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The Bulldogs won their first state title since 2001 in dominant fashion. Passaic Tech won in Group 5, home to the largest schools in the state.
Sophomore Olivia Guidera said she saw how hard the team worked this year and was happy to see it pay off for Passaic Tech.
"I have an overwhelming amount of pride," she told Daily Voice. "I'm getting emotional."
The Bulldogs only led 7-0 at halftime but steadily built their lead while keeping Ridgewood off the board.
Yassir Thomas caught two touchdowns to launch Passaic Tech to the title.
Sophomore Alayna Andres said it was a fun ride for the school to the finals.
"It's good to see them all succeed and get to the place they really wanted to go," she said.
Passaic Tech ends the year 10-2. The Bulldogs bested Hackensack and Bergen Tech in the playoffs to advance to Saturday's contest.
Jan DeYoung said the school community is diverse, coming from many parts of Passaic. She said they all bonded Saturday with tailgating before the game though.
"I'm ecstatic and so proud of the coaching staff and the boys," DeYoung said.
Ridgewood ended the year 9-3. The Maroons reached the finals two out of the past three seasons, but fell to Montclair in 2013.
Randall Haycock, whose son plays in the Ridgewood band, said it was still a great experience for the kids.
"In four years to come here twice it was an honor," Haycock said of his son's high school career. "They don't realize how lucky they are. Some schools don't get to make it at all."
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