Ramapo High School trounces Paramus, 48-7
The past couple of weeks were very difficult for the Ramapo Green Raiders football, a 27-game undefeated winning streak coming to an end in a 22-21 loss at home to River Dell on October 9th. Complicating matters an outbreak of COVID-19 cases forcing the team into quarantining for two weeks and canceling games against Northern Valley Demarest and Bergenfield.
Finally after a three week layoff, the Green Raiders(2-1) were back in action on Saturday at home against Paramus(2-3). On an absolutely spectacular fall day featuring cool temperatures, deep blue skies and golden sunshine. Before kickoff 14 senior players were honored.
Ramapo senior running back Rich Sica on the recent events and pre-game festivities, “It was tough without any practices the past two weeks, we did a lot of Zoom calls and on top of our stuff and fired to get back out here.” “It’s a special group of kids, playing for the past four years, some even longer and this was our day and we have been watching others for the past four years have a Senior Day and we couldn’t wait for it.”
“We have such a tight bond and what is so special is our chemistry with each other.” “Coach Gibbs means the world to us, always on top of everything, adapts and doesn’t let anything get in our way.”
Senior quarterback Charles DePrima on handling the quarantine and Senior Day, “It was definitely a mental mind test for us but a lot of the seniors have been doing it for a long time and it was a matter of we were going to let it get to us and if we could go virtual for a little awhile and not take away from our skill set.” “Personally I was able to get our there and throw a little bit.”
“That moment(Senior Day) was pretty cool, kind of got to sit back and see these guys that I have played with for the last four years.” “I didn’t grow up with them, grew up in another town and starting to realize this is my brotherhood now.” We have been through a lot, appreciate them a lot and just awfully sad that it’s almost over.”
Head Coach Drew Gibbs on the senior class, “This is a great senior class, as sophomore and juniors most of them were scout team players that helped out these teams get ready in JV(Junior Varsity) ball and working their way up to varsity.” “They have done everything right in the program for four years.”
Receiving the opening kickoff, the Green Raiders were off and running. Starting out at their own 35-yard line, Ramapo ran eight consecutive plays on the ground, culminating in a three-yard touchdown run by Rich Sica with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Getting the ball back with under seven minutes left, the Ramapo offense went back to work mixing up the run and pass. With first and goal at the one-yard senior Reid Duffus plowed his way through for the score with four minutes left on the clock. The Green Raiders defense quickly forced the Paramus offense into a quick three and out.
Welcoming senior wide receiver Sean Clapp back after missing the game against River Dell, Charles DePrima connected on a 53-yard pass to Clapp that advanced the ball deep into Spartans territory. Continuing to pound the rock, DePrima burst through a tight window for a one-yard touchdown as the first quarter came to an end.
“We have two good running backs and Reid(Duffus) is another great running back in the program and very fortunate to have a number of good players at positions,” said Head Coach Drew Gibbs.” “Reid had a big game week one at corner for us, plays corner every week and spells Richie(Sica) and they make a nice one-two punch.”
Early into the second quarter, the Ramapo offense had excellent starting field position at the 42. The combination of DePrima and Duffus worked to perfection with DePrima completing an 18-yard pass to Duffus while Duffus ripped off a 19-yard run. Putting the finishing touches on rushing for 80 yards, Rich Sica drove through a gaping hole for a 13-yard touchdown with nine minutes remaining.
On the ensuing Paramus offensive possession it appeared as though the Spartans offense would be on the verge of scoring but Sean Clapp quickly changed that scenario with a highlight reel moment by picking off a pass thrown by quarterback Corey Petruzzella and returning it back 65-yards for the score with four minutes left.
“It was nice to get Sean Clapp back, not only quarantined for the last two weeks but missed the River Dell Game due to quarantine as well,” Drew Gibbs explained. “He is a captain and huge part of the football team and happy to get him back on the football field.”
With a comfortable 34-0 advantage in the third quarter, Gibbs decided to let the offensive starters play one series. Capping off an impressive day by completing 6 of 7 passes for 174 yards, DePrima hooked up with senior wide receiver John Skead on a 73-yard touchdown pass. The Spartans avoided the shutout with a 10-yard touchdown run from running back Jake Natale in the fourth quarter. Ramapo finished with nearly 200 total yards in rushing.
Charles DePrima on the victory after the 27-game undefeated winning streak ending against River Dell, “The loss against River Dell was tough, there were little things that could have won the game for us and how it usually works in a one-point loss.” “We had to live with that for a little while but honestly I just started looking forward because you can’t just dwell on a loss for that long and we were pumped up to make a statement.”
“We knew the Paramus (defensive)line was going to be decent, might not have been the best lien we have seen but it wasn’t going to be the worst so it was kind of a test to see to see of our guys(offensive line) could hold up.” “To come back with no practice and hold up was a big test and honestly they held us really well and I had a lot time in the pocket which is good.”
Head Coach Drew Gibbs on the win, “I’m really proud of our boys today, the way they handled thew two-week quarantine situation and we came off a tough loss against River Dell and chomping on the bit.” “They prepped virtually and had meetings with their coaches every day.” Our boys are in a nine period day here at school and from having to do school on a computer to football on a computer is a real challenge but did a good job and had great focus.”
“John Skead had a long touchdown today, he had a pulled hamstring this summer and missed almost six weeks and finally starting to round into shape.” “We think the passing game is going to develop when we get our guys on the field and get them healthy.”
Next up for Ramapo is a match-up next Friday at Wayne Hills with kickoff set for 7 p.m. This season the Patriots are undefeated at 5-0 and defense has yielded a grand total of 38 points. Last season the Green Raiders barely extended their undefeated winning streak to 20 games with a thrilling 35-28 victory in overtime and Chris Valvano filling in for an injured Charles DePrima at quarterback.
Head Coach Drew Gibbs on the game next Friday against Wayne Hills, “Ramapo-Wayne Hills is just a special football game, I think one of the greatest rivalries in the state and it’s been back and forth for a number of years.” “They have a great program and committed to football over there.” “We think we have the same commitment as they do and it’s going to be a heck of a game. The guys are going to have to play well in all three phases and hopefully the breaks will go our way.”
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