No home football, soccer games at New Jersey high school due to flood damage

No home football, soccer games at New Jersey high school due to flood damage By Brian Shlonsky Saturday, August 29, 2026 2:12AM Stream New York's #1 news - AccuWeather - original content 24/7 RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Ridgewood, New Jersey is an idyllic American town on a picture-perfect Friday night.

During the fall, Friday nights are typically spent under the lights.

"Definitely energetic, it's such a great tie, we're all excited, the band is playing, the cheer team is there, the stadium is packed, it's a lot of fun," said Ridgewood nose guard Thomas Bryan.

For Bryan, senior season was set to be more of the same - until it wasn't.

The team found out on Thursday that flooding damaged their home field and another field on campus. The surface failed a required safety test, meaning the turf does not provide adequate shock absorption.

"When the flood waters come, they will wash onto the fields, and they'll bring debris and silt with them. Over time, the silt deposits and it hardens," said Ridgewood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz.

It means no home football games this fall - and no soccer either.

"Playing soccer is a key part of the high school life, it makes me sad," said sophomore Nico Schilt.

"Were not allowed to play on it anymore and there's also flooding all the time, so it stops us from playing, which doesn't allow us to train," added Max Abdrobo.

To replace the fields it would cost more than a million dollars.

Dr. Schwarz says neighboring schools have offered up their fields, but it creates logistical challenges.

"The most devastating for our athletes is they're not going to be able to for those who play on, on the field. So, they're not going to be able to have that home game experience at Stadium Field in front of the high school, which is such an iconic experience. So yeah, that's really it's really disappointing," he said.

Bryan, who plays the role of senior leader in the locker room, told his teammates they will bring the energy wherever they play this season under whoever's Friday night lights.

"It definitely impacted us, we were all, it stinks that we had that, but we have to move on, even though it's happening, we understand it's happening, but we can't let that ruin our season, we have to keep going," Bryan said.

Ridgewood's Village Manager Keith Kazmark said in part,

"The Village will continue to work closely with school officials to support and accommodate our many student athletes during this challenging situation."

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