On Friday, September 10, 2004 Phillipsburg kicked off its 100th season of football with a game against long-time rival Northampton of Pennsylvania before a capacity crowd at Maloney Stadium.   Pre-game festivities included several members of  the United States Military Academy Parachute Team landing at midfield with the game ball. In honor of P'burg's century of excellence on the gridiron, the Stateliners wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the 1930's or 1940's.  To the fans' delight, a sign proclaiming Phillipsburg the "Winningest High School Program" in New Jersey was unveiled and posted near the scoreboard. To celebrate the school's centennial year of football, former Phillipsburg football players were introduced in front of the home crowd prior to each home game after being greeted at a reception on the lawn in front of the high school. The reception allowed former teammates to get together and talk about the "good old days."  The festivities represented a fitting tribute to all those who contributed to the school's historic football tradition, and brought about a great sense of pride and nostalgia for all of the Stateliners' faithful fans.

The Phillipsburg football story began in 1905 under coach Mike Maloney, after whom its football stadium is named. The highlight of the school's first twenty-five years came in 1918 when Phillipsburg was formally recognized by the NJSIAA as its first New Jersey State Champion. Maloney (106-77-17) was succeeded by Art Pursel from 1932-35, at which time Phillipsburg established itself as a state power. During his tenure, Phillipsburg won 29 straight games and was declared state champion along with Bloomfield in 1935 after a 10-0 campaign.  The program fell into mediocrity from 1936-39 until Frank Klein took over in 1940. During Klein's eleven years as coach, Phillipsburg re-established itself as a state powerhouse, going 84-20-9 and winning a state title with Bloomfield and East Orange in 1942.  Phillipsburg also was named North Jersey co-state champions with Montclair in 1949. The 1949 team (9-0) is regarded by many long-time observers as the greatest team in garnet and grey history.

After a brief stint by Sammy Moyer, the 50's ushered in the era of Harold Bellis. The Lafayette graduate espoused a conservative philosophy, emphasizing a strong running game, defense, and sound special teams. Bellis' teams were usually small, but hard-nosed and well -coached. Bellis compiled a record of 86-29-10, which included a state title in 1960, and another undefeated team in 1964, before retiring following the 1967 season.

After former Phillipsburg star Mickey Frinzi led the team for five seasons, another former standout, Bob Stem, took over in 1973 and continued the school's winning ways. Stem's teams compiled a 56-30-4 record, which included a state title in 1977. Following Stem's resignation in 1981, the Stateliners were guided by Phil Rohm from 1982-86.  Phillipsburg won the East Penn League title three consecutive years in 1982, 1983, and 1984. Although they had outstanding teams, Phillipsburg was not eligible for New Jersey state playoffs because the school was banned for competing against an all -Pennsylvania schedule.

Tom Dominic assumed the reigns from 1987-89, going 25-8 during his three years. Dominic resigned after the 1989 year and was succeeded by Bruce Smith, who coached from 1990-1997. His first year produced an East Penn League title in 1990, but the program languished in mediocrity except for a 9-2 record in 1994. His tenure included two years where P'burg played its home games at archrival Easton's Cottingham Stadium while Maloney Stadium underwent a complete renovation.  During his stint, the school joined the Skyland Conference in New Jersey in 1995 and once again became eligible for state playoffs.

Phil Rohm began his second stint as head coach in 1998, and with less talent than is customary,  experienced back to back losing seasons, including the worst record in school history (2-8) in 1999. Rohm quickly put the program back on track, however, tying for the league title in 2000. His encore in 2001 produced another state title in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 4 state championship game with a 10-7 victory over 11-0, #2 ranked Montclair in a bruising defensive battle at Rutgers Stadium. Rohm's final two teams finished 9-1 in 2003, losing only in the state playoffs to Ridge, and 10-2 in 2004, losing its final two games to Easton and to Piscataway 27-26 in OT in the state title game.

Phillipsburg has always been known as a blue-collar, sports-oriented town. The town derives much of its image and reputation from its high school's athletic teams, especially its football program. One thing is always certain when the football season arrives- the faithful fans of this football-crazy community will turn out in droves to support their beloved Stateliners. 

The first 100 years of Phillipsburg football represent a history rich in tradition. The Stateliners have produced countless championships and great players,  timeless memories, a lifetime of friendships, and a reputaion for toughness and excellence that has been well-documented and is well-known around the entire state.  Hopefully, the next 100 years will continue that tradition and will be just as memorable as the first 100.