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Ramapo football beats Northern Highlands in another classic rivalry battle

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 17:59 GMT by NorthJersey.com
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Ramapo Triumphs in Classic Rivalry Over Northern Highlands, 30‑17

The long‑standing football rivalry between Ramapo High School and Northern Highlands High School was once again played out on a crisp October afternoon at the Ramapo Memorial Stadium. The home team, the Ramapo Trojans, secured a decisive 30‑17 victory, reasserting their dominance in a series that dates back to the early 1990s. The win not only gave the Trojans a pivotal point in their season record but also snapped a three‑game losing streak against the Highlands, a franchise that had been the top rival for the Trojans for years.

The Game Summary

Ramapo struck first with a 22‑yard touchdown run by junior running back De’Jovan “DJ” Turner, who was on a roll all season, averaging 8.7 yards per carry. The Trojans’ defense forced a turnover on the first play of the second quarter when defensive lineman Jason “JJ” Johnson sacked Highlands quarterback Matthew Sutherland and forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Aaron “AJ” Martinez in the end zone. This early exchange gave the Trojans a 14‑0 cushion.

Northern Highlands responded in the second quarter with a balanced attack, scoring a touchdown on a 5‑yard pass from Sutherland to wide receiver Tyler Hayes. However, the Trojans’ defense stayed disciplined, holding the Highlands to a total of only 210 yards on offense for the entire game. On the defensive side of the ball, a standout performance from junior safety Caleb “Cal” Carter, who recorded two interceptions and a forced fumble, was highlighted as the key factor in stopping the Highlands’ rushing attack.

The third quarter saw Ramapo’s offense take the lead further with a 34‑yard field goal by kicker Daniel “Danny” Lopez, followed by a 5‑yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jordan “J.J.” Martinez to wide receiver Marcus “MJ” Simmons. The Trojans’ offense was punctuated by a 10‑yard touchdown run from Turner in the final minute of the quarter, which extended the lead to 24‑7.

Northern Highlands finally closed the gap in the fourth quarter with a touchdown on a 12‑yard run by senior running back Tyler “Ty” Williams, and a 35‑yard field goal by kicker Ryan “Ry” Thompson. The Trojans, however, sealed the game with a 27‑yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Simmons, and a 52‑yard field goal by Lopez, bringing the final score to 30‑17.

Player Highlights

DJ Turner – Junior running back, 112 yards on 13 carries, 2 touchdowns. His performance was lauded as “one of the best by a player this season, and he did it all in front of the home crowd.”

Jordan Martinez – Senior quarterback, 14 completions on 21 attempts for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns. Martinez’s accuracy and poise were described as “the hallmark of a player ready for the next level.”

Cal Carter – Junior safety, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. Carter was praised for his “ball‑hawking instincts” and his ability to read the quarterbacks.

Aaron Martinez – Linebacker, 11 total tackles, 2 for loss, 1 forced fumble. Martinez was credited with “controlling the middle of the field” and “creating a sense of rhythm in the defense.”

Coach and Fan Reactions

Ramapo head coach Chris “The Coach” Anderson remarked, “This is a victory we’ll celebrate for a long time. The Trojans fought hard from start to finish. The defense gave it to us in the third quarter, and that’s what matters.” Anderson also noted that the team has “come a long way” from the 3‑win season last year.

Northern Highlands head coach Peter “Coach Pete” Simmons accepted the loss with humility, stating, “We had some great moments, but the Trojans played a superior game. It’s a tough break for us, but we’ll use it as a learning experience.” He also praised his players for their “effort and sportsmanship.”

Fans in attendance—many of whom had attended the matchup for decades—cheered throughout the game, especially during the decisive plays in the final quarter. The rivalry was highlighted by the spirited chants and the school colors, with both sides engaging in spirited but respectful banter. The atmosphere in the stadium was reminiscent of the early years of the rivalry when both schools were vying for the same playoff spot.

Historical Context

The Ramapo‑Northern Highlands rivalry began in 1993, with the two schools competing in the same conference. Since then, the Trojans have maintained a winning record against the Highlands, 28‑12. The rivalry has been a staple of North Jersey high‑school football, often attracting fans from neighboring towns and drawing media attention during both the early and late season.

The game’s significance was underscored by the fact that it was the Trojans’ third consecutive win against the Highlands, the first such streak since 2006. The victory also improved Ramapo’s conference record to 5‑1, bringing them into position for a top seed in the upcoming playoffs.

Additional Resources

• Ramapo Athletics Website – Offers detailed statistics, player profiles, and upcoming game schedules for the Trojans’ football team.
• Northern Highlands Athletic Department – Provides a comprehensive review of the season, including player highlights and post‑game analysis.
• North Jersey Sports Network – A local media outlet that covered the game, providing in‑depth commentary and player interviews.
• Previous Season’s Recap (2019‑2020) – A link to the 2019‑2020 season recap demonstrates how the rivalry has evolved over time, showing the growth of both programs.

The game’s narrative extends beyond the 30‑17 scoreline, reflecting the broader story of two high‑school programs competing for excellence. Ramapo’s victory, powered by a balanced offense and a stifling defense, reaffirms the school’s commitment to both athletic performance and sportsmanship, while Northern Highlands’ spirited effort signals that the rivalry remains fierce and will continue to captivate local fans for years to come.