By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Aug. 17, 2016:  Bronco preseason officially starts next Monday, but captains' practice started this week for football and several other teams. The football team workouts conclude each day with the usual sprints up Hawthorne Road, a grueling workout given the recent heat wave. Hopefully, the heat and humidity will break next week.

The Bronxville football team sprints up Hawthorne Road during captains' practice. Photo by J. Murrer

The Bronco football team will go back to playing its usual Class C opponents, Woodlands, Dobbs Ferry, and Rye Neck, a change from last season when it was bumped up into Class B because of increased school enrollment. Captains Jack Reilly, Brian DePaul, and Jack Flanagan are looking forward to the season.

L to R: Football captains Jack Flanagan, Jack O'Reilly, and Brian DePaul. 
Photo by J. Murrer

"It's our last year to play football," said Flanagan. "Jack's dad, Mr. Reilly, said it best. In basketball you can play when you are older and baseball you can have a catch, but football is the last time you are ever going to play. So I'm going to make the most of the season and give it my all." 

There are almost 30 juniors and seniors practicing this week, building camaraderie and hoping to get in top shape for the upcoming season.  

"Teamwise, there is nothing like football," said Reilly. "I just saw 30 kids out there working their butts off, trying to get better for us and the school. Bronxville football--there is something about it that represents the school that no other sport can. While I am also a basketball guy, that aspect of football--you don't get that in any other sport." 

"There are kids that you maybe did not hang with, but we all come together during football season," added DePaul. "We become a family when we play Bronxville football." 

Football players pause at the top of Hawthorne Road to do push-ups.
Photo by J. Murrer

Field space is usually at a premium during preseason practices, but this year with the addition of a parking lot at one end of Hayes Field and construction of a pump house at the other end, it will be even more challenging to find practice space for the football team. A smaller Hayes Field will be used through the fall.

Construction at Hayes Field.
Photo by J. Murrer

"We have realigned Hayes Field and will have use of the remaining grass area until November," noted Bronxville athletic director Karen Peterson. "The field hockey field will run from Midland to Meadow Avenue. Practice space will be tight, so we will look to utilize some off-campus facilities."

The football team opens at home on Saturday, September 10, at 1:00 pm. 

Go Broncos.

Pictured at top:  Bronxville football players sprint up Hawthorne Road on the second day of captains' practice.

Photos by J. Murrer