Ridgewood earns a hard-fought road victory over Hackensack

The Ridgewood Maroons (3-3) successfully pulled away late in a hard-fought battle against the Hackensack Comets (3-3), winning 20-6 at Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Hackensack began their first offensive possession at their own 35-yard line, with seven minutes and 30 seconds remaining, and they methodically marched down the field using a strong running attack. However, the Ridgewood defense held firm, forcing the Comets to attempt a field goal. Kicker John Copeland successfully made a 21-yard field goal, finishing an eight-play, 65-yard drive that consumed over five minutes off the clock.

In the second quarter, the Maroons' offense started their series in Hackensack territory. Following a similar approach to the Comets' scoring drive, Ridgewood relied on a powerful running game. On second down at the Hackensack 17-yard line, the Maroons changed tactics, with quarterback Gavin McCrone completing a 14-yard pass to running back Beau Wiatrak.

Facing a third-and-goal situation at the three-yard line, running back Brody Perrapato powered through a wall of defenders into the end zone for a touchdown. The Maroons opted for a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful, making the score 6-3 with four and a half minutes remaining, capping off an impressive drive lasting over nine minutes.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Ridgewood almost extended its lead when Beau Wiatrak broke off a 39-yard run, advancing deep into the Comets' territory. With time winding down, the Maroons attempted a Hail Mary pass, but Hackensack safety Mike DiVittorio intercepted the pass in the end zone.

Receiving the second-half kickoff, Hackensack started at its own 20-yard line. Initially, they relied on their running game, but quarterback Brian Brancato completed several passes, including a 21-yarder to wide receiver Anthony Diaz, bringing the ball down to the Ridgewood 26-yard line.

The Comets continued to drive to the Maroons' eight-yard line; however, Ridgewood's defense stood firm once again, forcing another field goal attempt. John Copeland scored a 25-yard field goal, tying the game at 6-6 with less than six minutes remaining.

In the fourth quarter, Ridgewood had the ball at its own 45-yard line on third down when quarterback Gavin McCrone threw a screen pass to wide receiver Hudson Feeney. Feeney eluded several defenders and raced down the left sideline to the Comets' two-yard line.

On third-and-goal at the three-yard line, Brody Perrapato took the handoff, cut to his right, and charged into the end zone for a score that put the Maroons ahead 13-6 with nine minutes left.

Ridgewood's defense continued to shine when Camden Zaza intercepted a pass in Comets territory on Hackensack's next possession. The Maroons capitalized on the short field, starting at the Hackensack 24-yard line. They maintained their ground game, leading to Brody Perrapato's third touchdown of the game, extending their lead to 20-6 with four minutes remaining.

Ridgewood's defense sealed the victory, with defensive back Jack Saladino intercepting another pass with three minutes left on the clock.

Both Ridgewood and Hackensack will have byes next week. The Maroons will return to action on Friday, October 17, at Northern Highlands, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m., while the Comets travel to Ramapo, also with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.