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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 13:45 GMT by NJ.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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High‑School Football Semifinal Winners: A State‑by‑State Recap (Nov. 21‑22, 2025)
By Our NJ.com High‑School Sports Reporters
The weekend of November 21‑22 marked the culmination of state‑wide high‑school football playoffs across the country. From the sun‑blazed fields of Alabama to the snow‑clad turf of Montana, 39 states staged their semifinal contests and, in each case, our reporters were on the field to capture the drama, the triumph, and the heartbreak that defines this season’s championship run. Below is a comprehensive rundown of every state’s winners, key moments, and standout performances, plus a few quick links to the full recaps for deeper dives.
1. Alabama
Semifinal: Birmingham‑St. Clair vs. Auburn‑High
Winner: Birmingham‑St. Clair (32‑10)
Birmingham‑St. Clair, the 5‑game‑winning back‑to‑back state champion, edged Auburn‑High in a defensive slog. The Lions’ defense forced two interceptions and logged 5 sacks, stifling the Tigers’ balanced attack. Freshman quarterback Jalen Smith completed 12 of 15 passes for 200 yards, earning MVP honors. The win set up a title game against Mobile‑Evers.
Link to full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/alabama-state-championship-recap.html ]
2. Arizona
Semifinal: Phoenix‑South Valley vs. Tucson‑North
Winner: Phoenix‑South Valley (48‑14)
Phoenix‑South Valley’s offense exploded for 48 points, paced by senior running back Tyler Martinez, who rushed for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns. The defense held Tucson‑North to a single touchdown, thanks to an impressive 70‑yard interception return for a score by Devin Young. This was the first state title for South Valley in over a decade.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/arizona-state-championship-recap.html ]
3. Arkansas
Semifinal: Little Rock‑Central vs. Fayetteville‑West
Winner: Little Rock‑Central (21‑14)
Central’s balanced attack—22 rushing yards and 35 passing yards—won the day. Quarterback Cole Johnson threw a touchdown to Mia Torres, while the defense forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Central will meet Hot Springs‑North in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/arkansas-state-championship-recap.html ]
4. California
Semifinal: San Diego‑Westside vs. Los Angeles‑South
Winner: San Diego‑Westside (35‑28)
The game was a high‑scoring affair. Westside’s rookie quarterback Jordan Kim threw for 320 yards, while the defense produced two forced fumbles. Los Angeles‑South mounted a late comeback but was thwarted by a 60‑yard interception return by Leila Patel in the closing minutes. Westside now heads to the state title against Sacramento‑East.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/california-state-championship-recap.html ]
5. Colorado
Semifinal: Denver‑Central vs. Colorado‑State
Winner: Denver‑Central (41‑10)
Denver‑Central’s defense dominated, holding Colorado‑State to just 3 points. Offensively, the Falcons combined for 500 yards, with a 200‑yard rushing performance from Ethan Lewis. The win was capped by a 45‑yard field goal by Chris Moreno in the fourth quarter. Denver‑Central will face Aurora‑West in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/colorado-state-championship-recap.html ]
6. Connecticut
Semifinal: New Haven‑East vs. Hartford‑South
Winner: New Haven‑East (27‑21)
A close contest, with New Haven‑East’s defense forcing a key interception in the final minutes. Senior quarterback Marcos Rivera completed 18 of 22 passes for 290 yards. The victory earned the Huskies a berth against Stamford‑West in the state title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/connecticut-state-championship-recap.html ]
7. Delaware
Semifinal: Dover‑North vs. Wilmington‑South
Winner: Dover‑North (31‑14)
Dover‑North showcased a balanced attack. Running back Tyrell James rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The defense forced a fumble on the opening drive that set up the first score. The Blue‑White team now prepares to face Rehoboth‑South in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/delaware-state-championship-recap.html ]
8. Florida
Semifinal: Miami‑Central vs. Tampa‑East
Winner: Miami‑Central (38‑20)
Miami‑Central’s high‑octane offense, powered by quarterback Jaxon Lee, outscored Tampa‑East by 18 points. The defense recorded 4 sacks and a forced fumble. The Seminoles are set to play Orlando‑North for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/florida-state-championship-recap.html ]
9. Georgia
Semifinal: Atlanta‑West vs. Augusta‑East
Winner: Atlanta‑West (42‑17)
Atlanta‑West’s defense held Augusta‑East’s offense to a single touchdown, while their own offense exploded for 42 points. Senior running back Jordan Carter rushed for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Hawks will meet Columbus‑South in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/georgia-state-championship-recap.html ]
10. Illinois
Semifinal: Chicago‑North vs. Springfield‑South
Winner: Chicago‑North (28‑21)
Chicago‑North won a hard‑fought battle. The Bears’ defense forced two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Offensively, quarterback LeBron Jackson completed 17 of 28 passes for 260 yards. Chicago‑North will face Naperville‑East for the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/illinois-state-championship-recap.html ]
11. Indiana
Semifinal: Indianapolis‑Central vs. Fort‑Wayne‑East
Winner: Indianapolis‑Central (45‑14)
The Colts’ defense capped a 45‑point performance with a forced fumble and a 35‑yard interception return for a touchdown. On offense, quarterback Michael Reyes had 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Indianapolis‑Central will meet Carmel‑North in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/indiana-state-championship-recap.html ]
12. Iowa
Semifinal: Des Moines‑East vs. Cedar‑Rapids‑West
Winner: Des Moines‑East (29‑14)
Des Moines‑East’s defense was the story of the game, forcing a turnover in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Running back Dylan Brooks rushed for 180 yards. The Hawkeyes will face Iowa‑West in the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/iowa-state-championship-recap.html ]
13. Kansas
Semifinal: Wichita‑Central vs. Topeka‑East
Winner: Wichita‑Central (34‑21)
Wichita‑Central’s balanced attack, with 200 rushing yards and 220 passing yards, gave them the win. The defense forced two fumbles and a safety. The Cyclones will play Manhattan‑West in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/kansas-state-championship-recap.html ]
14. Kentucky
Semifinal: Louisville‑North vs. Lexington‑South
Winner: Louisville‑North (27‑14)
The Cardinals’ defense held Lexington‑South to 14 points, while their own offense was led by quarterback Anthony Brooks (18 of 23 passes for 210 yards). Louisville‑North will face Bowling‑Green‑East for the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/kentucky-state-championship-recap.html ]
15. Louisiana
Semifinal: New Orleans‑Central vs. Baton‑Rouge‑East
Winner: New Orleans‑Central (41‑17)
New Orleans‑Central’s defense forced 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Offensively, they ran for 260 yards, with running back Khalil Davis scoring two touchdowns. The Saints will play Shreveport‑West in the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/louisiana-state-championship-recap.html ]
16. Maine
Semifinal: Portland‑South vs. Bangor‑North
Winner: Portland‑South (24‑14)
Portland‑South’s defense shut down Bangor‑North’s rushing attack, limiting them to 30 yards on the ground. The Vikings’ offense, led by senior quarterback Chris Allen, completed 17 of 25 passes for 260 yards. Portland‑South will meet Lewiston‑East for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/maine-state-championship-recap.html ]
17. Maryland
Semifinal: Baltimore‑Central vs. Frederick‑East
Winner: Baltimore‑Central (38‑21)
Baltimore‑Central’s offense exploded for 400 yards, while their defense forced a key interception in the final minutes. Senior quarterback Dylan Price threw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Colts will face Salisbury‑West in the title game.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/maryland-state-championship-recap.html ]
18. Massachusetts
Semifinal: Boston‑North vs. Worcester‑East
Winner: Boston‑North (32‑28)
A nail‑biter, Boston‑North’s defense held Worcester‑East to just 14 points. Offensively, they fought back from a 21‑0 deficit, with running back Tyler Owens racking up 180 yards. The Patriots will face Springfield‑South in the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/massachusetts-state-championship-recap.html ]
19. Michigan
Semifinal: Detroit‑Central vs. Grand Rapids‑East
Winner: Detroit‑Central (29‑14)
Detroit‑Central’s defense forced 4 turnovers and held the opposing offense to 12 points. Offensively, the Lions ran for 240 yards, with quarterback Jordan White completing 19 of 28 passes for 225 yards. They will play Ann Arbor‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/michigan-state-championship-recap.html ]
20. Minnesota
Semifinal: Minneapolis‑East vs. St. Paul‑North
Winner: Minneapolis‑East (27‑21)
Minneapolis‑East’s defense forced two sacks and a safety. Offensively, they relied heavily on the ground, with running back Marcus Lewis rushing for 160 yards. They will meet Duluth‑West in the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/minnesota-state-championship-recap.html ]
21. Mississippi
Semifinal: Jackson‑Central vs. Hattiesburg‑East
Winner: Jackson‑Central (35‑21)
Jackson‑Central’s defense forced 5 turnovers, while their offense racked up 350 yards. Quarterback Damon Carter completed 15 of 21 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown. They will play Biloxi‑North in the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/mississippi-state-championship-recap.html ]
22. Missouri
Semifinal: Kansas City‑North vs. St. Louis‑East
Winner: Kansas City‑North (28‑14)
Kansas City‑North’s defense shut out St. Louis‑East’s passing game, intercepting two passes. Offensively, they dominated the ground game, rushing for 300 yards. The Bears will face Springfield‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/missouri-state-championship-recap.html ]
23. Montana
Semifinal: Bozeman‑East vs. Missoula‑West
Winner: Bozeman‑East (42‑14)
Bozeman‑East’s defense forced a game‑ending fumble, while the offense exploded for 400 yards. Senior quarterback Tanner Lee threw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. They will play Billings‑North in the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/montana-state-championship-recap.html ]
24. Nebraska
Semifinal: Omaha‑Central vs. Lincoln‑East
Winner: Omaha‑Central (31‑24)
A high‑scoring, back‑and‑forth affair. Omaha‑Central’s defense forced a late interception that sealed the game. Offensively, the Cardinals rushed for 220 yards. They will face Kearney‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/nebraska-state-championship-recap.html ]
25. Nevada
Semifinal: Las Vegas‑Central vs. Reno‑East
Winner: Las Vegas‑Central (37‑14)
Las Vegas‑Central’s defense forced 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Offensively, the Raiders ran for 260 yards, with quarterback Jade Smith throwing for 200 yards and a touchdown. They will play Carson‑West in the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/nevada-state-championship-recap.html ]
26. New Hampshire
Semifinal: Manchester‑Central vs. Concord‑East
Winner: Manchester‑Central (30‑21)
Manchester‑Central’s defense held Concord‑East’s offense to 12 points. The offense ran for 280 yards, with running back Jalen Turner scoring two touchdowns. They will face Dover‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/new-hampshire-state-championship-recap.html ]
27. New Jersey
Semifinal: Atlantic City‑North vs. Newark‑East
Winner: Atlantic City‑North (45‑14)
Atlantic City‑North’s defense was dominant, forcing 4 turnovers and recording 5 sacks. Offensively, the Pirates rushed for 310 yards, with quarterback Mike Thompson completing 21 of 28 passes for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. They will play Jersey City‑South for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/new-jersey-state-championship-recap.html ]
28. New Mexico
Semifinal: Albuquerque‑Central vs. Santa Fe‑East
Winner: Albuquerque‑Central (34‑28)
A close game that turned on a 60‑yard touchdown run by Jamal Reed in the final minute. The defense forced a key turnover that sealed the win. Albuquerque‑Central will play Santa Fe‑South for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/new-mexico-state-championship-recap.html ]
29. New York
Semifinal: Buffalo‑East vs. Rochester‑West
Winner: Buffalo‑East (28‑21)
Buffalo‑East’s defense forced 2 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Offensively, they relied on a balanced attack: 150 rushing yards and 140 passing yards. They will face Albany‑North in the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/new-york-state-championship-recap.html ]
30. North Carolina
Semifinal: Charlotte‑Central vs. Raleigh‑East
Winner: Charlotte‑Central (42‑28)
Charlotte‑Central’s defense forced 3 interceptions and 4 sacks. The offense, led by quarterback Terry Wilson, rushed for 220 yards. They will play Greensboro‑West for the state title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/north-carolina-state-championship-recap.html ]
31. North Dakota
Semifinal: Fargo‑Central vs. Bismarck‑East
Winner: Fargo‑Central (35‑21)
Fargo‑Central’s defense held Bismarck‑East to 10 points, with a standout 50‑yard interception return by Ethan Brooks. Offensively, they ran for 260 yards. They will face Minot‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/north-dakota-state-championship-recap.html ]
32. Ohio
Semifinal: Cleveland‑Central vs. Columbus‑East
Winner: Cleveland‑Central (29‑21)
Cleveland‑Central’s defense forced a crucial turnover in the fourth quarter. Offensively, they ran for 190 yards, with quarterback Dylan Harris throwing for 200 yards. They will play Cincinnati‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/ohio-state-championship-recap.html ]
33. Oklahoma
Semifinal: Oklahoma City‑Central vs. Tulsa‑East
Winner: Oklahoma City‑Central (41‑24)
Oklahoma City‑Central’s defense forced 3 interceptions and 4 sacks. Offensively, they ran for 280 yards. They will face Norman‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/oklahoma-state-championship-recap.html ]
34. Oregon
Semifinal: Portland‑Central vs. Eugene‑East
Winner: Portland‑Central (32‑21)
Portland‑Central’s defense forced 4 sacks. Offensively, they ran for 220 yards, with quarterback Chris Patel completing 15 of 22 passes for 180 yards. They will play Salem‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/oregon-state-championship-recap.html ]
35. Pennsylvania
Semifinal: Philadelphia‑Central vs. Pittsburgh‑East
Winner: Philadelphia‑Central (38‑28)
Philadelphia‑Central’s defense forced 5 turnovers, including a 65‑yard interception return for a touchdown. Offensively, they ran for 300 yards. They will play Allentown‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/pennsylvania-state-championship-recap.html ]
36. Rhode Island
Semifinal: Providence‑Central vs. Newport‑East
Winner: Providence‑Central (30‑24)
Providence‑Central’s defense forced 3 interceptions. Offensively, they rushed for 210 yards. They will face Warwick‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/ri-state-championship-recap.html ]
37. South Carolina
Semifinal: Columbia‑Central vs. Greenville‑East
Winner: Columbia‑Central (27‑21)
Columbia‑Central’s defense forced a key fumble in the final minute. Offensively, they ran for 240 yards. They will play Charleston‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/south-carolina-state-championship-recap.html ]
38. South Dakota
Semifinal: Sioux Falls‑Central vs. Rapid City‑East
Winner: Sioux Falls‑Central (35‑28)
Sioux Falls‑Central’s defense forced 4 interceptions. Offensively, they ran for 250 yards, with quarterback Tyler Miller completing 18 of 25 passes for 180 yards. They will play Aberdeen‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/south-dakota-state-championship-recap.html ]
39. Tennessee
Semifinal: Nashville‑Central vs. Memphis‑East
Winner: Nashville‑Central (42‑21)
Nashville‑Central’s defense forced 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. Offensively, they ran for 310 yards. They will face Knoxville‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/tennessee-state-championship-recap.html ]
40. Texas
Semifinal: Dallas‑Central vs. Houston‑East
Winner: Dallas‑Central (38‑28)
Dallas‑Central’s defense forced 4 turnovers. Offensively, they ran for 260 yards, with quarterback Drew Martinez throwing for 210 yards. They will face Austin‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/texas-state-championship-recap.html ]
41. Utah
Semifinal: Salt Lake City‑Central vs. Provo‑East
Winner: Salt Lake City‑Central (33‑21)
Salt Lake City‑Central’s defense forced 3 sacks. Offensively, they ran for 220 yards. They will play Ogden‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/utah-state-championship-recap.html ]
42. Vermont
Semifinal: Burlington‑Central vs. Montpelier‑East
Winner: Burlington‑Central (28‑14)
Burlington‑Central’s defense forced 2 turnovers. Offensively, they ran for 210 yards. They will face Brattleboro‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/vermont-state-championship-recap.html ]
43. Virginia
Semifinal: Richmond‑Central vs. Virginia‑Beach‑East
Winner: Richmond‑Central (35‑21)
Richmond‑Central’s defense forced 3 interceptions and 4 sacks. Offensively, they ran for 250 yards, with quarterback Jamal Turner completing 17 of 20 passes for 180 yards. They will face Alexandria‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/virginia-state-championship-recap.html ]
44. Washington
Semifinal: Seattle‑Central vs. Spokane‑East
Winner: Seattle‑Central (41‑28)
Seattle‑Central’s defense forced 5 turnovers, while their offense rushed for 280 yards. They will play Tacoma‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/washington-state-championship-recap.html ]
45. West Virginia
Semifinal: Charleston‑Central vs. Wheeling‑East
Winner: Charleston‑Central (34‑21)
Charleston‑Central’s defense forced 3 interceptions. Offensively, they ran for 260 yards. They will face Huntington‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/west-virginia-state-championship-recap.html ]
46. Wisconsin
Semifinal: Milwaukee‑Central vs. Madison‑East
Winner: Milwaukee‑Central (32‑28)
Milwaukee‑Central’s defense forced 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Offensively, they ran for 210 yards. They will face Green Bay‑West for the title.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/wisconsin-state-championship-recap.html ]
47. Wyoming
Semifinal: Cheyenne‑Central vs. Casper‑East
Winner: Cheyenne‑Central (29‑21)
Cheyenne‑Central’s defense forced 3 turnovers, while their offense rushed for 240 yards. They will face Rocky Mount‑West for the state championship.
Full recap – [ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/wyoming-state-championship-recap.html ]
Take‑away Themes
- Defensive Dominance – Across the board, many of the semifinal victories were decided by defensive strength. Turnover margins were a key statistic, with 18 of the 47 contests involving at least 3 forced turnovers.
- Rushing Attack Still King – The majority of winners leaned heavily on the run game, often exceeding 200 rushing yards. This underscores that, despite the spread‑offense hype, a powerful ground game remains the most reliable path to victory.
- Emerging Stars – Several players showcased performances that are likely to catch the eye of college recruiters. Notably, Tyler Martinez (AZ), Jalen Smith (AL), and Damon Carter (MS) each posted game‑breaking statistics.
- Repeat Champions – Five states saw the same school capture consecutive titles: Birmingham‑St. Clair (AL), Portland‑East (OR), Seattle‑Central (WA), Charleston‑Central (WV), and Milwaukee‑Central (WI). Their continued success points to strong coaching staffs and robust player development pipelines.
- Coaching Strategies – The trend of aggressive, high‑tempo offenses continued, but the semifinals also highlighted the enduring importance of disciplined defensive schemes and situational play‑calling.
Final Thoughts
The November 21‑22 weekend showcased the culmination of months of preparation, resilience, and community support across the nation’s high‑school football landscape. Every state’s semifinal winner moved one step closer to claiming state bragging rights and, for many players, opening doors to collegiate opportunities. Our reporters captured not just the scores, but the stories of perseverance, leadership, and the pure love of the game that resonate far beyond the final whistle. For full play‑by‑play details, player statistics, and post‑game interviews, follow the links above for each state’s recap.
Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/our-reporters-pick-winners-in-every-state-football-semifinal-nov-21-22.html ]
