Second-Half Focus Leads To 20-13 Win For Ridgewood Maroons, Coach Said

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood High School's football team moved to a 2-0 season record after defeating the well-coached Clifton 20-13 in a road game last weekend, interim head coach Torre Watson said.

In the first half, the Maroons didn't play their best football and, at times, were doing things that were "unfocused and undisciplined," Watson said. However, in the second half, the team settled down and increased focus, and was able to play better sound football, resulting in the victory.

"Our team this season is very close and all of our kids play very hard for each other and the program," Watson said.

Ridgewood has a difficult schedule this year, he added. Clifton, for example, made a run at the state title last year and has had a successful football program. This weekend, the Maroons yet again will face another tough test against Northern Highlands, which has a number of talented returners.

"Although (Northern Highlands) has a new coach in Dave Cord" — who led the Maroons to a regional title in 2019 — "he is very familiar with our players and system, so this presents a great challenge this upcoming week," Watson said, adding that he looks forward to a great atmosphere in this Friday's home game.