elias two-point conversion run. That backfield combined with a splendid defensive effort— Jazir Frazer had a key interception and Kam'ron Morse (right) recorded a whopping 14 tackles— to lead HSN football to a 22-14 road win over Cherry Hill East Oct. 31. 

The Halloween night win was the elixir to a spooky start for the Mariners. They began the season a somewhat shocking 1-4, and after winning three straight, fell to Point Pleasant Boro, 17-14, before entering the state tournament. But, defending champions are hard to kill.

Up next for North is a date with Atlantic City this Friday in the Group 5 semifinal round. Good luck, Mariners!