Ramapo 34 Northern Highlands 33
September 29, 2023
Trailing 21-0 at the half, Ramapo scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game late in the third quarter and survived four lead changes to defeat Northern Highlands, 34-33 and remain undefeated at 5-0.
First Quarter: Northern Highlands began the game with good field position after Matt Boydell returned the opening kickoff to their 46-yard line. Eight plays later, Nate Johnson found Shane Hanlon down the right sideline for a 27-yard touchdown. After forcing a three-and-out, Highlands picked up a first down on three plays, before Johnson connected with Hanlon again, who broke past the Ramapo safety for a 71-yard score and a 14-0 lead with 4:33 left in the quarter. Zach Schnorrbusch returned the ensuing kickoff 48 yards to the Ramapo 49, but Landon DePrima was stopped for a 1-yard gain on fourth-and-2 to give the Highlanders the ball at their 40.
Second Quarter: A punt put Ramapo on their own 5, but the Raiders were able to move the ball, courtesy of DePrima completions to Brandon DelValle of 24 yards and Charlie WIngfield for 10. However, a Wingfield field goal attempt was no good and Highlands took over on their 20 with 7:41 left in the half. The Highlanders milked the clock for 19 plays and scored with six seconds left on a 5-yard pass from Johnson to Gavin Soares. Soares slipped past the defender, who fell, and caught the pass.
Third Quarter: Ramapo came out with the ball and scored on thirteen plays when DePrima found Wingfield alone on the goal line, as he got between the defenders. Ramapo successfully followed with an onside kick on the Highlands 40. Seven plays later, the Raiders were within a touchdown of Highlands when DePrima found Nehemiah Burleson in the top left corner of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown with 5:39 left in the quarter. Ramapo took over on their 27 after forcing a punt and DePrima connected with Schnorrbusch for 11 and 16 yards before finding DelValle for 32 yards to the 10. James Magerko scored the tying touchdown on the following play with 2:43 left. After Johnson found Hanlon for 12 yards, Cole Stecker had runs of 13 and 25 yards to get a first-and-goal on the 7. Johnson put Highlands in front on a 5-yard run with 33 seconds left in the quarter. The extra point failed and the Highlanders led, 27-21.
Fourth Quarter: Schnorrbusch returned the kickoff to Ramapo’s 45 and five plays later, DePrima connected with DelValle, who fought his way into the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. After kicking the extra point, the Raiders were in front, 28-27. Highlands went eight plays – all on the ground – and Johnson scored from six yards out. They went for the 2-point conversion, but the pass failed and they had a 33-28 lead. Ramapo moved the ball with two completions to Wingfield of 26 and 16 yards, bringing them to the 6-yard line for a first-and-goal. Two plays later, DePrima found Wingfield in the top right corner of the end zone, scoring after bobbling the pass. The Raiders also went for two points and they did not succeed, but held a 34-33 lead with 5:36 left. Two minutes later, Dylan Rosano intercepted for Ramapo on their 36 and the Raiders ran out the clock.
Comments: Hats off to Ramapo after many thought the game was over at halftime. They showed mental toughness for coming back and the onside kick was a big turning point in the game. DePrima caught fire in the second half, completing 20 of 25 passes for 256 yards and 4 touchdowns to finish 25-33-309-4. The key receivers were DelValle with 8 receptions for 128 yards and 2 scores, Wingfield with 7 for 88 and 2 touchdowns, and Schnorrbusch with 6 for 51. The coaches and players deserve credit for staying the course and coming out aggressive in the second half.
This is a tough loss for Northern Highlands, but they also showed mental toughness after Ramapo tied the score. They could have folded, but they retook the lead on two occasions; Ramapo made one or two more plays than they did. Johnson was 12-19-200-3-1 and rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. While they fell short, Highlands showed resilience, which made this game an instant classic.