For 13 years, Charles DePrima has dedicated himself to the sport of football. Ever since his father handed him a football and said, “Let’s make you quarterback”, DePrima has worked endlessly to better himself as a player, teammate, and leader. Praise from coaches and teammates, as well as his athletic prowess on the field, is proof that all of DePrima’s hard work has paid off.

Due to COVID-19, the Ramapo football team has suffered from a shortened season. However, this did not stop DePrima and his teammates from dominating the field and leading the Ramapo football team to be ranked in the league’s top five.

As a quarterback, DePrima works in conjunction with his teammate’s majority of the time to score touchdowns, allowing him to have 194 completions and 25 passing touchdowns. DePrima’s individual athletic ability is unmatched and he has 22 rushing touchdowns and 1,685 rushing yards.

Not only is Charles DePrima a leader on the field, but also off the field. He is held in high regard by his coaches and teammates alike. His coaches would describe him as hardworking, well-prepared, and someone who leads by example. DePrima has not only fostered a strong relationship with his coaches but also with his teammates, whom he refers to as his family.

Teammate Tristan Pernetti commented on his leadership qualities saying, “He is a great team leader for us, and a lot of the kids on our team benefit from him. He is very energetic and happy on the sidelines and always puts his best foot forward”

Sean Clapp, who works with DePrima often as a wide receiver, has a deep admiration for Charles’ talent and perseverance. “Charles is a true competitor. Every time he gets knocked down you know he is bouncing right back up. That’s something that is so tough to have to play against, but even easier to play with.”

With graduation a mere three months away, DePrima talked about what he will miss most about Ramapo football. He said, “I’m going to miss the family atmosphere that we all built and the great relationships I’ve had with my teammates and coaches.” He will be deeply missed by the Ramapo community, his coaches, and of course his teammates. Fellow Ramapo football player Tristan Pernetti reminisced about his time with DePrima. “It was an honor to share the field with such a great football player and an even bigger honor to be able to watch him grow as we played together”

What does the future hold for Charles? Next year, he will be playing at Harvard University and continuing his football career. He is very excited and honored to have the opportunity to play college football.

During a very busy spring season, Ramapo's newest addition, the Girls Flag Football

Team, opened their season this past Tuesday in a game against PCTI. To show support, tons of Ramapo fans and students wore black. This game would be the girls' first, and although nervous, the girls walked onto the field with strength and confidence. Alexa Lora began the game with a touchdown receive from quarterback Maddie Kellogg to lead Ramapo 6-0. In the second half of the game, touchdowns from offensive Captain Arielle Zane and Brianna Braver shortened PCTI's lead. Strong efforts from the Flag Football girls' defense led by Madison Ciurciu and Lindsay Arone challenged the PCTI girls and held them down. However, in the end, the girls were unable to break the point deficit. Despite this, Coach Shemon and Captain Arielle Zane maintained positive mindsets, “the most important thing we take away from tonight, is that there’s room to get better and grow stronger”, explained Coach Shemon. The girls now await their next game against Dickinson on Wednesday, May 5th.

Ramapo Flag Football’s offensive lineup persevered Tuesday night, determined to reverse the score.

(Source: Sophia Katsouris)

Ramapo's new flag football team has high expectations for the future. Making history, these girls continue to work hard daily and advance in skill, technique, and mindset. From training at the NY Jets Clinic to early-morning practices, the girls hope to make it to MetLife and represent Ramapo High School on the field. Huge things await! Check on Schoology for schedule updates to watch and support Ramapo Girls' Flag Football.

Ramapo Girls’ defensive lineup coming off the field after an amazing stop that prevented PCTI from gaining a far lead. (Source: Sophia Katsouris)

This past year alone has provided a plethora of difficulties and hardships. COVID's unbreakable grasp has limited many from pursuing their passions this year. From postponing seasons to shutting down multiple schools, this impalpable ruler has produced great negativity. However, senior Arielle Zane takes a stand and sheds light on such a dark situation. While refusing to let her senior year go to waste, Arielle fulfills a longtime dream here at Ramapo High School.

Football at Ramapo is treasured and beloved amongst many of the students. From attending MetLife to going undefeated, this sport holds significant meaning to the school and its title. Yet, considering it's an all-male sport, many are left to spectate from the bleachers-or in this case, from their living rooms.

Throughout Arielle's childhood, she's participated in various flag football leagues and was inspired to share such interests with her classmates. Taking action, Arielle brought her proposal to Mr. Anello, Ramapo's Athletic Director, and together, they began taking steps to establish this new team. Arielle reveals, "I only made the decision to come to Mr. Anello about it right before the quarantine [...] I went into his office shortly before the pandemic and told him I wanted to start a flag football team. I had written notes about how I would do this, and he let me present them." She's worked alongside the school for over a year to bring this idea to life. Coincidentally, Mr. Anello was pursuing this exact idea. Similar to Arielle, Mr. Anello had participated in flag football leagues throughout his youth. As a result, Ramapo's new sports addition made its debut.

On National Girls and Women in Sports Day of this year, the New York Jets and Nike announced the beginning of our new high school flag football organization. Along with Ramapo, several high schools consisting of: East Orange Campus, Indian Hills High School, Irvington High school, Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Passaic County Technical Institute, and William L. Dickinson High School have also been selected to participate according to the New York Jets. In an interview, Arielle states, "This opportunity is more revolutionary for our culture than people realize, and it's honestly just a huge win for all of the girls." This new-founded league has become a symbol of both women's empowerment and equality throughout the school environment, its purpose is to build confidence, determination, teambuilding, and leadership traits for young females while unlocking doors for them to discover new passions and interests.

As of right now, Mrs. Shemon and Arielle Zane run the Ramapo Flag Football team. Although this team is still considered a 'club,' its long-term goal is to be annexed into the high school spring sports curriculum. If interested, you can join the group on Schoology for more information and updates or email Mrs. Shemon or Arielle Zane with any questions.

https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-announce-new-jersey-high-school-girls-flag-football- league