VIDEO, PHOTOS: Ramos’ kick return TD to start game, Mallon’s two scores spark LCM to win in season opener

Posted: August 27th 2026

Lower Cape May's Jose Ramos looks upfield before embarking on an 84-yard touchdown on the opening play of the game against Cinnaminson.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

ERMA – Jose Ramos gave the Lower Cape May Regional High School football team the perfect start to its 2026 regular season.

The senior caught the opening kickoff from Cinnaminson and ran untouched to the end zone from 84 yards out to give the Caper Tigers a 7-0 lead just 11 seconds into the game.

The fast start gave the Caper Tigers control they would never relinquish as they rolled to a 28-7 victory over the Pirates Thursday evening.

“We lost the home opener last year, so having a home opener this year and getting a victory is fantastic,” Lower coach Billy Damina said. “We’re trying to build a culture here where winning is expected and isn’t a surprise. I think we could have played a bit better but a win is a win and we’re happy about that.

“To get that touchdown on the first play, I’m really happy with our special teams. Our special teams coach, Paul Baruffi, does a great job. We spend a lot of time during the week and in camp, even in July, practicing a lot of special teams. I give credit to him and the kids for staying focused during those periods.”

Ryan Mallon put Lower Cape May ahead by two scores at the half when he ran in from 20 yards out with 1:04 to play in the second quarter. Mallon broke a tackle at the 10-yard line before reaching the end zone.

The senior running back added his team’s final touchdown midway through the fourth quarter when he reached the end zone from 14 yards out after running over a would-be Pirate tackler at the 5-yard line.

Quarterback Dave Douglass accounted for Lower’s other score, rushing in from six yards out in the third quarter.

Britton Walls made all four of his extra-point kicks for Lower.

Lower’s defense was excellent throughout. The Tigers limited Cinnaminson to only two first downs in the first half. The Pirates scored their lone touchdown with less than two minutes to play when Lower had many younger substitute players on the field.

“I’m really happy with what we did on defense,” Damiana said. “There was some leakage on a couple of plays, but, for the most part, we shut down what we needed to shut down. The kids played very physical.”

Lower Cape May is set to host Egg Harbor Township next Thursday.