Bayonne Stuns Ridgewood to Claim Flag Football Championship

UNION − The sixth New Jersey girls flag football championship game on June 10 marked the conclusion of two significant eras, regardless of the outcome. In a thrilling matchup, Bayonne triumphed over the three-time defending champions, Ridgewood, with a score of 20-19 at Kean’s Alumni Stadium.

Leading the charge for Bayonne, junior quarterback Taleiyah Smith executed a pivotal 2-point conversion pass to freshman Camryn Pipher with only 10 seconds left on the clock, completing an incredible comeback from a 19-0 deficit. This victory also meant that Bayonne claimed the final trophy sponsored by the New York Jets before flag football is officially sanctioned by the NJSIAA in 2027.

The loss ended Ridgewood’s impressive 41-game winning streak, a streak that included a victory over Bayonne for the title in 2025. Since that defeat, Bayonne has gone on to win 17 consecutive games, solidifying their position in the sport.

As flag football continues to grow in popularity, this championship game showcased the excitement and competitiveness of the teams involved.