TRT-Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Ridgewood, NJ.
201-292-0706
Reclaim Your Youth and Vitality with TRT in Ridgewood, NJ
It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
The Juventee Difference
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Ridgewood, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
We Work With
What is Testosterone?
What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Did You Know?
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
- Body Hair
- Facial Hair
- Muscle Strength
- Increased Libido
- Deeper Voice
- Muscle Density
- Sperm
What is TRT in Ridgewood, NJ?
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Common Signs of Low Testosterone
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you usually a productive powerhouse but now feel like you lack drive and motivation?
- Have you had a normal sex life in the past but now find that you're losing the ability to be intimate?
- Are you usually calm and collected, but your partner is complaining about your irritability?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Decreased Energy
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Ridgewood, NJ could be the solution.
Lowered Libido
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
Hair Loss
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Inability to Achieve and Maintain Erections
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
Depression
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Lack of Sleep
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Weight Gain
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
Gynecomastia
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Be the Best Version of Yourself with TRT in Ridgewood, NJ
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
Latest News in Ridgewood, NJ
NJ 'Chopped' Chef Yehudiel Arrested After New Indictment: Prosecutors
Ridgewood-Glen Rock, NJ Patchhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/nj-chopped-chef-yehudiel-arrested-after-new-indictment-prosecutors
Bergen County restaurateur Shalom Yehudiel has been arrested again on charges of sexually assaulting a minor.BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Teaneck-based chef Shalom Yehudiel, known for appearing on TV's "Chopped," has been arrested again on charges of sexually assaulting a minor, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.The arrest of the restaurant owner on Monday was the result of a new indictment on Thursday, Aug. 31, according to the office of Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.The case again...
Bergen County restaurateur Shalom Yehudiel has been arrested again on charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Teaneck-based chef Shalom Yehudiel, known for appearing on TV's "Chopped," has been arrested again on charges of sexually assaulting a minor, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.
The arrest of the restaurant owner on Monday was the result of a new indictment on Thursday, Aug. 31, according to the office of Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.
The case against Yehudiel, 41, has wound through the courts since early 2022.
That year, the chef was arrested on charges of having assaulted a 16-year-old girl on multiple occasions.
Last month, the case was dismissed with prejudice due to a technicality, the Bergen Record reported.
But the next day, Aug. 8, 2023, Yehudiel was arrested again at Newark airport while trying to head to Thailand, reports said. Yehudiel was incarcerated on Riker's Island.
Days later, he was attacked in jail, said his lawyer in mid-August, in a plea to have him released.
A week after his arrest, he was released, pending a trial.
Then, on Aug. 31, according to the Prosecutor's Office, Yehudiel was indicted by a Bergen County Grand Jury on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Yehudiel was arrested Monday in Aventura, Fla., on those charges, the Prosecutor's Office said in a release Tuesday morning.
Prosecutors said that on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, the FBI contacted the the prosecutor's Special Victims Unit regarding the alleged sexual assault of a child in Teaneck on more than one occasion. An investigation by prosecutors and the New York office of the FBI resulted in the charges.
Yehudiel now awaits his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutors did not release further information.
In a statement to the Bergen Record on Tuesday, Yehudiel's attorneys, Lee Vartan and Zach Intrater, said, "The state has just recycled the same flawed indictment with the same factual and legal holes."
However, a now-adult woman came forward last month to say that she was a victim of Yehudiel as a teenager.
She gave an interview to the Jewish Standard, saying she wants to give a face victims and prevent such a thing from happening again.
She said that she met Yehudiel in her congregation in Fair Lawn when she was 14.
She said, "I was very naive. I was sort of confident by default, because I didn’t know much about the world ... My mother told me that she was surprised this happened to me because when I was a kid I was extremely outgoing. I was the kid who tried to have a lot of friends.
"What my mom did not realize was that this confidence was effective only if people my own age were mean to me. But if someone 36 years old was crossing boundaries, I didn’t know what to do."
Yehudiel owns the Humble Toast and La Cucina Di Nava in Teaneck.
Victims have filed more than one civil suit against him for sexual abuse. The suits were made public starting in 2021 by Za’akah, an organization that fights sexual abuse in the Jewish community, according to a story in The Standard.
Which Bergen County Towns Had National Merit Semifinalists This Year?
Caren Lissnerhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/which-bergen-county-towns-had-national-merit-semifinalists-year
The National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2023-2024 have just been announced, including several in Bergen County.BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Today's teens have been tested in many ways, but there's only one test that can qualify them for a competitive National Merit Scholarship for all four years of college.The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced late last week its list of semifinalists for their annual awards, with finalists and winners to be announced in spring 2024.The process begins when students ...
The National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2023-2024 have just been announced, including several in Bergen County.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Today's teens have been tested in many ways, but there's only one test that can qualify them for a competitive National Merit Scholarship for all four years of college.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced late last week its list of semifinalists for their annual awards, with finalists and winners to be announced in spring 2024.
The process begins when students take their PSAT as a sophomore or junior in high school. Tens of thousands of students are chosen as Commended scholars.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Not all towns have semiinalists, but a handful of Bergen County towns made the list.
There were also several semifinalists at countywide magnet schools.
Here are the lists:
From Bergen County Academies in Hackensack:
Bovell, NikhilBunal, Patrick D.Calaman, SkylerChang, ClaireJain, YessicaJhaveri, ShlokJoshi, RohanKalia, DishaKim, JoshuaKim, PeterLamba, RiddhiLee, LunaLee, ReiaLee, SashaLekan, AngelaLerman, MatthewLi, AngelaPark, Chloe J.Pitcock, JeremyPospichalova, AnezkaRen, Joy I.Rodriguez, ChristopherSallam, YusufSantoshi, AarushShah, ArhamShi, EmmaSingh, RishabhSpecht, Matthew D.Tkach, SofiyaVadakken, HannahWen, ZoeyZhou, Maggie
From Bergen County Technical High School:
Cho, KevinMathews, AnuragPark, JacquelineSong, MatthewSong, Natalie
Don Bosco Prep:
Finnegan, Harrison M.Gehrig, Thomas J.
Dwight-Englewood School:
Ma, AinsleyRajan, Uma V.
Fair Lawn H.S.
DiPaulo, Frank
Fort Lee H.S.:
Cheon, Michelle S.Ouerfelli, Heba
Northern Highlands Regional H.S.:
Rahman, Ryan
Mahwah High School:
Merrick T. Sharp
From Leonia H.S.:
Cho, Julia E.
From Mountain Lakes H.S.:
Lee, Justin L.Li, Karri E.Wu, Elaine
From Old Tappan, Northern Valley Regional H.S.:
Lee, Hannah J.
Oradell/River Dell Regional H.S.
Choi, YejunChu, Adam Y.Lee, Chloe H.Yu, Nora J.
Paramus H.S.
Heriveaux, ArlenePark, Ian
Pascack Hills H.S.:
Chun, AshleyGe, OliviaHeit, AdrianeLim, Hyunjun
Park Ridge H. S.
Gounder, Kavya
Ridgewood High School:
Jun, JaywuJung, Emily Y.Kotchkin, Nathan Y.Liu, Gia
Teaneck, Ma'ayanot Yeshiva H.S. For Girls:
Kurz, Aviva K.
Tenafly High School:
Cho, DerekCho, Won-HeeDreyer, BenjaminGoldberg, Nathan G.Hui, YuanningKim, JunhyoungSong, KaiSwaminathan, AdityanYan, Jacqueline L.Yoon, Elliott J.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, wasestablished in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 340 businessorganizations and higher education institutions.
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Northern Highlands football bounces back strong with commanding win over Ridgewood
Greg Tartagliahttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2023/09/14/northern-highlands-nj-football-bounces-back-beats-ridgewood/70843830007/
ALLENDALE − Northern Highlands enjoyed a big bounce-back thanks to “Little Schmo” and friends.Less than a week after falling to Old Tappan, the Highlanders rolled past Ridgewood, 35-7, in Thursday’s Super Football Conference cross-divisional game.Danny Smiechowski caught a 38-ya...
ALLENDALE − Northern Highlands enjoyed a big bounce-back thanks to “Little Schmo” and friends.
Less than a week after falling to Old Tappan, the Highlanders rolled past Ridgewood, 35-7, in Thursday’s Super Football Conference cross-divisional game.
Danny Smiechowski caught a 38-yard pass to get Northern Highlands into the red zone on the second play of the night, and he capped a 28-0 first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown reception from Nate Johnson.
Coach Dave Cord called out, “Hey, Schmo!” to get Smiechowski’s attention afterward – that’s actually a term of endearment to the senior from Upper Saddle River.
“It started with my grandpa,” said the tight end/linebacker, whose last name is pronounced, “schma-HOW-ski”.
“He was ‘Schmo’, my dad was ‘Schmo’, my brother was ‘Schmo’, and I was a ‘Little Schmo’ growing up. And now I’m just ‘Schmo’.”
The Highlanders (3-1) looked like anything but, once again showing the form that helped them reach last year’s Group 4 championship final.
What it means
The result was a far cry from last year’s meeting, a 7-6 Maroon victory in Ridgewood. Since then, Northern Highlands has won 11-of-14, and two of its three losses in that span have come against 2022 NJSIAA champions (Group 4 Millville and Group 3 Old Tappan).
“We’ve got to bounce back,” Smiechowski said. “We’re tired of losing. It’s been four years in a row, we’re tired of coming up short. And we just want to finish the job this year.”
Ridgewood (1-2) has dropped two straight and lost two players to injury in the second quarter, QB Hudson Feeney and left tackle Peter McHugh. Coach Torre Watson said that both sustained ankle injuries.
Key drives
Northern Highlands had four touchdowns before the visitors recorded a first down, as a fumbled kick return and a bad punt snap were among the early miscues that doomed the visitors.
Factor in 75 yards in kick/punt returns by Matthew Boydell, and the Highlanders’ average starting field position for their first four drives was the Ridgewood 33.
Johnson cashed in with two touchdown passes and two scoring runs, and Cole Stecker made it 35-0 on a 13-yard touchdown run with 8:28 left in the second quarter.
Game balls
? Smiechowski made 3 catches for 46 yards and a TD and added 5 tackles on defense.
? Johnson completed 7-of-8 passes for 106 yards and rushed 5 times for 38 yards.
? Charlie Merrick (6 catches, 68 yards) caught a 15-yard TD from backup Gavin McCrone in the fourth quarter to help Ridgewood avert the shutout. Merrick also made five tackles.
They said it
“We had a pretty hard loss last week, and we knew we had to change our mindset from the start. We all knew we had to put in some more work in the practice week, and even with a short week and all… we had lots of excuses we could have made, but we all put in the work, we all changed our mindset, and it showed.” − Smiechowski
“I thought we came out flat against a super talented, really good Old Tappan team. And in a short week, our plan was to keep the playbook thin on both sides and play fast and physical, and that’s exactly what they did.” − Cord
Community Leader In Bergen County: Harry Menta Spreads The Word
Caren Lissnerhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/community-leader-bergen-county-harry-menta-spreads-word
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to celebrate community leaders in New Jersey, including Bergen County.BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Without community leaders, Bergen County wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.This submission comes from Michelle DeLuca, a Bergen County reader who nominated Harry Menta.How do you kn...
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to celebrate community leaders in New Jersey, including Bergen County.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Without community leaders, Bergen County wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.
This submission comes from Michelle DeLuca, a Bergen County reader who nominated Harry Menta.
How do you know this community leader?
I have worked with him.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What does this community leader do?
Harry is a member of the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission and Sustainable Ridgefield Park. As a member, he works behind the scenes in helping to garner publicity and press for events, as well as maintaining the commission sections on the village website.
Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our community, there's a silent force driving change – and that's Harry. While he may operate under the radar, the impact of his dedication resonates far and wide, especially within the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission and Sustainable Ridgefield Park.
Harry's mastery of press and media brings an invaluable touch to the community's initiatives. Behind the scenes, he weaves his magic, ensuring that our events and missions receive the spotlight they deserve. Harry's efforts may often go unnoticed, but the tireless spirit with which he operates is nothing short of remarkable.
From spreading the word about eco-friendly initiatives to spotlighting impactful events, Harry's work speaks volumes. His work helps to magnify our impact and propels us forward.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?
Harry's countless hours crafting press releases, media advisories, and updating web content go unseen as he works independently behind the scenes, yet his impact is profound. Harry's dedication provides proper communication that fuels the awareness residents have regarding events and initiatives. Clear and accurate communication is truly important to communities, and Harry ensures we get clear information out.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
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Clifton football shows a flair for the dramatic in win over Ridgewood
Greg Tartagliahttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2023/09/08/clifton-nj-football-shows-flair-dramatic-win-ridgewood/70780629007/
RIDGEWOOD − Clifton coach Ralph Cinque wore his “Rocky III” T-shirt for Friday night’s Super Football Conference game at Ridgewood.“It’s symbolic,” Cinque said. “Ridgewood is always on top. And through the years, we’ve played some stinkers against them, and we’ve played some real good ones. Tonight was a good one.”That was the consensus on the Clifton sideline after a 28-21 victory that featured a big play to punctuate each half.Mustangs quarterback Romelo...
RIDGEWOOD − Clifton coach Ralph Cinque wore his “Rocky III” T-shirt for Friday night’s Super Football Conference game at Ridgewood.
“It’s symbolic,” Cinque said. “Ridgewood is always on top. And through the years, we’ve played some stinkers against them, and we’ve played some real good ones. Tonight was a good one.”
That was the consensus on the Clifton sideline after a 28-21 victory that featured a big play to punctuate each half.
Mustangs quarterback Romelo Tables snapped a 14-all tie with a 37-yard, tackle-breaking touchdown as the second quarter expired. Senior cornerback Alexander Franco then intercepted the Maroons’ deep pass with 43.7 seconds remaining in the fourth.
“It came down to intestinal fortitude,” Cinque said. “That was the word of the day before the game – fortitude… we were in adverse situations, and we just kept swinging. We were never down, we were never out.”
Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.
What it means
Each team has won a Group 5 sectional title within the past five seasons, and this win gives Clifton (2-1) a big boost going forward, both mentally and in power points. The Mustangs have won two straight since an opening loss to Montclair and host Eastside next Friday.
Ridgewood (1-1), meanwhile, has a short week to prepare for a Thursday game against 2022 Group 4 finalist Northern Highlands.
“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves,” Maroons coach Torre Watson said. “We’ve got no time to do anything but improve.”
Key plays
The Mustangs had an answer for every Ridgewood touchdown. Trailing 7-0 after the opening drive, they got a 43-yard TD run from Devon Stroble late in the first quarter.
After Ridgewood scored with 48.2 seconds to go in the half, Nate Ceneri returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards to help set up Tables’ tiebreaking run.
“I looked downfield and saw green grass, so I just took off,” the junior QB said. “My teammates pushed me in. If it weren’t for the team, I would’ve been stopped at the 5-yard line.”
Tables also threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ceneri with 14.4 seconds left in the third quarter to provide the final margin.
Game balls
? Stroble carried 20 times for 128 yards and a pair of scores, while Tables ran 11 times for 77 yards and completed 6-of-8 passes for 64 yards.
? Franco finished with five tackles and the sealing INT, while David Chavez led the Clifton defense with 10 tackles.
? Ridgewood’s Colin Lake was Mr. Versatile: 7 carries for 46 yards and a TD, 2 kick returns for 41 yards, plus a blocked punt that he recovered to set up the first of two TD runs by Bobby Kuenzler (12 carries, 80 yards).
They said it
“I saw the receiver run full speed [and] try to come over the top. I read him good, I read the ball, and it just came and fell in my hands – got the game-winning pick.” − Franco
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