EAST RUTHERFORD – Playing in an NFL stadium brought the best out of Ridgewood on Saturday night.
A lucky bounce and some divine intervention helped matters, too.
Senior quarterback Katie Bisgrove threw for three touchdowns in her final game and the Maroons repeated as the flag football state champions by defeating Wayne Valley, 26-0, in the final at MetLife Stadium. The big stage did not seem to bother the No. 1 offense in the state, nor did an opposing defense that had shut out eight straight opponents.
The highlight of the game came on the last play of the first half right after Ridgewood forced a turnover. A Hail Mary pass thrown into double coverage was tipped by a Wayne Valley defender and over to freshman Gabby Winn for a touchdown.
“You have people with a three-year age gap and I think sports just brings people together, especially this one that is all about empowerment,” Bisgrove said.
“It’s just amazing to see how close we’ve gotten and the chemistry we’ve formed. To be able to celebrate here together, at MetLife Stadium of all places, is insane. I just have so much hope for the future of this team and the future of the sport.”
What it means
Ridgewood (13-1) is the first team to win back-to-back state titles since flag football gained club status in the 2021 season. The victory prompted not one, but two ice baths with Bisgrove and coach Michael McDermott both ending up on the receiving end.
“Between the anxious sweat and the actual sweat from running around, that felt great,” Bisgrove said. “I’m glad I didn’t get the Gatorade and that was for Coach McDermott.”
After drying off, McDermott called his players over with a surprise of his own. He held up a brown, football-themed baby shirt and told them he has a daughter on the way this November.
“I’m extremely blessed with this team,” McDermott said. “They were so much fun to be around. Every practice was a joy. We laughed and had good times. I’m sad the season is over. I want to keep going.”
The turning points
By scoring three times in the first half, Ridgewood went to the break with more points (20) than Wayne Valley had allowed all season up until Saturday (19). The Maroons got on the board on Destiny Handy’s seven-yard run, then doubled the lead when Danielle DeNoy juggled and then caught the first of two touchdown receptions.
“I couldn’t really catch it in the warmups,” DeNoy said. “It got me a little nervous. It was really stressful when I was juggling it but I caught it and that’s all that mattered.”
A pair of freshmen helped Ridgewood go into the halftime break with a little extra momentum. Rookie Penelope Pace intercepted a pass near midfield, then Winn took advantage two plays later when she hauled in a 31-yard pass as time expired. McDermott said the Maroons practice their one-minute drill at the end of most practices.
“I knew I just had to chuck it up,” Bisgrove said. “I trust every single receiver so much. I knew the chances were if I just threw it up, somebody would make a play. Gabby made the play. I just think it’s crazy that she’s a freshman and she’s able to do that.”
Bisgrove finished 11-for-20 passing with 138 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. And while she is an elite goalie headed to play soccer at Elon, her impact on the football field is just as high.
“She’s been basically living in my office and watching film 24/7, trying to dissect defense,” McDermott said. “Her progression from sophomore year to junior year and senior year is incredible.”
“I probably have to apologize to him because I just stopped knocking on his door,” Bisgrove said. “I just walk in now.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ridgewood captures second straight girls flag football state title
