Football Season Kicks Off In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — The waning days of August are usually reserved for last-licks trips to the beach, hanging out with friends and soaking in the last bits of summer.

In 2023, however, summer is ending a little bit earlier for high school football teams, including Manchester Township.

The season kicks off Friday night, Aug. 25, as the NJSIAA — the governing body for high school sports in New Jersey — made adjustments to the start of the season to accommodate an expanded playoff season.

Manchester Township, under second-year coach Tommy Farrell Jr., is looking to build on its 2022 season, where Farrell brought a new energy to the team and a new approach to building a family atmosphere.

After time spent in the community this summer, the team kicks off Friday night.

Here is the full regular-season schedule for 2023:

• Aug. 25 vs. North Plainfield, 6 p.m.
• Aug. 31 at Barnegat, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 8 vs. Point Pleasant Beach, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 15 vs. Keansburg, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 23 at Keyport, noon
• Sept. 29 at Shore, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 6 vs. Jackson Liberty, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 13 vs. Asbury Park, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 21 at Lakewood, 1 p.m.
• Oct. 28 at Pemberton, noon