November 14, 2025

ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic City High School Vikings return to the Group V Section Final on Friday, November 14, 2025, for the second consecutive year.

The Vikings will face the Kingsway Dragons at home at 6 p.m. in hopes of securing the school’s first sectional championship since 1999. A victory would give the football program only its second sectional trophy in school history.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small expressed pride in the Vikings’ continued tenacity. “As our Atlantic City High School Vikings return for the second consecutive year, I want to express how incredibly proud we are of our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire program,” Dr. Small said. “Reaching this level of competition is no small feat, and our Vikings have demonstrated resilience, focus, and a commitment to excellence that truly reflects the spirit of Atlantic City Public Schools.”

The Vikings (9-1) enter the matchup on a seven-game winning streak. The winner will advance to the state semifinal and play the winner of the Central Jersey title game between Old Bridge and Washington Township.

Donald Harris, Director of Secondary Education and a former Vikings quarterback, said he is excited about the football program’s progress.

“The students seem like they’re ready. The staff seems like we’re ready,” Harris said. “This is a good opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and bring home a victory.”

Athletic Director Chris Ford called this season a “happy surprise.”

“I did not see this coming. The kids and the coaching staff have done a tremendous job,” Ford said. “I did not know we were going to reach this level in the playoffs again. It’s a great opportunity for the kids, the school, the team, and the coaches.”

The Vikings advanced to the Group V Section Final last year, when they lost to Washington Township (27-6) on the road. This year, as the No. 1 seed, they will play at home.

Atlantic City Vikings Head Coach Keenan Wright said the team is prepared.

“I’m really excited that we’re playing in front of a home crowd. Kingsway is a very good team. They’re a well-coached team. I’m expecting a very competitive game,” Wright said. “Our success is predicated upon taking one play at a time, one drive at a time, one quarter at a time—and then the game will take care of itself.”

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early before the game sells out.
All tickets must be purchased online: https://tinyurl.com/2nybdefs

The game will also be streamed live at:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/garden-state-athletic-network/gamb47d98a168

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By Mark Tyler, District Communications Specialist
mtyler@acboe.org
609-343-7200 x5009