New Jersey High School wins its first state championship, capping historic season

A New Jersey high school football team made history Wednesday night, winning the program’s first New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 4 Championship game.

The Winslow Township Eagles defeated Phillipsburg High School 35-0 and finished the season undefeated with a record of 14-0.

Earlier Wednesday, Winslow Township High School celebrated a celebratory send-off that had its students proud of their football team.

“This is a special moment for our football team. For our students, our school and our community,” said Principal Kurt Marella. “This is something that needs to be celebrated.”

Students and staff filled the high school gymnasium Wednesday for a pep rally before the Eagles’ state championship game.

“I think the school has been around for 67 years and this is the first time we’ve been to a state championship,” Marella said. “It’s a pretty big deal.”

“It’s a great feeling to see the community get behind this team,” said coach Bill Belton. “It’s a great moment for the school.”

Both the principal and head football coach graduated from Winslow Township. They say this winning team united the school and the community.

And this moment is even more meaningful for the seniors who want to finish their final season as winners.

“I think it’s great. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Marcus Upton. “I’ve never seen anything like that at school. I think it’s amazing.”

“It’s a blessing that everyone here is smiling when they come into the game,” Cameron Miller said. “Focused, focused and ready to go out with a bang and complete an undefeated season this year.”