Lodaer Img

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy in Ramsey, NJ

Let's Talk!

Request A Consultation HORMONE-REPLACEMENT-THERAPY-phone-number866-793-9933
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY for Women estrogen
What Causes Menopause

What Causes Menopause?

The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:

Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.

Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.

Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.

Depression

Depression

If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.

Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:

  • Mood Swings
  • Inappropriate Guilt
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Too Much or Too Little Sleep
  • Lack of Interest in Life
  • Overwhelming Feelings

Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.

Hot Flashes

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.

Symptoms of hot flashes include:

  • Sudden, Overwhelming Feeling of Heat
  • Anxiety
  • High Heart Rate
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.

Mood Swings

Mood Swings

Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.

The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.

Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Ramsey, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.

Weight Gain

Weight Gain

Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?

  • Estrogen: During menopause, estrogen levels are depleted. As such, the body must search for other sources of estrogen. Because estrogen is stored in fat, your body believes it should increase fat production during menopause. Estrogen also plays a big part in insulin resistance, which can make it even harder to lose weight and keep it off.
  • Progesterone: Progesterone levels are also depleted during menopause. Progesterone depletion causes bloating and water retention, while loss of testosterone limits the body's ability to burn calories.
  • Ongoing Stress: Stress makes our bodies think that food is hard to come by, putting our bodies in "survival mode". When this happens, cortisol production is altered. When cortisol timing changes, the energy in the bloodstream is diverted toward making fat. With chronic stress, this process repeatedly happens, causing extensive weight gain during menopause.
Low Libido

Low Libido

Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Ramsey, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?

The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.

Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness

Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.

Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.

Fibroids

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.

Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.

Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.

What is Sermorelin

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.

Benefits of Sermorelin

Benefits of Sermorelin

Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.

  • Benefits of Sermorelin include:
  • Better Immune Function
  • Improved Physical Performance
  • More Growth Hormone Production
  • Less Body Fat
  • Build More Lean Muscle
  • Better Sleep
What is Ipamorelin

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.

Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.

Benefits of Ipamorelin

Benefits of Ipamorelin

One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.

When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:

  • Powerful Anti-Aging Properties
  • More Muscle Mass
  • Less Unsightly Body Fat
  • Deep, Restful Sleep
  • Increased Athletic Performance
  • More Energy
  • Less Recovery Time for Training Sessions and Injuries
  • Enhanced Overall Wellness and Health
  • No Significant Increase in Cortisol

Your New, Youthful Lease on Life with HRT for Women

Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Ramsey, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!

Homes-for-Sale-phone-number866-793-9933

Request a Consultation

Latest News in Ramsey, NJ

Northern New Jersey took a hit from the storm, but quickly made progress cleaning up

RAMSEY, N.J. -- Despite the earlier steady and heavy snowfall, many of the roads in Bergen County were clear on Tuesday afternoon.But for many people in Ramsey, it was a hectic day as the brunt of the storm hit the area while many were heading to work.It has been a while since residents have had to deal with this amount of snow."It's a heavier snow so a little bit challenging ...

RAMSEY, N.J. -- Despite the earlier steady and heavy snowfall, many of the roads in Bergen County were clear on Tuesday afternoon.

But for many people in Ramsey, it was a hectic day as the brunt of the storm hit the area while many were heading to work.

It has been a while since residents have had to deal with this amount of snow.

"It's a heavier snow so a little bit challenging with the snow blower, but not too bad. It ended earlier in the day, which is nice," Dan Chelel said.

Watch: New Jersey kids enjoy first snow day of the year

CBS New York met a mother and daughter who were teaming up to tackle their driveway.

"It was actually pretty good, but still heavy because of the snow on top of it," Claire Mooney said, after we pointed out her shovel was taller than her.

She said he mom did most of the work, though.

"I am really very, very tired. It was quite a chore. It is what is it, you know? I love the snow. I don't mind being outside, thank goodness," Ani Mooney said.

In downtown Ramsey, Remon Haddad said he had to close his barber shop, Ray's Barber Pole, and clear the sidewalk in front of his business.

"We have to open business for tomorrow and I couldn't find anybody to clean that small area," Haddad said.

Next door, an Italian pastry shop saw little foot traffic as the owner and his employees were ready for Valentine's Day.

"It has been pretty rough this morning. We probably had four to five customers for the first three hours. We open at 7 a.m., like nobody around," Andrea Guastella said.

Watch: John Dias monitors road conditions in Mobile 2

Neighbors in Ramsey guessed that the town got more than 6 inches of snow, which was very fluffy but was really wet and heavy earlier in the day when crews hit the roadways.

At the Bergen County maintenance yard in Paramus, crews started early. They ended up using half of the salt in the dome.

"We went to a plow operation. We had about 125 men and women out with about 100 pieces of equipment, plus our municipal partners helped us out," County Executive James Tedesco said.

Bergen has a couple of other maintenance yards and crews are now responsible for the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the county.

But that section of the parkway appeared clear late Tuesday afternoon.

Christine Sloan

Christine Sloan is an Emmy Award-winning reporter, who covers New Jersey for CBS 2 New York. Sloan re-joined the station in January 2023. She also worked at CBS 2 New York from 2004 to 2016.

Twitter

This Family-Owned Business Makes Charcuterie Boards + Boxes in Ramsey

Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards and Boxes is the gift that keeps on giving. Graze Craze, located in Ramsey, creates seasonal boards for gifts and family gatherings, but the team also caters to large parties and corporate offices. Graze Craze has a location at 88 East Main Street for pickup orders. Read on to learn more about Graze Craze Charcuterie in Ramsey, New Jersey.Photo Credit: ...

Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards and Boxes is the gift that keeps on giving. Graze Craze, located in Ramsey, creates seasonal boards for gifts and family gatherings, but the team also caters to large parties and corporate offices. Graze Craze has a location at 88 East Main Street for pickup orders. Read on to learn more about Graze Craze Charcuterie in Ramsey, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Graze Craze Ramsey Facebook

Graze Craze’s first-ever New Jersey franchise opened in October and the official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on November 15th. It’s a family-owned business that was founded by Dragan Stojkovski, who operates Graze Craze with his mother, his wife, Vesna, and his sons, Martin and David.

Cory Hibbard, President of Graze Craze, said in an announcement, according to Patch, “As a New Jersey native, it’s exceptionally exciting to see our footprint expand into the Garden State. We look forward to being a part of Dragan’s journey in offering fresh charcuterie to the Ramsey area.”

Read More: Where to Find Fondue in North Jersey

Dragan knows a thing or two about running a business given his 17 years of experience working for PNC Bank as a Senior Client Advisor. Since switching careers, he has since shifted his focus to operating Graze Craze full-time. He told The Montclair Girl about leaving finance: “During Covid, I got displaced and I was looking for my next career and was interviewing with other companies. And this came about by accident. While I was interviewing on LinkedIn, somebody reached out and asked me if I’m interested in doing business on my own.”

Photo Credit: Graze Craze Ramsey Facebook

At first, it seemed like an “interesting concept” and Draga said it felt “easier to talk to people about food than about money.” He added, “People sometimes sit here and we talk about food for like 45 minutes.” Plus, he says he enjoys the creativity that comes with the job and has turned it into an artistic hobby creating each board, which he compared to putting together a puzzle.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Graze Craze

The name Graze Craze derives from the food trend known as Grazing. Per the franchise’s website, “Grazing allows people the flexibility to eat an entire meal or small portions of food during the course of the day. The grazing style of eating provides you and your guests with a diverse meal plan in the form of a charcuterie-style grazing box, platter, or table that meets the individual needs and wants of everyone’s personal palate and diet, in relation to those who may have special health or medical eating requirements.”

Graze Craze has a variety of charcuterie boards that serve six people if ordering the small board, eight people if ordering the medium board, and 10 people if ordering the large board. At the moment, the seasonal boards include a Game Day Board designed for tailgating and parties, and the Holiday Board, which includes blueberry goat cheese, dried figs, rosemary crackers, Italian prosciutto, and many more.

In addition, there are other boards available, such as The Gone Crazey, which has a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and colorful fruits and vegetables, The Sweet + Grazey, which has “an abundance of gourmet chocolates and baked goods,” and The Vegegrazian, which includes “an array of in-season raw crudites beautifully arranged with delicious dips.”

Photo Credit: Graze Craze Ramsey Facebook

As for the boxes, at the moment there is The Lone Grazer, which is created for the person on the go, and The Picnic Box, which, per the website, is perfect for date night, an intimate anniversary celebration, or a day trip picnic. There are add-ons for each board and box, including a gourmet pickle box, bread box, and cracker box.

Boards, curated by “highly trained experts known as Grazologists,” vary in price, but can cost $125 for a small board and $185 for a large board. There is also the Grab And Graze, a small meal for one, that’s available for purchase, as well as the Char-Cutie-Cup, a snack for customers on the run.

Dragan, a Wyckoff resident, told MG that what sets Graze Craze apart from other businesses is the homemade ingredients. He explained, “We have hummus, cottage cheese, different dips. All those dips are made in-house. Also, all the breads that you see on the board are freshly baked. So we offer three types of bread on our board that we have: French bread, we have multi-grain bread, and then we have walnut cranberry.”

The Ramsey location is open Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM, Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday from 11AM to 4PM. The shop is closed on Mondays.

Graze Craze is open for pick-up orders and to place an order, with the wait time, depending on what the order is, being as fast as 45 minutes. But, Dragan recommends if it’s for a corporate event or bigger party place the order a day or two in advance. As far as deliveries go, Dragan can deliver within a 20-mile radius.

Dragan said that he plans on opening three additional locations in the Garden State, including one in Westwood, one in Parsippany, and one in Morristown.

Photo Credit: Graze Craze Ramsey Facebook

Since opening a few months ago, the store already has a five-star rating on Google. One person wrote, “The board was amazing. Came with all you would want along with homemade dips. A little of everything from fruit to meats and cheeses and even some chocolate to finish off a great-tasting dish. I recommended Graze Craze to my family and friends already.”

See More: Your Guide to Buying Gourmet Cheese in Hoboken + Jersey City

Another one boasted, “Dragan prepared an incredible charcuterie board for an event I attend. The board came with a little bit of everything (and homemade dipping sauces), which was perfect for our group with diverse tastes! Not only was it delicious, but the prices were super reasonable for the quality! I highly recommend Dragan and Graze Craze for your next event.”

For more information, visit the website.

Meet the 5 candidates for 3 Ramsey school board seats

2-minute read Marsha A. StoltzNorthJersey.comRAMSEY — Five candidates are running for three full-term seats on the nine-member Board of Education on Nov. 7.Board President Laura Genovese-Behrmann is running for a sixth term on a "Leadership for Success" slate with newcomers Michael Augello and Stephen McKnight.Two other three-year seats are open...

2-minute read

Marsha A. Stoltz

NorthJersey.com

RAMSEY — Five candidates are running for three full-term seats on the nine-member Board of Education on Nov. 7.

Board President Laura Genovese-Behrmann is running for a sixth term on a "Leadership for Success" slate with newcomers Michael Augello and Stephen McKnight.

Two other three-year seats are open as trustees Andrea Lamendola and Ralph Caputo did not file to seek reelection.

Timothy Walsh, who also ran last year, is running for a seat under the "Conservative Family Values" slogan. High school senior Paul "PJ" Rostkowski has also filed to run.

The district administers 2,621 students in five buildings.

Michael Augello

Augello is 43 years old and a 37-year resident of the borough. He's an attorney and a Ramsey High School graduate who holds a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and a law degree from the New England School of Law. He has two children, one a current student and the other a future student in Ramsey public schools. Community involvements include youth sports coach. For more information, visit the Facebook page Berhrmann, Augello, McKnight for Ramsey BOE.

Why are you running? "I have a passion for education, a desire to serve my community, and I want to help prepare Ramsey’s students for success in the 21st century."

Laura E. Genovese-Behrmann

Genovese-Behrmann is 48 years old and a 24-year resident of the borough. She is an attorney who holds a bachelor's degree from Drew University and a law degree from Seton Hall University. She has two children, one in Ramsey schools and the other in a private high school. Community involvements include Ramsey Board of Education since April 2005 and president since June 2017, Boy Scout Troop 31 committee member, Ramsey Soccer Association board member, Ramsey Ambulance Corps past president, Ramsey Rescue Squad administrative life member; Junior League of Bergen County, Ramsey Board of Public Works commissioner, Taste of Ramsey co-founder for the centennial. For more information, visit the Facebook page Berhrmann, Augello, McKnight for Ramsey BOE.

Why are you running? "We work collaboratively and respectfully with our staff; we have made much-needed improvements to our facilities; we have prioritized student safety and mental health; we place a strong emphasis on 21st-century skills; we are concerned about educating the whole child for their future, not ours, and not teaching to a test."

More:Voting has begun in NJ. Here are three ways to cast your ballot in this fall's election

Stephen McKnight

McKnight is 45 years old and a 21-year resident. He's an advertising/marketing executive and a Ramsey High School graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ithaca College. His two children are in Ramsey public schools. His community involvements include Ramsey Baseball & Softball Association board member, Girls Clinic & T-Ball program director and youth softball coach. For more information,visit the Facebook page Berhrmann, Augello, McKnight for Ramsey BOE.

Why are you running? "As both a parent and Ramsey alum, I feel a responsibility to give back to a district and community that has provided my family and I with so much. To serve the next generation of Ramsey students and ensure we are developing lifelong learners with the skills to thrive in the 21st century."

Paul "PJ" Rostowski

Rostowski did not respond to the request for information.

Timothy Walsh

Walsh is 35 years old and a lifelong resident of the borough. He's a political consultant and a Don Bosco graduate with a bachelor of arts degree from Montclair State University. His community involvements include the Ramsey Environmental Commission. He has no children.

Why are you running? "The entire Ramsey community deserves a say in how the schools that represent our town are administered."

A revamped Macy's is opening in North Jersey. Here are the details

Macy’s will open what it’s calling a “small-format” store at a former Bed Bath & Beyond at the Interstate Shopping Center in Ramsey on Route 17 in 2024, a Monday announcement said.The iconic clothing retailer will occupy 25,000 square feet at the former home goods store in Ramsey, said the announcement from Welco Realty Inc., which represented the landlord in the deal. Macy’s will join ShopRite, DSW, Burlington, Michael’s and Old Navy.Bed Bath & Beyond — known for being the go-t...

Macy’s will open what it’s calling a “small-format” store at a former Bed Bath & Beyond at the Interstate Shopping Center in Ramsey on Route 17 in 2024, a Monday announcement said.

The iconic clothing retailer will occupy 25,000 square feet at the former home goods store in Ramsey, said the announcement from Welco Realty Inc., which represented the landlord in the deal. Macy’s will join ShopRite, DSW, Burlington, Michael’s and Old Navy.

Bed Bath & Beyond — known for being the go-to spot for shoppers looking to outfit dorm rooms and starter homes, and for keeping them coming back with its iconic blue 20% off coupons — announced in April that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing hundreds of stores across the United States. There were 13 stores in New Jersey.

Another Macy’s will open at Mount Laurel in South Jersey, Welco announced Monday.

“We are very excited about bringing the Macy’s brand to both shopping centers,” Welco President Jerry Welkis said Monday.

Macy’s is opening up to 30 of these small-format locations beginning in 2024 and through fall 2025, an October announcement said. It currently has 24 locations in New Jersey, mainly in malls.

The stores will be “paired with a premier digital experience,” Macy’s said. The stores are roughly one-fifth the size of those in malls, Macy’s noted.

A spokesperson for Macy’s couldn’t immediately be reached by email for comment on Tuesday morning.

“Our small-format stores are efficient to operate, provide the customer with a shopping alternative within our omnichannel ecosystem and present a unique opportunity to target high-traffic shopping centers," Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Macy’s, said in October.

“Our small-format strategy is one way we intend to harness the full power of the Macy’s brand to deliver sustainable, profitable sales growth for Macy’s Inc. beginning in 2024,” Mitchell said.

When Bed Bath & Beyond declared bankruptcy this spring, it raised the question of what would replace the retail sites.

Bed Bath & Beyond “always had good-quality, well-located space,” Matthew Harding, chief executive officer of North Plainfield-based Levin Management Corp., a commercial real estate services firm, said in an interview in July.

According to the Asbury Park Press, real estate experts said contenders have included fitness centers and supermarkets, as well as retailers like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense, Sierra Trading Post, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ashley Homestores and Burlington Stores.

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record.

Cedar Grove football rides dominant second half to top Ramsey

WESTWOOD — When Cedar Grove and Ramsey stepped onto the field for the last of the five games in the Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic, it was a matchup of experience vs. inexperience. More times than not, that experience will pay huge dividends in the beginning of a season.It certainly did for the Panthers of Cedar Grove, who got through a slow start before coming on and playing dominantly in the second half of a 34-7 football win over the Rams in the season opener for both teams Saturday.It took about a quarter f...

WESTWOOD — When Cedar Grove and Ramsey stepped onto the field for the last of the five games in the Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic, it was a matchup of experience vs. inexperience. More times than not, that experience will pay huge dividends in the beginning of a season.

It certainly did for the Panthers of Cedar Grove, who got through a slow start before coming on and playing dominantly in the second half of a 34-7 football win over the Rams in the season opener for both teams Saturday.

It took about a quarter for Cedar Grove to find itself, as Ramsey’s youngsters played a spirited game with what at times looked like a Grand Central Station approach offensively, rotating three, four or five players in and out.

Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic:Westwood football enjoys dream start vs. South Plainfield

That helped keep the game scoreless into the second quarter and the Rams actually got the first points of the game following an Andrew McDade interception of a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage.

Two first downs set up a nice stretch play, with Christian Fojon cutting off the right tackle and finding the seam on the way to a 27-yard touchdown run. That would be the last highlight moment for the Rams, however.

The Panthers, a pass-first offense, finally got their timing down, and they answered back with a quick march that culminated on a nice hitch-and-go route by Nick Russo, with quarterback Stephen Paradiso hitting him stride in the back of the end zone down the left sideline,

Cedar Grove grabbed the lead for good on the final play of the first half, with Sebastian Kovacs drilling a 40-yard field goal with room to spare, making it 10-7. That pumped up CG, and they took the second-half kickoff and went right down the field, with a Paradiso to Nick Iannacone 25-yard pass putting them on the 1-yard line. Paradiso snuck it in from there.

After a failed fourth down by Ramsey, Cedar Grove made it 24-7 on a 15-yard Paradiso to Iannacone TD strike. Kovacs added his second field goal from 28 yards out, giving the Panthers a 27-7 lead going into the fourth quarter, and a Paradiso 13-yard run closed out the scoring.

What it means

For Cedar Grove, it was a validation that they are ready to once again make noise in the North Group 1 championship picture. The Panthers went almost exclusively with the pass in the first half, running only three times, but they had a better mix in the second half and were able to use the run time off the clock.

For Ramsey, it sets the needle for what has to happen as they move on to the next game, a mere five days away on Thursday against Pascack Valley. With a sophomore quarterback making his debut and many pieces on both sides of the ball also in their inaugural varsity game, it’s all about getting better. It was not a lack of effort by the Rams, simply a case of the opponent being much further along thanks to their veteran status.

Turning point No. 1

This one is easy. It was the Kovacs field goal to close the half. The Panthers were not at their best in the opening half ("We got a little caught up in opening day jitters and simply needed to get rolling,” head coach Rob Gogerty said), but they were able to walk off with a lead and a huge momentum swing, Coming right out and scoring to open the second half emphasized the positive shift.

Turning point No. 2

Facing a fourth-and-five at their own 37 with just under 5:30 to go in the third quarter and trailing 17-7, Ramsey coach Adam Baeira gambled and went for it. Perhaps a better way of stating it is, he showed his team that he had faith in them. They had quarterback Justus Favata roll right and the running back release from a block into the flat. The pass hit him in the hands beyond the first-down marker with room to run, but it was dropped.

“We practice that play over and over,” Baeira said. “It set up like we expected but we just didn’t execute it. Hey, we’re going to have to own it, know that when that situation comes up again that we’ll do a better job of making the play.”

By the numbers

Paradiso was 18 of 29 passing for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns and one interception. Iannacone was the favorite target, snaring 8 balls for 139 yards. Jackson Morrice was the deep threat, catching 4 for 97 yards and Russo, the tight end, had 3 grabs for 51 yards as well as a 12-yard run on a receiver reverse. The Panthers had a 316-203 advantage in total yards over the Rams.

Favara was 12 of 21 passing for 81 yards and an interception in his first game as a starter, with tight end Noah Magnus on the receiving end of four balls for 38 yards. Van Schoening had 3 catches for 14 yards and 41 rushing yards on 13 carries. Fojon had 50 yards on 5 runs and Favata 34 on six carries.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Contact Us