Highland Park looks to continue upward program trajectory, opening 2026 season against New Brunswick tonight

Highland Park and New Brunswick bring some similarities to Friday’s opening game of the season.

Both battled through tough losing streaks, but came out on the othe side better than they entered, and from there have set solid groundwork to continue to build forward.

Now two full seasons removed from snapping the skid, the Owls have continued to build upward, and head into the 2026 season with a mix of veteran returners and eye-turning young talent.

They’ll kick it all off at home Friday night at 7:00 against the Zebras, in the second Big Central Game of the Week to open the season live on Central Jersey Sports Radio. Tune in at 6:45 for the pregame show with Mike Pavlichko and Alec Crouthamel; click here to listen.

Highland Park returns its starter to the most important position, with Marcus Smith back for his second year as the starting quarterback. Much of his development over the offseason came on the mental side, as well as the physical side, as a rising senior after throwing for 866 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Owls also return just over 60 percent of their rushing production, led by top rusher Jacob Quiros, who is also heading into his senior year. Even after the graduation of Kostas and Stamatis Hantsoulis, the skill-position cupboard is well-stocked for Highland Park, especially with some exciting youngsters entering the fray, set for some of their first varsity action.

And much the same could be said for the defensive side. Even with the graduation of Matthew Adamczyk-Zapor, who led the team in sacks (three) and tackles for loss (seven), there remains a solid set of leaders and talent across the defense, with young talent continuing to be infused.

But above all the stats and talent across the board, the main key the veterans bring to the table is their experience. They saw what it meant to snap the skid and to grow from it with 6-3 and 3-6 records, and are now the leaders in the clubhouse. Head coach Shawn Harrison has led the charge in raising the expectations for the program, and it starts with the returning veterans that have seen it all under his watch.

Those expectations will help be set with the opening home game against nearby New Brunswick.

Click below to hear Highland Park football coach Shawn Harrison talk about the Owls and their season opener against New Brunswick, with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Alec Crouthamel: