Mike Kinney

The 2024 NJSIAA/Xfinity Football State Championships kicked off last week with action in all five public-school groups and will continue this weekend with sectional semifinals throughout the state.

When West Orange quarterback Charlie LaMorte sustained a season-ending injury two weeks ago in the last regular-season final, the focus for both

| It seemed there would be a strange lull in the New Jersey football world with the Non-Public A teams and Non-Public B power DePaul all sitting out the weekend.

You may notice a preponderance of quarterbacks listed below among the heroes of the public school sectional semifinals, but that is to be expected this time of year.

Forgive West Essex lacrosse star Anthony Drago if he seems a bit preoccupied when it comes time to sign his written offer of athletic aid with Duke University.

| 5-Shabazz (8-2) at 2-Bernards (11-0)| BRACKET When : Friday, 7

| 4-East Orange (8-2) at 2-West Orange (9-2)| BRACKET When : Friday, 7

2-New Providence (9-2) at 1-Cedar Grove (11-0)| BRACKET When : Friday, 7 Last year's final : Shabazz 40, Butler 13 New Providence

| 2-West Essex (8-2) at 1-Old Tappan (9-1) | BRACKET When : Friday, 6

| 3-Northern Highlands (6-4) at 1-Phillipsburg (9-1) | BRACKET When : Friday, 7