Freshman Football Update

The Ridgewood Freshman Football team brought it all against Bergen Tech Oct. 31.

It was another rainy Saturday morning, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the largest fan turnout this season—over 102 people. Varsity football player Rich Biagi provided a PA system, affording live play announcements and halftime music. The JV cheerleading squad was out in force and brightened the day.

Ridgewood kicked off to Bergen Tech, which went three and out. Matt Cardew powerfully ran the first play, a hand-off from David Katzman, 63 yards for a touchdown. Ben Zaccaroli successfully kicked the extra point. Bergen Tech's possession was stopped quickly with Noah Pounds excellent pass coverage and interception with a 40-yard runback. Katzman returned as quarterback for the two-point conversion, which he completed on a pass to Jake Lorenz.

Jason Gibson and David Davila provided strong downfield coverage for the deep kick by Mackey Schoff, and Bergen Tech began on their 10-yard line. Jack Rekucki and Cormac McCooe were in on tackles.

A punt deep by Bergen Tech gave Ridgewood poor field position on its own six-yard line. Pounds was in at quarterback. He handed the ball off to Schoff, who bullied the ball up the middle for a 22-yard gain. The next handoff went to John Byon for a 72-yard touchdown run, which was called back.

Bergen was three and out again, and Ridgewood started at the opposition's 45. Katzman, back as quarterback, continued the Schoff running game with 31-yard line. Katzman had a keeper for five yards and landed just inches shy of the goal, but on the next play, ran it in for the touchdown. Byon scored the extra point.

Jacob Taylor, Nick Discepolo, and Alex Caine provided good defensive tackling, as did Seamus Creedon with five tackles. New to the field was David Koski with good coverage at cornerback. Kevin Spreitzer filled in as defensive back. Corey Barthold carried a few times, adding some good yardage. David Davila showed strength on the kickoff tackles. Lino Bucci came on the field and carried the ball on two plays for nice gains.

Schoff kicked off again, deep to the 10-yard line. Tough defense kept Bergen at bay. Andrew Simoncini marched on the field, and he started with a three-yard keeper. Good downfield blocking by John McGinley and "Bear" Derrico (eight yard gain by Jason Gibson). John Sheridan pulled in a one-armed catch and ran it for a 20-yard total gain. Tyler Biagi took the next hand-off with a three-yard gain.

The fourth quarter saw Gibson run though a truck-sized hole created by Kevin Skettini. Derrico ran three yards for the touchdown, the fifth of the day. Zaccaroli kicked the extra point.

Schoff's 40-yard kickoff put Bergen on its heals. A quick fumble turnover brought Simoncini back out on the field. Biagi took the hand-off and ran it in, following a pulling block from McGinley downfield. Zaccaroli again converted and Ridgewood finished with a 42-0 win in their final home game.

The Maroons season record stands at 5-2, with their next two away games at 9:30 AM—Passaic Tech (Nov. 7) and Paramus (Nov. 14).

Information courtesy of Sean McCooe