The 2024 high school football season has come to an end, leaving behind a season full of memorable moments and surprises. Heading into the season, there were many questions surrounding teams entering new eras, such as James Logan, Irvington and Kennedy. Meanwhile, for Washington, Newark and American, the season offered a clearer picture of their established identities and the strengths they brought to the field.
James Logan
James Logan had a season full of ups and downs, but ultimately ended on a positive note. The Colts finished 4-7 overall, but went 4-2 in league play, earning them a spot for a playoff game. Although their playoff run was cut short by a 34-0 loss, simply making a playoff game was a big success under first-year head coach James Barnes. Reflecting on the preseason, coach Barnes had emphasized, “This year, we want James Logan to play fast while also controlling the flow of the game.” While there is room for improvement, the Colts demonstrated the discipline and conditioning that coach Barnes aimed for, setting a solid foundation for future growth.
American High School
American High School’s 2024 season marked significant improvement compared to their winless campaign in 2023. After a tough 0-6 start, the Eagles finally broke through with a hard-fought victory over San Lorenzo, a win that was long overdue and injected much-needed confidence into the program. Despite the 1-9 record on the season, the Eagles are trending upwards and hope to see even more wins in the future. During the preseason, assistant head coach Rueben Rodriguez stated that the team’s adversity only strengthened them. This was evident throughout the year as the Eagles battled in many close games, laying the groundwork for brighter days ahead.
Irvington High School
The Irvington Vikings saw one of their most promising seasons in recent years, finishing 6-4 overall. After an impressive 6-0 start, the team struggled in the final stretch, ending the season with four consecutive losses. Despite the struggle at the end of the year, the season showed significant progress for the program. Head coach Anthony Jackson’s motto, “Accept the challenge” stuck with the team as they worked to redefine their identity. With a strong coaching staff and the experience gained this season, Irvington is positioned for an even brighter future.
Kennedy High School
For Kennedy High School, the 2024 season fell short of expectations after a strong 7-3 season the previous year. The Titans struggled to find their rhythm, finishing 3-7. However, they did end the season on a high note with a commanding 32-12 win over Irvington. Head coach BJ Hagood, who described 2024 as a “rebuild year,” remained optimistic, stating, “I thought we grew a lot as a young team.” With many unknowns surrounding this team going into the season, coach Hagood is still content with the progress made throughout the year.
Washington High School
Washington High School faced a challenging season, finishing with a 3-7 record. A strong opening win against Novato High School showed the team’s potential, but the team struggled defensively down the stretch, giving up over 40 points in each of their last three games. Despite these setbacks, there were lots of bright spots on the offensive side of the ball, giving the Huskies a solid foundation to build on in the future.
Newark Memorial High School
Newark Memorial High School enjoyed a successful season, finishing 6-5 and earning a playoff berth. The Cougars overcame an early 1-2 start, closing the regular season with an impressive 5-2 run. This strong finish was just enough to get Newark Memorial into the playoffs, where their season was cut short with a 43-23 loss to Miramonte High School. In the offseason, assistant head coach Abdul Harris said, “We don’t make excuses, we make examples.” That mindset was evident throughout the season, as the Cougars battled in every game, turning challenges into opportunities. With this foundation, Newark Memorial looks poised to build on its momentum in the seasons ahead.
Each team entered the 2024 season with its own set of goals. Some were focused on making a playoff run, while others aimed to rebuild and get their programs back on track. While all teams differed in their goal, the fuel behind their drive was the same— a deep passion for the game and a chance to proudly represent their school. Whether striving for playoff glory or overcoming adversity, the dedication and heart shown by each team made the 2024 season a memorable chapter in Tri-City football.
