Ramapo High School Football capped off its impressive 2025 campaign with a tough loss to the number five-ranked team, Winslow Township High School, ending the game with a score of 34-21 in the NJSIAA Group Four State Championship game held at Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium on Sunday, November 30th. Overall, Ramapo finished the season with an 11-2 record, showing grit, talent, and hard work throughout Coach Nicholas Guttuso’s second year as the Raiders’ head coach (NJ.com).
Ramapo stayed hot all season long, finishing their regular season with a record of 7-1, as well as going 4-0 in the Super Football Conference’s Liberty Red Division. Their offense was explosive throughout the season, highlighted by lopsided wins including 52-7 over Ridgewood, 47-0 versus Montclair, and 42-7 over Wayne Valley. Their defense was equally solid throughout, only allowing 73 points during the regular season (NJ.com).
While the season was mostly defined by crucial wins, several Raiders emerged as key statistical leaders. Quarterback Casey Grusser showed poise under pressure, connecting on key throws throughout the year and finishing with 2,453 total passing yards and 37 total touchdowns (NJ.com). Additionally, running backs and receivers like Gino Gorga and Salvatore Livoti also helped the Raiders tremendously on offense through the air and on the ground.
Junior Linebacker Cole Seyffer states, “I’m really happy with how this season went and I am really looking forward to seeing what this talented team can do next year.” Seyffer, a first-year Varsity starter, was a key part of their defensive success, racking up 77 total tackles (MaxPreps.com).
Ramapo’s season culminated at Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium, where they squared off against Winslow, a team that entered the matchup with an 11-2 record and was the highest public school in New Jersey. The contest was high-octane and competitive from the first snap – each time a team scored, the other would follow up with a touchdown of their own, and at the half, Ramapo trailed 12-7. To open up scoring in the second half, Ramapo quarterback Grusser rushed one in from one yard out to put the Raiders up 14-12. However, this lead didn’t last long, and Ramapo unfortunately lost the contest 34-21 (NJ.com).
Though they came up short, the Raiders can hold their heads high after completing a thrilling season with satisfying regular-season victories against rivals like Ridgewood and Northern Highlands. This senior class leaves a legacy of excellence on the team, and talented underclassmen have laid the foundation for future program success.
When asked about the overall success of the 2025 season, head coach Nicholoas Guttuso stated, “Our season was a tremendous success, and I am very proud of everyone associated with the program. Our players work very hard year-round, and to win the league championship, sectional championship, and North Group 4 championship is a phenomenal accomplishment and highlights all of the work put in. Everyone in our program, from the players, coaches, administrators, trainers, and parents, is a part of our success.”
The Ramapo community can celebrate a season that will long be remembered not just by the final score but by the heart and determination the players put into the field every Friday night.
