New Jersey moved forward toward a new playoff structure that could result in an overall state champion being crowned, although that will not happen this year.
On Wednesday, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Executive Committee approved a proposal known as the N.J. United Playoff Plan that adds an extra round of playoff games known as super sectional bowl games. The plan will be voted on again next month by the Executive Committee, and if approved the new playoff system will be in effect for the 2018 season.
Under the new proposal, the state will continue to crown sectional champs in five groups of four sections. The top thirty-two public schools in each group will be seeded in four sections according to their location using the state’s new power point system.
The bowl games between the public school sectional champions will be played at MetLife Stadium. The bowl games will match the South Jersey against the Central Jersey champion and the North I winner vs. the North II champ. The three non-public group championship game will also be played at MetLife Stadium.
If the new plan is approved next month, New Jersey teams will be able to play optional regular games starting August 31.
Currently, New Jersey is the only state in America that doesn’t crown a “true” state champ. If officials can figure out a way to play one more game, the Garden State could be crowning overall state champs in the near future.
