Fifth-seeded Holy Spirit cruised to a 48-8 victory over 12th-seeded St. Mary (Ruth.) in the first round of the 2025 NJSIAA/Xfinity Football State Championships Non-Public B playoffs in Absecon.

The Spartans (6-3) will face fourth-seeded Donovan Catholic in the quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 14. Holy Spirit took a 38-0 win over the Griffins during the first round of last year’s bracket.

Holy Spirit took control of the game right out of the gate, as a touchdown rush by Emir Hicks put the team up 40-8 with under a minute left in the first quarter.

St. Mary’s sole touchdown came off a kickoff return TD by Jonathan Huertas.

The Gaels end the season with a 4-7 record.

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