In its brief history, the Battle at the Beach has helped kick off the New Jersey high school football season in grand style.

Debuting in 2021, the showcase event highlighted teams from the West Jersey Football League and one of the state’s most iconic football venues - Ocean City’s Carey Stadium, steps from the boardwalk and a few hundred yards from the Atlantic Ocean.

The event has evolved over the years. In 2023, it hosted IMG Academy (FL) and St. Joseph Prep (PA) in a game that was televised nationally on ESPN2. IMG returned to play state No. 1 Bergen Catholic last season and will take on defending Group 4 state champion Winslow this year.

A freshman at Alabama, Millville star Lotzeir Brooks made his high school debut at the Battle at the Beach in 2021. He scored two touchdowns in a

See Full Page