photos Ridgewood Schools
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — June 2025 — The Ridgewood High School flag football team has officially cemented its legacy in New Jersey history, claiming its third consecutive state championship and completing a perfect 13-0 season with a 12-0 shutout over Bayonne at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium on Saturday.
With this win, Ridgewood becomes New Jersey’s first true flag football dynasty, a feat unmatched since the sport gained official club status in 2021. No other school has won more than one state title in that time.
🏆 Ridgewood’s Road to Greatness
Led by head coach Mickey McDermott, the Maroons dominated both sides of the ball, showcasing a relentless defense and sharp offensive execution. Senior quarterback Lucia Mastellone scored both touchdowns, while defensive star Audrey Schildkraut grabbed two key interceptions, including one that set up Ridgewood’s opening score just minutes into the game.
“Three is hard. One is hard enough,” said McDermott. “To be the standard of New Jersey football—it means a lot.”
🛡️ Defense Wins Championships
The Maroons’ defense set the tone early with four total interceptions, three of which came in the first half. Penelope Pace opened the game with a sack, and Schildkraut quickly followed with a pick that placed Ridgewood on Bayonne’s 10-yard line. Mastellone capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown run on the very next play.
“We watched so much film and practiced so much,” said Schildkraut. “I knew what plays were coming and just jumped the route.”
In the second half, Mastellone recorded an interception of her own, returning it to the Bayonne 1-yard line. Two plays later, she connected with Danielle DeNoy on a 1-yard touchdown pass to put the game out of reach.
🏈 Consistent Excellence Across Three Years
Ridgewood has now won state championships in three different venues — at the Jets training facility in 2023, inside MetLife Stadium in 2024, and now at Kean University in 2025. This year also marks the second time in three seasons that the Maroons finished undefeated. The team has now won 24 straight games.
“It was the best three years of my life,” said Mastellone.
“It’s the best feeling,” added Schildkraut. “All three titles are equally special.”
🔥 The Dynasty Continues
The Maroons alternated quarterbacks throughout the game, with Mastellone going 3-for-7 for 21 yards and Pope finishing 3-for-5 for 34 yards. The teamwork, preparation, and buy-in from the players were critical to the three-peat, according to McDermott.
“Each year, the competition gets better,” he said. “But these girls were all in from Day 1.”
🏅 What’s Next?
As Ridgewood continues to dominate in girls flag football, the program sets the gold standard for excellence in New Jersey. With a defense-first mentality, strategic gameplay, and unbreakable team chemistry, the Maroons have proven that they aren’t just winning — they’re building a legacy.
Whether you’re a fan of New Jersey high school sports or a supporter of the growing flag football movement, Ridgewood’s historic run is one for the record books.
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Very cool. Congratulations!
Land of make believe…
100% guaranteed these girls would humiliate you in any athletic contest.
100% you’d pay to watch from the bushes.
Are all the plays on offense pass plays, or at least laterals? There presumably not being any physical blocking allowed.