Ridge Girls Flag Football Team Tops St. Thomas Aquinas 51-6 On Senior Night

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Ridge High School flag football team turned senior night into a rout Monday, beating visiting St. Thomas Aquinas 51-6 at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge while honoring 21 seniors.

Ridge took control from the opening quarter, scoring 14 points in the first and building a 26-0 halftime lead.

The Red Devils pushed the margin to 38-0 through three quarters, and St. Thomas Aquinas, which entered at 1-8, did not score until late in the game.

Sophomore quarterback Melanie Tafur led the way with seven total touchdowns and 310 yards of offense. Tafur completed 9 of 17 passes for 180 yards and three scores, and she ran 11 times for 130 yards and four more touchdowns.

Tafur moved into the starting quarterback role earlier this season after injuries at the position and has steadied the offense.

"Our strategy all year has been to play good football, but do it our way," head coach Chase Vena said. "We controlled the game early, which allowed us to add some special moments for our seniors."

Dylan Vollmuth was Tafur's top target with three catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns, including a 34-yard score in the third quarter.

Ava Shostchuk added a 7-yard touchdown catch in the fourth. Seven Red Devils recorded receptions, including Amelia Ellis, who had two for 32 yards, and Bella Cinelli, who added one for 26 yards.

One of the biggest moments came late in the fourth quarter, when senior Joyce "Jojo" Venable returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown.

On the extra point, senior Bridget Nassan threw a 1-point conversion pass to Nicole Gebert.

"Senior Jojo Venable had a nice pick six that set up an extra point thrown by Bridget Nassan to Nicole Gebert that allowed the sideline to erupt," Vena said. "Senior Sarah Boukricha had a few key flag pulls and a huge QB sack that helped stall one of STA's possessions."

Defensively, Emily Weiner led Ridge with four flag pulls and three pass breakups.

Venable added four flag pulls and four pass breakups to go with her interception return, and Boukricha and Madison Garcia each recorded a sack.

Vena said recent practice work showed up in the result.

"Over the last two weeks, we have put a huge emphasis on catching the ball offensively and pulling flags defensively. It seems so basic, but both of those skills can severely impact us negatively if we do not do them in a game," Vena said. "In our last two games, we have outscored opponents 84-6, and it is clear that the hard work we put in during practice is paying off."

The night also served as a tribute to the program's early players, with special recognition for seniors who played on Ridge's inaugural flag football team last spring.

Vena said the crowd gave the night a bigger feel.

"It was an awesome atmosphere," Vena said. "At one point, I looked into the stands, and it seemed like we were just missing the marching band for it to feel like a Friday night in the fall. The Ridge community has really stepped up for this program and has come out to support us every game."