photo courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood’s 2023 home opener may have been spoiled by Clifton’s 28-21 victory, but the Maroons got their revenge in a big way this year. On Friday afternoon in Paramus, Ridgewood cruised to a commanding 35-0 shutout victory over their North Jersey rivals, kicking off the 2024 season in style.
The Maroons wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring on their first three possessions. James Nugent capped off Ridgewood’s opening drive with a two-yard touchdown run, and Owen Laffey added a two-point conversion to put the “home side” up 8-0 early in the first quarter.
While the offense was firing on all cylinders, it was Ridgewood’s defense that truly stole the show. Clifton struggled to gain any traction, failing to secure a first down until a meaningless drive at the end of the first half. The Mustangs never posed a serious threat, as Ridgewood’s defense turned back the clock to the program’s glory days, showcasing elite defensive play and a powerful running game. Laffey and Max Caruso set the tone early with a crucial third-down sack in the first quarter, establishing the Maroons’ defensive dominance.
Head Coach Torre Watson, now in his second year at the helm, is determined to avoid the rocky start and early playoff exit that plagued the Maroons in 2023. After beginning last season with a 1-3 record, Ridgewood managed to claw its way back into postseason contention with a thrilling win over Montclair, only to fall in a high-scoring first-round playoff shootout against Union.
This year, Watson has been particularly impressed with the leadership shown by his senior class, noting that their focus and intensity during the first few weeks of practice have set a strong foundation for the season. With a statement win over Clifton to open 2024, Watson is confident that this year’s Maroons are poised for a much stronger start and a deeper postseason run, restoring Ridgewood football to its championship standards.
Ridgewood Maroons 2024 Football Schedule
8/30 – Clifton
- Result: W 35-0
9/7 – @ Montclair
- Time: 1:00pm
9/13 – @ Ramapo
- Time: 6:30pm
9/20 – vs Piscataway
- Time: 6:30pm
9/27 – @ Passaic County Tech
- Time: 6:30pm
10/4 – vs Hackensack
- Time: 6:00pm
10/18 – @ Northern Highlands
- Time: 6:15pm
10/25 – vs Wayne Valley
- Time: 6:30pm
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Maybe I missed it but why did they play Clifton in Paramus..?
Unless the Ridgewood turf is a mess again…?
This was for the Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic. The field is okay, and they moved it for the special event. They wanted it to be on neutral grounds, and there was at least one other game that was played today between another two teams.
It was for the 2nd annual Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic, which is to be played on neutral grounds (and there was another game that was played later that day). The field at RHS is currently okay.
Why is The Whistleblower taking pics in another town?
He can barely handle what’s going in Ridgewood never mind Paramus…