Battle at the Beach Football Classic Returns to Ocean City
The Battle at the Beach football showcase in Ocean City will return this August for its sixth year. This event will feature 12 games, four each day, from Aug. 27…
The Battle at the Beach football showcase in Ocean City will return this August for its sixth year. This event will feature 12 games, four each day, from Aug. 27 to 28 at Carey Stadium in Ocean City.
While past events have included high-profile football teams from across the nation, this year's event will focus on local talent. According to an SI.com report, 10 of the 12 teams call the Garden State home, and the other two are from New York City.
Below are the matchups for the sixth annual Battle at the Beach. SI.com noted each team's standing in last year's final rankings (appearing in parentheses).
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Thursday, Aug. 26
- (No. 14) Cedar Creek vs. St. John Vianney, 10 a.m.
- (No. 7) Washington Township vs. Pope John, 1 p.m.
- Princeton vs. Ocean City, 4 p.m.
- (No. 4) Winslow vs. (No. 13) Paramus Catholic, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 27
- West Deptford vs. Kinnelon, 10 a.m.
- Rancocas Valley vs. Wayne Valley, 1 p.m.
- Shawnee vs. Old Bridge, 4 p.m.
- Erasmus Hall (N.Y.) vs. Millville, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28
- Bridgeton vs. Southern, 10 a.m.
- Gloucester vs. (No. 25) Cedar Grove, 1 p.m.
- Monsignor Farrell (N.Y.) vs. Holy Spirit, 4 p.m.
- (No. 18) Atlantic City vs. (No. 22) Shabazz, 7 p.m.
According to SI.com, the Battle at the Beach began in 2021 and has evolved into a premier kickoff showcase for New Jersey football. It has attracted nationally prominent programs on occasion, such as IMG Academy in Florida and East St. Louis in Illinois, in past years. Battle at the Beach is sponsored by the West Jersey Football Coaches Association (WJFCA).
“We are appreciative to the coaches and programs that have helped build this into one of the best events on the high school calendar,” WJFCA president John Emel said in a statement to NJ.com. “Ocean City, Cedar Creek, Holy Spirit, and Millville have participated every year. With nine of the 18 participating public schools having reached New Jersey sectional finals in 2025, the event once again promises premier, high-level competition from start to finish.”
