Newark Pop Warner sends 10 teams to Eastern Region playoffs
Home games are scheduled for November 8 at Shabazz Stadium and W Alpine St., with regional competition spanning five states.
By Nathan Brooks ·
Ten Newark Pop Warner football teams will compete in the Eastern Region Playoffs that begin on November 1, 2026. The local squads join programs from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware in the tournament.
Home games for the Newark teams are set for Sunday, November 8. Matches will take place at Shabazz Stadium on W Alpine St. and Untermann Field at 303 Hobson St. Away games are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at Edison Jets Field and Saturday, November 14, at Enon Field.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka said he is proud of the young athletes in Newark. He noted that players from five states will travel to the city for the playoffs. The event showcases local talent and the city's focus on sports and community development.
Donnell M. Redding, director of the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services, praised the success of the Pop Warner program. He thanked Sheila Booker, the president of football and cheer, along with Commissioner Julius Montford, coaches, parents, and board members for their dedication.
Julius S. Montford, the football and cheer operations commissioner, called the event a milestone for youth football. He stated that this is the first time in nearly a decade that Newark athletes will compete in Eastern Region playoffs at home. The hosting role provides a home-field advantage and allows the city to welcome visitors from across the region.
The Eastern Region Playoffs run through Saturday, November 21. Winners of Division I games will advance to the Eastern Region Championship Game on November 14. Division II winners will move to the semifinals on the same day. The regional champions will proceed to the Pop Warner National Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Eastern Region Championship Games are located at Marsh Creek Field in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
Newark Pop Warner will also send 27 cheer teams to the Eastern Region Cheer Championships in Trenton, New Jersey. The teams qualified by earning an average score of 88.9 or higher at the local championships held on October 17. They will compete in Spirit Cheer, Theme Cheer, and Pom-Pom divisions.
