It's exciting for any high school football player to reach the sectional finals and get the chance to play for a championship.  But the student-athletes at Lakeland and Mountain Lakes will get an extra thrill because their title games are scheduled for the biggest stage of all:  Giants Stadium.

Here's an early look at the two games:

North Jersey Section 1, Group III:

Lakeland overcame several key injuries and proved the doubters wrong to reach this football title tilt.  The Lancers survived the Mud Bowl with Ramapo, then took charge early against Sparta to cruise to the final.  Lakeland had a far easier time in its semifinal than did mighty Wayne Hills, which actually trailed early in the 4th quarter before pulling out a 17-10 win over Pascack Valley.

Of course, Wayne Hills has been one of the state's top football programs in the past few years;  the Patriots will enter the finals riding a 51-game winning streak.  In fact, their semifinal win was the closest game they've played in over three years.   Their last loss came in the 2004 regular season to Ramapo, a loss they avenged en route to the sectional title that season.  Now Wayne Hills seeks its 5th straight sectional football crown.

These two teams have no recent history against each other, even though they're only a short distance apart.  Both football squads normally play at night, but will contest this final on Saturday afternoon (December 6th) at 1:30.

One interesting factor could be the artificial turf.  The Patriots switched from grass to the fake stuff this year, so that could be an advantage for them.  On the other hand, one of the keys to Lakeland's success is team speed, which will only be magnified on the carpet at Giants Stadium.

North Jersey Section 1, Group I :

Mountain Lakes did it again in the sectional semifinals, routing a Park Ridge football team that some Bergen County supporters thought could beat the Herd.  Coach Doug Wilkins's squad has won its two playoff games by an average score of 51-7.

Glen Rock will surely be a tougher opponent.  The Panthers survived a sloppy performance to beat Hasbrouck Heights 34-27 in their semifinal contest.  Like the Herd, Glen Rock is undefeated this season.  Unlike Mountain Lakes, the Panthers rely a great deal on the passing game for their offensive success.  That could spell trouble for Glen Rock if the infamous Meadowlands winds are whipping on the day of the final.

The turf advantage in this game also may go to the Herd, which plays its home games on an artificial surface and will be able to practice on it.  Glen Rock's home field is grass, and nearly all of its games were on grass this year.

Yet another potential advantage for Mountain Lakes:  Glen Rock played every game this year on Saturday afternoon.  The final will take place Friday, December 5th, at 5:00, making it effectively a night contest.  While the Herd also plays home games on Saturday, they did have their two biggest football games of the season on Friday nights (at Verona and Cedar Grove) and came away winners both times.

Check Jersey Sports Now in the days leading up to the finals for further previews!