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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 7:23 GMT by NorthJersey.com
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The North Jersey Interscholastic Conference (NJIC) is set to crown its 2025 football champion in a matchup that has already captured the attention of local fans, parents, and high‑school football analysts alike. The title game, scheduled for Monday, October 29 at 2:30 p.m. on the neutral‑site field of the newly upgraded St. Patrick’s High School in Paterson, pits Rutherford’s Rams against a formidable opponent from the northern part of the conference, likely the Northwood Hawks.

Rutherford, a perennial powerhouse in the NJIC, entered the title game with a flawless record, having won all twelve of its conference games. The Rams’ season was built on an explosive offense that featured senior wide receiver Myles Balchan, who finished the year with 1,400 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns, and 120 catches, earning All‑Conference honors and drawing attention from several Division I programs. Balchan, whose highlight reel was posted on the Rutherford Athletics website and the MaxPreps platform, was a centerpiece in the Rams’ strategy, and the coaching staff has emphasized that his route‑running precision and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage will be a key weapon against the Hawks’ secondary.

Alongside Balchan’s aerial threat is senior running back David Smith, who rushed for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season. Smith’s power running style and vision in the backfield have made him a dual threat to any defense. According to the Rutherford roster page, Smith also contributed 300 yards on special teams, showcasing his versatility. The Rams’ offensive line, featuring three seniors, has been described by Coach Mark Johnson as “the backbone of our offensive success.” Johnson, who has been at the helm since 2019, said in an interview that the team’s chemistry and disciplined execution were essential for a championship run.

The Hawks, a rising star in the NJIC, are led by junior defensive end Butler, whose season statistics of 12 sacks and 25 tackles for loss were highlighted in the Hawks’ profile on the Northwood Athletics website. Butler’s presence on the defensive line has been a disruptive factor for opponents, and the Hawks’ defensive coordinator, Coach Emily Hayes, has noted that the team’s aggressive, blitz‑heavy approach will be crucial in containing the Rams’ offense. The Hawks’ quarterback, sophomore Eli Davis, posted 2,800 passing yards and 28 touchdowns last season, making the back‑up game a balanced attack that could test the Rams’ secondary.

The NJIC website provided a detailed bracket for the 2025 football season, showing how both Rutherford and the Hawks progressed through the conference playoffs. Rutherford defeated Westfield and Princeton in the first two rounds, while the Hawks beat South River and Bloomfield. The final two games were dramatic: Rutherford’s 35‑21 win over Princeton featured a last‑second touchdown catch by Balchan, while the Hawks’ 28‑24 victory over South River included a defensive touchdown from Butler. Both games were highlighted on the NJIC’s “Live Stream” page, which streams all playoff games with commentary from former players.

The title game’s venue, St. Patrick’s High School, offers a 12,000‑seat capacity with a 75‑by‑100‑yard field that has been upgraded with a new turf system. According to the school's facility page, the venue was chosen to provide a neutral location that is convenient for fans from both sides of the conference and to ensure a level playing field. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet NJ, with commentary from former NJIC star Matt Russo. Fans can expect to see pre‑game analysis on the network’s Sunday show, including a segment that will revisit the Rams’ and Hawks’ season statistics.

Beyond the immediate excitement of the championship, the game holds significance for the state playoff picture. Both Rutherford and the Hawks have earned automatic bids to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Division IV playoffs. The NJIC’s official rules, available on its website, state that the conference champion receives a first‑round bye in the state tournament, a key advantage for any team looking to make a deep run. As such, the outcome of the title game will not only decide the conference’s best team but also set the stage for the Rams and Hawks’ future in the state playoffs.

The local community’s support is palpable. Rutherford High School’s booster club organized a “Rams Road Rally” that will drive fans from surrounding towns to the stadium. The rally, promoted on the school’s Facebook page and the NJIC’s “Community Engagement” section, includes a pep rally, a live performance by the school’s marching band, and a Q&A with the coaching staff. Meanwhile, the Hawks’ student‑athletes have been featured in a “Hawks’ Hustle” photo spread on the Northwood Athletics site, showcasing their teamwork and dedication.

In a statement released by the NJIC, the conference president, David L. Green, said, “The 2025 football title game exemplifies the spirit, competitiveness, and excellence that define our conference. Both Rutherford and the Hawks have earned their places through hard work, and we look forward to a memorable showdown that will inspire the next generation of high‑school athletes.”

For those interested in the broader context, the NJIC’s history and mission can be found on its website. The conference was founded in 1990 to provide a structured and competitive environment for high‑school teams across New Jersey’s northern counties. Over the past decade, the NJIC has grown to include more than 50 member schools and has been recognized for its commitment to student‑athlete development, sportsmanship, and community engagement. The conference’s official page also highlights the numerous alumni who have progressed to collegiate and professional football, underscoring the level of talent fostered within its ranks.

The impending title game is more than a final contest; it’s a culmination of a season of dedication, strategy, and athletic prowess. Whether Rutherford’s offense can outpace the Hawks’ defense or the Hawks can stifle Balchan’s aerial attack, the matchup promises to deliver the drama and excitement that fans have been anticipating all year. The final whistle will determine not only the conference champion but also the narrative that will carry into the state playoffs, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in NJIC football history.