Atlantic City High School Football Falls to Malcolm X Shabazz, 32-19, in 2026 Season Opener
The Vikings led after the first quarter and pulled within six entering the fourth, but Shabazz scored 14 points in the final period to secure a 32-19 victory at the Battle at the Beach.
OCEAN CITY – Atlantic City High School opened its 2026 football season with a competitive battle against Malcolm X Shabazz before falling 32-19 Thursday night at the Battle at the Beach at Carey Stadium.
The Vikings started strong, taking a 7-6 advantage after the first quarter. But Shabazz responded in the second quarter, scoring 12 points while holding Atlantic City to a field goal. The surge allowed the Bulldogs to take an 18-10 lead into halftime.
Atlantic City’s defense provided the only points of the third quarter, adding two points on a safety and cutting the Shabazz advantage to 18-12 heading into the final period.
That set up a fourth quarter in which the Vikings remained within striking distance, but Shabazz was able to create enough separation to secure the victory.
Both teams found the end zone in the fourth quarter, with Atlantic City scoring seven points. Shabazz, however, added 14 points in the period to pull away for the 32-19 final.
The loss leaves Atlantic City 0-1 to begin the season, while Shabazz improved to 1-0.
Despite the setback, the Vikings showed an ability to remain competitive throughout the game. Atlantic City led after the opening quarter and its defense kept Shabazz off the scoreboard throughout the third quarter, giving the Vikings an opportunity to make a fourth-quarter push.
Atlantic City will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Vikings host St. Augustine Prep at 4 p.m. The game will mark Atlantic City’s first West Jersey Football League matchup of the season.
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