The Ramsey Rams defeated the Glen Rock Panthers in dominating fashion to move on to the finals of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 Tournament.
Coming into tonight’s game, the stakes were higher than a usual playoff game. While Glen Rock was trying to go back to the finals for the second year in a row, Ramsey was trying to make it past the semi finals for the first time since 2010.
“It’s great for the town,” Ramsey quarterback Justus Favata said, “We’ve been looking to do this since JRFA [Junior Ramsey Football Association] we’ve got one more to win so that’s what we’re going to look to do.”
It seemed like the first quarter was on pace to be a practical running clock. The first 12 minute quarter of the game lasted only 18 minutes of real-life time; something you don’t see often in american football.
In a six plus minute opening drive, The Panthers marched down the field with five first downs into Rams territory and would’ve kept going if they hadn’t fumbled at the Ramsey 40 and lose the possession.
The turnover didn’t stop their pace. After a Ramsey three-and-out, Glen Rock once again marched down the field and ended the drive with a score.
The 25 yard pass from Brendan Burkhardt to WR Tyler Brassil, proved that while the first year starting QB is notorious for using his legs, he was just as much of a threat in the air.
After an exchange of three-and-outs between the two schools, the beast dwindling in the souls of the Rams would awaken and the rest was history. What was a six yard touchdown pass from Justus Favata to RB Jonathan Davis, would be the first of seven straight Ramsey touchdown drives.
The QB-RB duo of Favata and Davis is a high school version of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo of the New York Giants. With a combined 199 rushes, 975 YDS and 17 TDs along with 26’s 35 REC 433 YDS and five TDs coming into tonight’s game, it’s safe to say they are the pride of the Ram’s offense.
Late in the second quarter, after a quick defensive stop, Ramsey scored another touchdown, this time a goal line QB sneak from Favata. That score would give the Rams the lead entering half time with the ball first in the second half.
Ramsey was all gas, no brakes. On the very first play of the second half, Jonathan Davis broke out for a 32 yard run into Glen Rock territory. Davis’ run should’ve been five to ten yards at most; but instead, he got 20 more despite having multiple panthers on his back trying to take him down.
The big run would lead to another Justus Favata touchdown. After yet another three and out for glen rock, Ramsey would score again; this time thanks to Favata’s pass caught by WR Roberto Cotes. A 14-7 start to the second half would change to a 28-7 Rams lead going into the fourth.
Despite there being a possibility of a comeback, the Rams assured it wouldn’t happen. A pair of fourth quarter touchdowns from Jonathan Davis and fellow RB Brandon Kemp buried the hatchet and the Rams were in cruise control to the finals. A missed PAT prevented the score from being 42-7.
While Ramsey scored seven straight touchdowns, it’s important to note after the touchdown drive in the first quarter, Glen Rock didn’t get a single non penalty first down until half way into the fourth quarter when they were down 41-7. The Rams defense contained a run-heavy panther offense almost the entire game and Glen Rock had no answers.
“We came out a lot tougher in the second half,” Head coach, Adam Baeira, said. “It was all about fundamentals. They ran to the ball, they tackled, they got the job done.
It’s been a long time since Ramsey has been in the playoff finals. To put it in perspective, most of the players on the Rams roster were toddlers; some not even born.
While this is their biggest game in years, the Rams won’t be making changes to how they will prepare.
“We’re going to treat this like any other game,” RB Jonathan Davis said. “We’re going to go hard this week, do our jobs, and do everything right.”
Their last finals appearance was December 4, 2010 in the NJSIAA tournament group 2 final, losing to Lakeland 20-0. They’ll look to reverse history when they take on Westwood in this year’s finals where it will be a rematch from the Cardinals’ 34-7 victory on October 17.
