FOOTBALL: ‘Tis THE SEASON

The Ridgewood High School Maroons had an eventful and promising 2024 football season highlighted with standout performances and tough plays. Concluding with a 6  –  4 record, the Maroons showed strength on both sides of the field and an ability to learn from setbacks. Their journey was characterized by moments of dominance, tough losses, and a playoff run that left fans and the team with much to reflect on.

The Ridgewood Maroons started off the 2024 season with an emphatic 35 – 0 victory over Clifton on August 30th. The Maroons showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience in this opener, establishing the tone for what would be a competitive season.

Following this strong start, the Maroons continued their winning form and secured a convincing 18 – 0 victory against Hackensack on October 4. However, the team faced some challenges mid – season, including a tough 37 – 20 loss against Northern Highlands on October 18th, followed by a 24 – 13 defeat to Wayne Valley on October 25th. These setbacks tested the team’s fortitude, however, they were able to bounce back effectively when it mattered most.

Despite the late season struggles, the Ridgewood Maroons entered the playoffs as the top seed in the North 1, Group 5 bracket and started their postseason journey with a bang. On November 1st, the Maroons secured an impressive 33 – 14 victory over Passaic in the first round. Senior halfback Calvin Ran had a standout performance, rushing for 163 yards and scoring three touchdowns on just five carries. Fullback Owen Laffey also contributed significantly during this game, adding 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. 

However, the playoff journey ended sooner than the team and fans had expected. On November 8th, the Maroons faced the East Orange Campus in the sectional semifinals and suffered a 14 – 3 defeat. Despite the loss, Ridgewood’s efforts in the postseason demonstrated their ability to compete against strong opponents and highlighted areas for growth moving forward.

The Maroons’ success this season was driven by a blend of veteran leadership and key individual performances. Senior halfback Calvin Ran emerged as a standout, demonstrating explosive playmaking ability, while fullback Owen Laffey was a reliable force on the ground, ensuring that Ridgewood could consistently advance the ball. On the defensive side, Ridgewood maintained a disciplined approach, keeping the plays largely in front of them and effectively limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.

The strong camaraderie and leadership among the Ridgewood players played a key role in the team’s success. Junior Ronan Ozaydin spoke about the deep sense of unity that defined this year’s squad: “As a member of the Ridgewood High School football team for three years and as an upcoming senior, I can say that the camaraderie this year has been exceptionally different. Compared to last year, the effort the seniors made to truly accept and take the sophomores under their wing helped bridge any disconnect the younger guys may have felt with their role on the team.” He emphasized the importance of the practice squad, or “scout team,” which played a critical role in providing quality practices that prepared the starters effectively for game day. The passion and dedication shown by all members of the team created an atmosphere of shared responsibility and motivation.

Junior Jeremy (JJ) Mackzum added insight into how the team responded to setbacks, noting that the mentality in the locker room after tough losses was one of reflection: “Going into some games, it felt like our energy wasn’t there. That was reflected on the field, and most of those times, it resulted in a loss. Those moments after are sobering. I wasn’t a part of the starting roster, but as a teammate of those guys, you can see their attitude shift in the 24 hours after the game. There is a clear refocus and shift toward the future week, as we realized we need to work harder than we did in weeks prior.” The coaches, through Saturday film sessions and rigorous practices, helped the team recalibrate and prepare for the next challenge.

The leadership of the senior players was another crucial factor behind the Maroons’ success. JJ shared: “The leadership present on the team was the main factor in our success. From what I’ve heard, last year was a different situation—it sounded a lot like people didn’t want to be there, and the leaders didn’t dedicate themselves as they should’ve. This year, the leadership was incredible. The seniors, especially the captains, are much to thank for that. Their effort and enthusiasm flowed to the rest of the team, allowing for much of our success.”

The support from the Ridgewood community also played a role, both positively and as a challenge. JJ described it as a double edged sword: “In the weeks before Clifton, most people doubted us. Coming off a poor year, there wasn’t much support. That fueled us massively; it was one of the key factors behind our 69 – 0 run against Clifton and Montclair. But with the town behind us, there came some complacency. Going into PCTI, we felt we could do anything, regardless of how we practiced. That’s a good example of how it stabbed us in the back.” This reflection highlights how community support can be both empowering and, at times, a source of pressure.

Head coach Torre Watson played a pivotal role in guiding the team through a season filled with both highs and lows. Watson emphasized adaptability and resilience, qualities that allowed Ridgewood to overcome adversity and perform well in high pressure situations. “This team has it. This team has something about it that’s special,” Watson remarked, highlighting the players’ understanding of the game and their readiness to compete at the highest level. 

Looking back now that the season has ended, JJ shared his personal takeaways from his first year of football: “The discipline and attitude I’ve gained from having to be ready for football practice every day is like nothing I’ve experienced. The importance of belief was another major takeaway. Going into the season, there were a lot of questions about our character and our team’s ability. We believed in ourselves, and it paid off.” He also expressed optimism for next year, believing that the lessons learned from the seniors will carry the team forward.

As the Ridgewood Maroons reflect on the 2024 season, there is much to consider – victories that showcased their potential, tough losses that tested their spirit, and moments that highlighted their growth as a team. While this year’s playoff run offered an exciting glimpse into the possibilities ahead, a deeper retrospective on the season will be explored, focusing on the key moments and turning points that defined Ridgewood’s journey.

For now, the Maroons can take pride in their achievements and look ahead to what comes next. The Ridgewood community has much to celebrate, and regardless of what the future holds, this team has left a lasting mark on the field.