The HHS Bears football season officially begins on June 22, the first Monday after the school year ends. The early start allows players to get into peak condition before the regular season begins. Summer training gives athletes the opportunity to improve their skills, build team chemistry, and prepare themselves both physically and mentally for the challenges of the upcoming season.
Less than a month after practices begin, the Bears will travel to Wallington on July 8 for their first 7-on-7 competition of the summer. The following day, the team will head to Ramapo for the annual Big Man Challenge. These events are important because they allow players to compete against different schools and gain valuable experience before the season officially begins. On July 15, the Bears will participate in another 7-on-7 tournament at Becton, followed by a matchup against Lodi on July 23, with the location still to be determined. After these summer events, the team’s blackout week will begin on July 24 and continue through August 3.
Practice resumes on August 3 at 8:00 a.m., and the following day the Bears will face Manchester High School in another 7-on-7 event. As the regular season approaches, the intensity of practices and scrimmages will continue to increase. On August 18, the team will compete in a quad scrimmage at Glen Rock beginning at 9:00 a.m. Later that week, the Bears will host Pompton Lakes at HHS for another scrimmage at 10:00 a.m. These preseason games will help coaches and players make final adjustments before the regular season begins.
The Bears open their regular season at home on August 27 against North Arlington. In September, the team will travel to Hasbrouck Heights on September 3 before entering a bye week the following week. The Bears then return to action on September 18 against Saddle Brook at 7:00 p.m. Senior Night will take place on September 24 when HHS hosts Butler at 6:30 p.m. This special event will honor the dedication and hard work of the senior players.
As the season moves into October, the Bears will host Secaucus on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. before traveling to New Milford on October 9 for a 7:00 p.m. matchup. Games are also scheduled for October 16, 23, and 30, although opponents have not yet been finalized. As the season progresses, the HHS Bears will continue working hard and preparing for every challenge that comes their way.