Ramapo finished 8-3 last season including a 38-7 romp over Bergenfield. Ramapo also beat Bergenfield in the state playoffs, 51-15. Ramapo's state tournament run ended with a narrow 10-7 setback to River Dell in the semifinals.
Ramapo's biggest challenge will be replacing running back Matt Giacose, who rushed for 867 yards and 11 touchdowns. John O'Hagan, who rushed for 238 yards on 29 carries, is the leading returning rusher. Keith Woetzel scored eight touchdowns last year for the Raiders, including four receiving, three rushing and one on an interception return. Woetzel is also returning for coach Drew Gibbs, who is 114-40 in his 14 years at the school.
Both teams compete in the Independence Division of the Big North Conference in Northern New Jersey. The Ramapo Raiders have won seven state sectional championships, mostly recently in 2012.
Ramapo is 25-9 over its last three season, and has finished .500 or better in every year under Gibbs. He has guided the Raiders to four state titles.
Click here for the Ramapo schedule.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes and receive free news updates.
ncG1vNJzZmickZ65usLOopqeZpOkunC6xLBko52iqLK6e9aymqSnlpt8tLzOq6usZ6KWuqK8zmaiopubqHqwssVmpZ6vXZu8sMDBmqOlZaOarrS7zWaYoJmZo8C1ecGeqaCdnpu2prjDaGxxbmdnhHA%3D