The path to a state title is now clear for New Jersey's top non-public high school football programs. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) has officially released the seedings and brackets for the 2025 Non-Public A and Non-Public B state championships, setting the stage for highly anticipated postseason matchups.
Powerhouses Don Bosco Prep and DePaul have secured the number one seeds in their respective divisions, Non-Public A and Non-Public B. The seedings were determined by a selection committee that met on Sunday, a process distinct from the power-ranking system used for public schools.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 NJSIAA Non-Public football playoff brackets have been announced.
- Don Bosco Prep is the top seed in the highly competitive Non-Public A division.
- DePaul earned the number one spot in the Non-Public B tournament field.
- Unlike public schools, Non-Public seeds are determined by a committee, not a ranking algorithm.
- Brackets remain unofficial for a 24-hour period to allow for review.
Non-Public A: A Field of Giants
The Non-Public A bracket is once again loaded with some of the state's most storied football programs. Securing the top seed, Don Bosco Prep, positions them favorably as they begin their quest for a championship. The Ironmen will look to capitalize on their top ranking as they navigate a field filled with familiar rivals.
Close behind is St. Peter's Prep at number two, followed by St. Joseph (Mont.) at number three and Bergen Catholic at number four. These four schools represent the perennial elite of New Jersey football, and their high seedings promise intense matchups throughout the tournament.
The complete seeding for the Non-Public A division showcases the depth of talent across the state.
Non-Public A Official Seeds
- Don Bosco Prep
- St. Peter’s Prep
- St. Joseph (Mont.)
- Bergen Catholic
- St. Joseph (Met.)
- Delbarton
- St. Augustine
- Seton Hall Prep
With only eight teams in this elite bracket, every game is a high-stakes contest. Teams like St. Joseph (Met.), Delbarton, St. Augustine, and Seton Hall Prep round out the field, each capable of pulling off an upset and making a deep run in the playoffs.
DePaul Leads Competitive Non-Public B Bracket
In the Non-Public B division, DePaul has been awarded the coveted number one seed. Their strong regular season performance earned them the top spot in a bracket that features a wider and more geographically diverse group of teams compared to its Non-Public A counterpart.
The competition will be fierce from the outset. Paramus Catholic claimed the second seed, setting up a potential showdown with DePaul if both teams advance. Following them are Red Bank Catholic at number three and Donovan Catholic at number four, two Shore Conference powerhouses ready to challenge the North Jersey dominance.
The Non-Public B field is significantly larger, featuring 14 teams vying for the championship trophy. This creates a longer and more challenging path to the final for every school involved.
- #1 Seed: DePaul
- #2 Seed: Paramus Catholic
- #3 Seed: Red Bank Catholic
- #4 Seed: Donovan Catholic
- #5 Seed: Holy Spirit
- #6 Seed: Paul VI
- #7 Seed: Immaculata
- #8 Seed: St. John Vianney
- #9 Seed: Pope John
- #10 Seed: St. Thomas Aquinas
- #11 Seed: St. Joseph (Hamm.)
- #12 Seed: St. Mary (Ruth.)
- #13 Seed: Notre Dame
- #14 Seed: Hudson Catholic
This extensive list of teams ensures a dynamic and unpredictable tournament. Programs from various regions will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the state's biggest stage.
Understanding the Seeding Process
A key distinction for the non-public football playoffs is the seeding method. While public school brackets are generated using the United Power Rankings (UPR), a formula-based system, the non-public brackets are set by a dedicated NJSIAA committee. This committee convenes to evaluate teams based on a range of criteria, including strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and overall performance, to create what they believe are the most accurate and fair tournament brackets.
The Road to the Championship
With the brackets now public, teams and fans can begin to map out potential paths to the championship games. The release marks the official start of the postseason journey for these schools, a culmination of months of hard work during the regular season.
It is important to note that the NJSIAA considers these brackets unofficial for a 24-hour period following their release. This window allows for a final review to ensure all data and matchups are correct before they are officially locked in. However, changes during this period are rare.
The public school playoffs began over the weekend with their quarterfinal matchups, and now the non-public teams will join the action. Football fans across New Jersey are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and which will see their championship dreams come to an end. The coming weeks will be filled with drama, excitement, and the very best of New Jersey high school football.