By: centraljersey.com
When the Hightstown High Athletic Hall of Fame holds its induction this year, one of the most famous teams in school history will take its place on the dais.
In a Nov. 24, 1990 article for the Asbury Park Press, sportswriter Tony Graham referred to the Dec. 6, 1975 Group II State Championship football game between 10-0 Red Bank Regional High School and 10-0 Hightstown High School as the "Shootout at Ridge Road" as well as "arguably the most exciting NJSIAA football game ever played".
Hightstown entered the game as the number one offensive team in the state and faced a Red Bank team that had won 27 even straight games. Although Hightstown lost the game, 46-44, the 1975 Rams are still remembered as the best football team in HHS history.
The Rams enjoyed a 9-0 regular season and defeated Hillsborough 30-16 in the state semifinals to reach the championship game.
Led by coach Dave McIntire and assistants Cliff Brautigan, Don Colbert, Sam Sortino (all Hall of Famers), James Henderson and Gordon Paris, the Rams featured Hall of Fame running back Dana Shelton, the leading scorer in the state.
Team members include Jeff Axelrod, Mike Ayres, Tom Bartley, David Chambers, Jacob Copeland, Kevin Doyle, Mike Franz, Peter Garibaldi, captain Brian Ishman, captain Scott Kerr, Don Kluxen, the late captain John Martini, Neal Nebbia, Mike Radics, Bernard Randolph, Lawrence Vandoren, Randy Scurlock, Dana Shelton, Gary Shoblock, Darren Spady, Jim Van Cleef, Kevin Young, William Dekovitch, Lester Dey, Brett Gash, Tom Godish, Paul Hewins, Pete Nolan, Mitch Robbins, Kenny Smith, the late Robert Spearman, George Stefanko, Joe Carter, the late Jeff Catelli, Mark Clements, Conrad Decker, Joe Dohalick, Patrick Dunn, Anthony Galloway, the late Al Hausherr, Richard Huley, Peter Katsoris, Joseph Matheson, Pedro Matos, the late Tom McNickolas, Scott Snyder and Chris Weidman.
The HOF luncheon will be Oct. 15, at noon at the Holiday Inn in East Windsor. The formal induction will be at that night’s 7 p.m. football game. To purchase tickets call 609-443-7741, ext. 1157.

