Irvington QB Justin Spellman runs for yardage against Livingston last season. (Photo by Joe Ungaro)
IRVINGTON — The Irvington High School football team was young last year, finishing with a 3-7 after a heartbreaking 21-14 overtime decision to Union City in the first round of the North 2, Group 5 state sectional playoffs.
Going into this season, third-year head coach Marco Soto has been pleased with the growth and maturity of his Blue Knights, who opened the 2026 season with an emphatic 40-8 win over Hudson Catholic in the annual Mountaineer Classic on Friday, Aug. 28, at West Orange High School’s Joe Suriano Stadium.
“We want to win. My guys have matured a lot,” Soto said. “Last year, I had a bunch of sophomores. Some of them have taken on a leadership role. It’s looking pretty good.”
Junior returning starting quarterback Justin Spellman has been one of those players who have stepped up.
“He’s a leader, on and off the field. He’s come a long way,” said Soto. “I’m really happy with the progress.”
Spellman has some solid receiving targets. Junior Jazai Reed is the team’s top returning receiver. Senior Jahmir Howell has experience. Senior Sinaj Williams gained some time last year and had a strong offseason, Soto said.
The Blue Knights have a trio of transfer running backs. Senior Leonidas Williams came over from Union City. Ironically, Williams scored on an 80-yard kickoff return in the playoff game against the Blue Knights. Senior Mitch Jenkins and sophomore Nyree Bailey transferred in from Barringer and Shabazz, respectively. Shabazz won the North 2, Group 2 sectional title and finished as Group 2 state finalist last season.
Senior Chuck Ebiem, a 6-foot-8, 285-pound lineman who committed to Division 1 Monmouth this summer, leads both lines.
The defense is formidable. Other D-linemen are senior end Jaylin Williams (6-0, 210) and sophomore tackle Elijah Jackson (6-1, 260).
Senior Donte Shuler (5-10, 215) returns at middle linebacker. Shuler’s older brother is IHS graduate Adon Shuler, a junior safety at Notre Dame and a preseason All-American.
Junior Malachi Mills is a three-year starter who will switch from end to linebacker. He made first team All–Super Football Conference–Freedom White last year after making second team as a freshman. Junior cornerback Naray Moody made first team all-conference last year, as did junior end Khyan Brydie (6-2, 230).
The schedule is challenging, but that’s okay with the Blue Knights. They scrimmaged two non-public schools in Immaculata and Delbarton, and kicked off the season against Hudson Catholic.
Following Hudson Catholic, they will face Union City, West Orange and Passaic Tech, and will close out the regular season against East Orange Campus and Seton Hall Prep.
Make no mistake, the Blue Knights will come ready to play.
“We’re not ducking anyone,” said Soto. “We don’t shy away.”
The Blue Knights want to keep working hard and take nothing for granted.
“We have to play our game. We gotta come and play Irvington football,” Soto said. “We can’t look up or down on the competition. They are starting to get it. They are starting to jell. We’re very happy with the progress.”
Schedule
Aug. 28: win, vs. Hudson Catholic, at West Orange, 40-8
Sept. 4: at Union City, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10: vs. West Orange, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18: vs. Passaic County Tech, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: at Columbia, 1 p.m.
Oct. 2: vs. Shabazz, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9: vs. Bayonne, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at East Orange Campus, 1 p.m.
Oct. 24: at Seton Hall Prep, 1 p.m.
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