Newark HS Football Makes History: Weequahic vs. Shabazz For Championship Game

NEWARK, NJ — For the first time in the history of the New Jersey High School Championships, two football teams from Newark will face off for the title.

When the Malcolm X Shabazz High School and Weequahic High School football teams meet at Kean University on Saturday for the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 state championship game, it will mark the first time that two Newark high school football teams meet, according to city officials.

The landmark is made all the sweeter by the following fact: since 1974, Newark’s public high school football teams have combined to win only three state titles.

Several Newark city dignitaries, including Mayor Ras Baraka, honored the pair of gridiron high-achievers during a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday.

Baraka presented proclamations to the two rival head coaches - Weequahic's Brian Logan and Shabazz's Darnell Grant - for their work with their teams and in the community.

According to city officials, the two coaches have each won 100 games coaching Newark high school football teams. Grant was named 2014 NJ.Com State Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Essex County Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Logan is a Newark Police Detective, serving in the Crime Stoppers Unit, and has coached football for 19 years at two Newark high schools, leading West Side High School's Roughriders to a State Championship in 2007.

Baraka also commended the players from both teams for their outstanding performances and encourage the city’s residents to cheer both teams on.

Many of the players that will take the field on Saturday have roots in the city's own Pop Warner football program, Newark officials stated.

"Today we are recognizing a great moment in Newark sports history - the first time that two high schools from our great city have faced off against each other in the State Championships," Baraka said. "More importantly, we are honoring two outstanding coaches who have inspired and mentored our young men to achieve the personal victories that are gained through teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and commitment. These lessons learned on the football gridiron will serve them throughout their lives, putting them on the right track for personal success, and make them the next generation of Newark achievers and leaders in whatever field they enter."

"I am excited that so many of the players who are going to star in this championship game on Saturday learned their skills in our Pop Warner Program," Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Patrick Council said. "This program has helped generations of Newark youth learn valuable life skills and lessons and become better human beings. Every boy who plays in Saturday's game is already a winner and a champion."

Photos: City of Newark

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