Bronxville celebrates after defeating Dobbs Ferry in the sectional semifinal. Photo by David Fenner.

By J. Murrer and S.Q. DeJoy

Nov. 8, 2023: The Bronxville football team is headed to the Class C Section 1 Championship after a 27-6 win over rival Dobbs Ferry at historic Gould Park last Saturday. In the other semifinal bracket, Westlake defeated Valhalla 21-6. Bronxville and Westlake will play at noon this Saturday at Arlington High School.

The Broncos started the season on a high note, defeating Section 9’s Chester 28-0 in the first game of the season, but lost their momentum mid-season with losses to Haldane, Dobbs Ferry and Tuckahoe. They rallied in mid-October with wins over Woodlands and Valhalla and finished the regular season with an overall record of 3-4 and league record of 2-4.

Of the five teams in Class C, four made it to the playoffs: No. 1 Westlake, No. 2 Dobbs Ferry, No. 3 Bronxville, and No. 4 Valhalla. Bronxville was the underdog in the matchup with Dobbs Ferry as they lost to the Eagles 12-7 earlier in the season.

"The team showed up to play,” said Captain Charlie Donohoue. “Despite the things that many were saying against us, we proved them wrong. It was a great win for the team and the town, and we are already moving on to next week's game.”

On the first sunny Saturday in many weeks, Gould Park had a festive feel as the Dobbs Ferry team arrived with a marching band and cheerleaders. The Broncos brought many fans, including Bronxville football alumni. In the semifinal matchup, the Eagles were the first to score, but the Broncos answered back before the end of the first quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Connor Kenny to Will Mattson to give Bronxville a 7-6 lead.

In the second quarter, Bronxville’s Davis Patterson scored after the Broncos took advantage of a Dobbs Ferry fumble to bring the score to 14-6. Before the end of the first half, the Eagles ran the ball into the endzone, but the touchdown was called back due to holding.

The Broncos scored two more touchdowns before the end of the game. Late in the third quarter, Jack Gangemi intercepted a Dobbs Ferry pass, and a score by Brian Formato gave the Broncos a 20-6 lead. Late in the fourth, Bronxville’s Thomas Freeman had another Bronxville interception leading to a second Formato touchdown. The Broncos defeated the Eagles 27-6. Bronxville’s Gabe Maicon scored three extra points.

"We played our style of football,” said quarterback Kenny. “We didn't let them dictate what we were going to do. All we had was each other. We played as one team, and we prevailed.”

Bronxville and Westlake will meet for the second time at the Class C Sectional Championships. The Broncos lost to the Wildcats 21-8 in their final home game of the regular season.

"I am really proud of our guys,” said Captain Van Villaneuva. “No one wanted this to be our last game, especially the seniors. We played for each other, and we played for our one square mile. We are putting in the hard work this week and will give a 110% effort at Arlington."

Go Broncos.

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