Township Honors Raiders' Football

The governing body paid tribute to the 2009 Ramapo Raiders football team Tuesday, lauding their championship season.

A group of players and coach Drew Gibbs were presented with a proclamation celebrating the Raiders first state championship since 2003, celebrated at Giants Stadium with a 16-8 victory over rival Wayne Hills.

"Be it proclaimed... that the Ramapo varsity football team, coach Drew Gibbs and his staff are hereby extended congratulations on behalf of our entire community for the significant success they have achieved, and our thanks as serving as positive role models for the young athletes of our community and for illustrating the rewards which can be achieved through commitment and diligence in pursuing excellence," the proclamation read.

Ramapo stumbled early in the season, experiencing two early losses before winning out to finish at 10-2. The Raiders, behind the explosive running of Jesse Devonshuk, would go on to defeat Tenafly and Paramus in the playoffs before its matchup with Wayne Hills, which had been gunning for its sixth straight group championship.

The Raiders suffered the loss of Devonshuk early in the game, played in a blinding snow storm, but its defense stifled the powerful Wayne Hills attack to lead the team to victory. 

The Township Committee's proclamation also celebrated the "dedication, commitment and leadership of head coach Drew Gibbs and assistant coaches Matt Occhipinti, J.D. Hill, Chris Anzano and Rob Urbanovich."