Thursday September 3, is the night Ridgefield Park began their 2026 football season with their opening win against their opponents, Cliffside Park/Ridgefield Royal Raiders. The two friendly neighborhood teams, which have also been long-time sports rivals, certainly showed their rivalry through their plays and good old football feuds on the field; the game ended with a final score of 2-6.
Head coach of Ridgefield Park Scarlets as of his 2025 debut season, Dan Morris, led his team with determination, discipline, and strength. Being considered a legacy under his father Bob Morris, who also coached the Ridgefield Park Scarlets back in 1977-1987, he’s certainly continuing an iconic reputation. “Survival” is something that Dan Morris has as a goal for this season. Working hard and overcoming hardships that have come their way together is what gives these boys power on and off the field. The Scarlets showed positive sportsmanship with each other on the field during hard plays and on the sidelines, which was truly inspiring to watch.
Head Coach Tom Mandile of the Cliffside Park/Ridgefield Royal Raiders has been coaching for over 20 years. He coaches this team with strength and courage, which was shown in the plays that were made Thursday night. After an unfortunate loss for the Royal Raiders, he still gave his boys words of encouragement at the end of the game on the field. It’s a reminder of what football is all about, to see these boys come together to be there for each other during the good times and bad times.
The first half of the game was owned by Cliffside/Ridgefield with a score of 2-0 for a safety in the second quarter. #10 Dominic Vaccaro and #12 Joey Marasciulo from Cliffside Park/Ridgefield were the powerhouse duo on the field during the game. The two athletes were consistent in making calculated plays with their fellow teammates, making the game engaging as well as impressive.
Ridgefield Park became more eager by the minute to score a touchdown and rushed for any yard they could. #7 from Ridgefield Park made an incomplete pass at the 28-yard line, resulting in an illegal shift at the 4-minute mark of the second quarter against Ridgefield Park. Their eagerness paid off during the second half of the game, with an incredible touchdown made by #4 senior Keino Marriott in the last quarter. Rushing the right side by 77 yards and scoring with 8 minutes and 44 seconds left in the quarter, this was the moment the Ridgefield Park Scarlets were waiting for.
A well-deserved shoutout to the Ridgefield Park and Cliffside Park/Ridgefield Cheerleaders for making this game exciting on and off the sidelines. These talented athletes put time and work into their performances as well as showing off their indivdual skills. These hard-working athletes did not sit down or look tired once; they had smiles and energy for the entirety of the game. For this being their first game of the season, and as for the Scarlet Cheerleaders, their first halftime show performance, they knew how to execute what it takes to be a performer. Even though the Royal Raider Cheerleaders did not perform their halftime routine that game, they put their energy into their sideline cheers and showcased their own self-taught skills.
Head Coach of the Ridgefield Park Scarlets Cheerleading team, Sara Graves, previously won Coach of the Year at the Big North Competition Cheer 2026. Along with her team winning in the All League American Division. She has taught these girls how to be performers and has carved them into the powerhouse athletes they are today. Head Coaches of the Cliffside Park/Ridgefield Royal Raiders Cheerleading team, Janel Dabal and McLoughlin, have guided these young athletes to be the best performers they can be. Truly an unstoppable force not to be messed with, they cheered with strength through their voices, and their sharp moves elevated the energy of the night. From what both these teams showcased on Thursday evening, there is no doubt that these girls have an exciting season ahead of them.
What’s next for these two teams? Ridgfield Park now has a mission to continue their season by scoring another win to start their winning streak. Their next game is against Dwight Morrow at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at Ridgefield Park High School. Previously, Dwight Morrow competed against Millburn High School; the game ended with a final score of 26-0.
Could this upcoming game be redemption for Dwight Morrow, or will this be another win for Ridgefield Park? Cliffside Park is up against Dickinson High School on Friday, September 11, at 6:30 pm at Caven Point. Previously losing against Bergen Tech by 29-6, Dickinson Rams are in the same boat as Cliffside Park/Ridgefield. What will this game hold in store for both teams, and who will come out on top?
