Glen Ridge HS football team crushes Newark Collegiate Academy to move to 2-0

The Ridgers run a drill during a practice at George Washington field last month. Photo by Steve Ellmore.

NEWARK (updated Monday Sept. 18, 5:44 p.m.) – Senior quarterback Tyler Liddy threw for four touchdowns for the second week in a row as the Glen Ridge High School varsity football team cruised to another dominating win to start the season.

Liddy accounted for five touchdowns overall, passing for 118 yards on 10 of 21 attempts without an interception and rushing for 59 yards and a score on six carries to lead the Ridgers to a 49-22 win over Newark Collegiate Academy on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Schools Stadium in Newark. The Ridgers raised their record to 2-0.

Senior tight end David Weissberger and senior split end Avery Hackett each caught two TD passes from Liddy. Hackett also scored on a 79-yard kickoff return. Liddy scored on a 24-yard TD run.

Junior split end Tyler Strong also had an 8-yard TD for the Ridgers.

Senior running back/defensive back Joe Marchesano rushed for 49 yards on 10 carries and had five tackles, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery. Marchesano also kicked five extra points.

Other defensive standouts for the Ridgers were senior linebacker Max Auborn (14 tackles, 1 sack), sophomore DB Brendan Easter (11 tackles), senior LB Kieran Moran (10 tackles), senior DB Jose McCallen-Villafane (7 tackles, one sack), sophomore Jackson Crutchfield (6 tackles) and DB Hackett (5 tackles, 1 interception).

GRHS head coach Duke Mendez was proud of his team’s performance.

“It was a total team effort,” he said. “All three phases played great.  Offense, Defense, and Special teams.  

Each day at practice the team improves. It ‘s a great group to work with.”

In the season opener, the Ridgers defeated Butler, 48-7, at Hurrell Field.

Glen Ridge results and schedule (2-0)

Sept. 9, Won, Butler, 48-7

Sept. 16, Won, at Newark Collegiate Academy, 49-22

Sept. 23, at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 1 p.m.

Sept. 29, Cedar Grove, 2 p.m.

Oct. 7, Verona, 2 p.m.

Oct. 13, at Weequahic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20, at Shabazz, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28, Immaculate Conception of Montclair, 1 p.m.

Nov. 3, at Hoboken, 7 p.m.