Kaiser Leads the Charge as Ridge Stuns Ramapo in North Group 3 Quarterfinals

photo & coverage by: Ryan Rutkowski 

In a statement win that sent shockwaves through the North Group 3 bracket, Ridge took down top-20-ranked Ramapo, 8-2, in a commanding playoff performance at home.

From the opening whistle, Ridge looked locked in. They jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, outscoring Ramapo in every quarter and holding one of the state's top offenses to just two total goals.

Junior attackman Johnny Kaiser was the spark all evening, scoring a hat trick and dishing out two assists for a game-high five points. Whether initiating from X or working the crease, Kaiser was the go-to playmaker in Ridge’s efficient offensive sets.

He got plenty of help from his supporting cast, as Dan Caesar also notched three goals and Jack Fedor added a pair of his own along with an assist. Spencer Jiang chipped in with two assists to round out a Ridge offense that moved the ball with pace and poise.

On the defensive end, goalie David Hamilton was sensational. The senior turned away 11 shots and stonewalled Ramapo in two separate quarters to finish with one of the best playoff performances of his season.

Ramapo, who came in with a 14-4 record and one of the most balanced attacks in North Jersey, was held without an assist and limited to just two goals—one each from Will Goldstein and Brendan Gold.

With the win, Ridge improves to 13-8 on the season and advances to the North Group 3 semifinals. After a season of battling through a tough Skyland Conference slate, Ridge is now playing its best lacrosse at the perfect time.

The road to a sectional crown doesn’t get easier, but if Monday’s dominant effort is any indication, Ridge is ready to keep turning heads.