By Dave Mast

John Slusser , who has been the Ridgewood Generals head football coach for the past 18 years , said from the top to the bottom , good people , supportive administration and community , and a fantastic culture have led to some great seasons in the past two decades .

With a fairly young and inexperienced core group of kids claiming starting spots on this year ’ s team , Slusser is hoping that winning culture will translate into the continuation of a winning program that has become one of the premier gridiron programs in the area .

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“ Winning starts from the top , and from our administration to our coaches , that type of work ethic and commitment that has been a big part of our success over the years starts there and trickles down ,” Slusser said . “ I think that culture has been around here and is part of this program , and we ’ re hoping that continues with a fairly young group of players .”

Last year was a good example of culture overcoming expectations . After losing a multitude of talented players , not many people thought the Generals would find success last season . Instead , Ridgewood

turned in an 8-4 record including a playoff victory , and Slusser said the four games they dropped were against very gifted teams .

“ We probably overachieved last year in a lot of people ’ s eyes , but that ’ s a testament to our kids and their commitment level ,” Slusser said . “ Even though we ’ re young this year , we have to believe that we can do the same this year .”

The cupboard isn ’ t bare for the Generals .

Big offensive lineman Cam Stanton returns to bolster the line , along with talented Logan Sesser , who plays line on both sides of the ball . Senior

Dylan Austin makes his return to Generals football after moving away the past two years , and he also will anchor the defensive line while serving as running back with junior Aiden Sparger , who gives Ridgewood a strong one-two punch in the backfield .

Mason Colvin and Blake Wells also provide experience as defensive backs , but with only six seniors , some youngsters will have to climb into key roles and contribute immediately .

Slusser said he is looking forward to some serious preseason battles among his players to see who emerges , but none of the spots will be more important than the battle to see who claims the quarterback role .

Currently , junior Grant Lahmers , sophomore Jace McQueen and sophomore transfer Mar McCorm are trying to seize the day .

“ It ’ s going to be an interesting battle to watch ,” Slusser said . “ We ’ ve been blessed with some terrific quarterback play over the years , and we ’ ve probably gotten a bit spoiled , but this is a case where one of these guys could rise and really surprise .”

Defensively , Slusser said they should once again be fairly solid , noting Sesser is perhaps the most gifted defender in the area . He also believes Sparger brings plenty to the table at the linebacker position and Matt Humphrey adds strong depth in the defensive secondary .

“ We ’ ve got pieces there , but we will only have a couple of seniors on that side of the ball ,” Slusser said . “ We ’ re

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Ridgewood ’ s varsity football team includes seniors Dyllan Austin , Blake Wells , Mason Colvin , Eli Stroup , Cam Stanton and Colin Ladrich ; juniors Kole Robinson , Matt Humphrey , Grant Lahmers , Carter Fenn , Aiden Sparger , Hart Newell , Gabriel Lamneck , Daniel Wilkins , Paul Wheeler , Cohen Parsons , Johnny Kaser , Brian Barthalow , Keiran Conrad , Carter Kelley and Logan Sesser ; sophomores Talon Carns , Logan Ridenbaugh , Jackson Cabot , Preston Ator , Jace McQueen , Braylon Williams , Aiden Tidd , Krishar McCormick , Max Jones , Blaze Minet , Jacob Jones , Chris Art , Kaleb Nettles , Anthony Wilkin , Trent Moore , Connor Croy , Gavin Bricker and Tracen Kelly ; freshmen Bryce Tolliver , Drake Angle , Shawn Beckelhimer , Andrew Kinsey , Jadon Smoulder , Nathan Lynch , Tyrell Mullen , Kory Belt , Christian Horstmann , Mitchel Johnston , Parker Snyder , Wesson McPherson , Jayke Chaney , Connor Miller and Aadon Slaughter ; and head coach John Slusser and assistants Chris Cabot ( offensive coordinator ), Todd Cabot , Jake Lahna , Nate Carpenter , Chad Lahna , Chad Massie , Ryan Gress , Sam Carpenter , Caleb Tingle , Josh Lahmers and Chad Carroll .

young , but we think there is some strong talent there that could really gel .”

Regardless of who is on the field , Slusser said one of the keys to the program has been that from the moment the players come into the program , they are inundated with one thought — that being this game isn ’ t about them , one player or statistics , but it ’ s about playing roles and working hard to do things the right way .

“ This is about being a part of something , doing your best to help us win and building memories ,” Slusser said . “ I don ’ t think these kids want to let down the program , so they give the type of effort necessary to win games . They all want to feel like a part

of something special .”

He said one only needs to look on the sideline at each home game , where every Friday night dozens of former players are there to support the team .

“ I think that type of commitment to the program is what I ’ m most proud of because we ’ ve built something meaningful to these players and they continue to want to be a part of it ,” Slusser said . “ Sometimes pinning down why a program wins is tough to define , but I think here , it all starts with building relationships and buying in to the idea that kids will do whatever it takes and play whatever role necessary to make us a success as a whole .”