Photos: Ridge High Football Hosts Pre-Season Scrimmage

Lee Field saw its first pads-on action of the season when Ridge High School Football on Tuesday hosted a tri-scrimmage in continuing preparation for its opening game against Immaculata High School on Sept. 10, a rivalry that MSG Varsity will televise live. On Tuesday, Aug. 24, Ridge players faced perennial football powerhouses Seton Hall Prep of West Orange and Pope John XXIII Regional High School from Sparta in half-field refereed action.

The field was split with the sophomore/JV squads on one end and the varsity teams at the other.  The teams ran plays on both side of the ball and included running, passing and kicking scenarios. 

The Ridge Red Devils are about two weeks away from what is being seen as one of the state's most interesting openers. The game against Ridge's longtime rival team, Immaculata Spartans Football, from Somerville, attracted the attention of MSG Varsity. The Cablevision station will televise in high-definition pre-game activities, a halftime show and the game itself, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Ridge. MSG Varsity chose the faceoff between the two teams as worthy of launching its first-ever Friday night series of high school football games  in the New York metropolitan area.

Paul DeMarco, Ridge Touchdown Club President, said, "The Ridge football program is very excited to be the first game televised in MSG Varsity's Friday Night Football series. The Ridge vs. Immaculata game has always been a special rivalry, but the excitement surrounding this increased coverage will make it even better.   We're working closely with MSG,  Coach (Bill) Tracy and the Ridge Cheerleaders to insure the success of the telecast.  There will be a 2-hour pre-game show with face painting and contests, so we want to get all the fans out early.  And there should be a pretty good football game to follow as well!"