Will Mattson (36) and teammates celebrating after a Bronco touchdown. Photo by Joe Villanueva.

By J. Murrer and S.Q. DeJoy

Oct. 25, 2023: The Bronxville varsity football team is currently 3-3 after winning this past weekend against the Valhalla Vikings, 35-18. It was the Vikings Senior Day on a Saturday, however the Broncos were determined to win. 

"I think we were able to finally find our rhythm and come out strong. All of our players showed up and our leaders shined,” said lineman Alex Chrostowski.

It was the second straight win for the Broncos who defeated Woodlands 40-0 a week earlier. In the first quarter, the Broncos scored on a 73-yard run by Davis Patterson, and in the second quarter, with Bronxville trailing 12-7, quarterback Connor Kenny connected with Will Mattson to give the Broncos 14-12 lead.

Valhalla had an 18-14 lead in the third quarter, but the Broncos never gave up. Jack Gangemi scored for the Broncos on a pick six and Bronxville held on to the lead for the remainder of the game.

"We are a competitive and resilient group of guys that never fold,” said Kenny, “and I think that really showed in the second half."

The Broncos went on to score two more times in the 4^th quarter. Will Mattson scored on a 5-yard run, and Gabe Maicon scored on a 35-yard run. Kenny threw for two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion in the game.

"We always play close games but in this game we made enough plays to close it in the second half,” said Gabe Maicon. “We always fight but athletes making plays will be the difference maker going forward."

"Seeing guys step up and go around the field making big plays shows our full potential,” added Charlie Donohue.

Unfortunately, junior Alex Napolitano, who plays tailback and linebacker, was injured towards the end of the game and is out for the rest of the season.

The Broncos will play their final game of the season at home on Saturday against Westlake. There are 15 seniors on the team, and parents will join the players on the field at the start of the game for Senior Day.

There are five Class C teams in Section 1: Westlake (6-0), Dobbs Ferry (3-2), Bronxville (3-3), Valhalla (3-4), and Woodland (0-5). Four teams will compete in the playoffs, which start next weekend.

"Everyone gave 110% effort and it showed,” said Van Villanueva.  “We played hard on both sides of the ball. We will continue to grind and stay humble as we work on starting the playoffs strong."

Van Villanueva and Alex Napolitano celebrating in the game against Valhalla. Photo by Joe Villanueva.

Go Broncos.

Quotes from Senior Captains:

"We are a competitive and resilient group of guys that never fold. And I think that really showed in the second half." -Captain Connor Kenny

"I think we were able to finally find our rhythm and come out strong. All of our players showed up and our leaders shined." -Captain Alex Chrostowski

"Seeing guys step up and go around the field making big plays shows our full potential. I think we are really coming together as a team, and with how we are performing, there's no one that can stop us." -Charlie Donohue

"We always play close games but this game we made enough plays to close it in the second half. We always fight but athletes making plays will be the difference maker going forward." -Gabe Maicon

FINAL QUOTE "Everyone gave 110% effort and it showed. We played hard on both sides of the ball. We will continue to grind and stay humble as we work on starting the playoffs strong." -Captain Van Villanueva

This upcoming weekend is the last game of the regular season. Bronxville plays Dobbs Ferry. It is also Senior Day so come out and cheer on the Broncos on Saturday, Oct 28th at 1:30pm at Chambers Field!

Go Broncos!

Inserted pictures:

1) Beloved Junior #4 "Nap" (Alex Napolitano) who was later injured celebrating with #44 Captain Van Villanueva

2) Junior #36 Will Mattson celebrating with other Broncos

2) Coach Patsy Manganelli leading the Broncos

3) Senior Day 10.28.23 Come All!