Ridge Red Devils Score 7 Touchdowns on Homecoming Night

Story and photos by Terry Boudreau

Friday night's game between Ridge and Plainfield was not considered the game a of the week by anyone, although for the local crowd, it was also Homecoming. Undefeated Ridge is ranked no. 17 in NJ.com's top 20 high school football teams in the state and Plainfield is winless in 2013.

Ridge would score seven touchdowns on the evening, for a final winning score of 48-12, with Liam Derkasch logging three of them. The Red Devils are now 6-0 for the season.

"It was very exciting," said Derkasch, who increased his TD count to 8 touchdowns in only four games, leading the team.

"The line played very well tonight opening up big holes that really helped open up the running game," he added.

The Devils also had two touchdowns from Ryan Bell, another from Alexander Hatala and one from Danny Phillips.

The Ridge team led 35-0 at halftime, but the Plainfield team rallied to score 12 points in the second half.

"The kids played great; it was a good team they beat tonight," said coach Bill Tracy.  "They played well, they played together and did the things we asked them to do all week.  I am really proud of them.  We have to focus on a tough Cranford team next week, but for tonight, we will enjoy it."

Ridge will face Cranford (3-2) next Friday when the Devils celebrate Senior Night at Lee Field.

Homecoming couple for this year was Nick Giannone and Belle Lin. 

Linda Sadlouskos added information to this story.