Varsity captains (l to r): Henry Scholes, Will Molloy, William Morrisroe, Anton Schmidt, Charlie Atkeson, and Theo McMurrary

By S.Quinn Dejoy and J. Murrer

Sept. 16, 2026: Bronxville football kicked off the season with a program-wide celebration on August 24, bringing together players in grades 3 through 12 and their families. The event, held in the faculty parking lot, featured food trucks and an opportunity for the entire football community to gather before the start of the season. Head varsity coach Patsy Manganelli, who was named the 2025 NYS Head Football Coach of the Year, welcomed the crowd and thanked parents for their continued support of the program.

Head varsity coach Patsy Manganelli at the August gathering.  Photo submitted by A. Civale.

 Interest in Bronxville football is at an all-time high, as evidenced by the activity on the Bronxville fields during the final weeks of the summer. The varsity and junior varsity teams were out in full force on Hayes and Chambers Fields, while the younger players in grades 3 through 6 practiced on the Christmas tree lot.

The third- and fourth-grade teams and coaches during preseason practice. Photo by S. Quinn DeJoy.

 The varsity roster includes 32 players, 18 of them seniors, many of whom have played together since elementary school. The youth program is also growing, with record partoicipation this year.  Over the past three years, the third and fourth grade team has typically had between 20-24 players. This year, 45 players signed up, enough to field two teams.  

 “Football, particularly in Bronxville, is the ultimate team sport,” said Anthony Civale, who coaches the third- and fourth-grade teams.  “It builds such great community and camaraderie and helps teach children the importance of effort, teamwork, and resilience.  We're blessed to have such committed volunteer parent coaches, passionate families, and an integration with the varsity program that is truly special."  

Anton Schmidt in the win over Albertus Magnus. Photo by David Fenner.

 Senior and varsity co-captain Anton Schmidt has experienced that sense of community firsthand during his years playing Bronxville football.

 “Playing football at Bronxville is about so much more than what people see on the field,” said Schmidt. “It’s about showing up every day no matter what you have going on outside football. You come to practice with the same level of intensity as you do on game day.”

 “We practice how we play,” added Schmidt, “and that’s part of the reason why we’ve seen so much success recently.”

 That success was on full display last season when the varsity team went 12-0 and won the Class C New York State Championship. This fall, the Broncos are currently ranked No. 8 in LoHud’s Section 1 Power Rankings and are the only Class C team in list.

 Quarterback Theo McMurray and lineman Henry Scholes were both named to LoHud’s Super 11 list in August, an incredible accomplishment for a Class C football program. The Super 11 list recognizes the top players in Section 1 regardless of classification. Three additional Broncos–Charlie Atkeson (WR/DB), Will Molloy (LB/RB), and Schmidt (OL/LB)– were named to the preseason Super 11 Watch list. 

The Broncos travelled north to Section 2 to play Class B Averill Park in their first game of the season on September 4^th. After falling behind 20-0, Bronxville battled back but ultimately lost to the Golden Knights, 34-28.

Returning to Section 1 play last Thursday at home against Albertus Magnus, the Broncos dominated from the start, defeating Albertus 62-0. 

Quarterback Theo McMurray in the game against Albertus. Photo by David Fenner.

 “Suffering a loss in our Week 0 game was very disappointing but also a great learning experience for the team,” said McMurray.  “Winning our Week 1 game definitely boosted the morale of the team. We have a lot of young guys, so it’s good to get them experienced in real games. We are super excited for our next game against Dobbs Ferry and are looking to go 2-1 as our season continues.”

Varsity Schedule

The strength of Bronxville football extends well beyond the varsity team. The junior varsity team opened its season against Westlake yesterday and will play five more games, with its first home game against Pelham on September 22^nd at 4:30.

Preseason practice for the junior varsity team. Photo by S. Quinn DeJoy.

The JV team gathers during a break in preseason practice. Photo by S. Quinn DeJoy.

 Junior Varsity Schedule

 Modified Football

The modified team at practice this week. Photo S. Quinn DeJoy

 Interest in modified football is strong this year. While the varsity and JV teams began practicing in August, modified football, in accordance with Section 1 rules, did not get underway not start until the first week of school. 

Bronxville Youth Football

The fifth- and sixth-grade team at the end of preseason practice. Photo by S. Quinn DeJoy.

Third and fourth graders after a preseason practice. Photo by S. Quinn DeJoy

Youth football is thriving in Bronxville with 33 players on the fifth- and sixth-grade team and 45 players on the third- and fourth-grade teams. 

The connection between the youth and varsity programs begins well before players reach the high school level. The teams use similar playbooks, techniques, and terminology, and the younger players serve as water boys on the sidelines during varsity games. 

“Every player and coach from 3rd-12th grade received a State Championship T-shirt after the varsity football win last year, reinforcing the integrated nature of our youth to varsity program,” said Coach Civale.

Bronxville youth football players cheering on the Broncos in their home opener last week. Photo by David Fenner. 

The youth teams play a 6-game regular season schedule playing against teams like Sleepy Hollow, Dobbs Ferry, Harrison, Scarsdale, Valhalla, Ossining, and Pleasantville. Opening night will be under lights at Haindl Field on September 19^th. 

 Go Broncos.

Theo McMurray (3), Will Molloy (44), William Morrisroe (52), and Anton Schmidt (51) in the game against Albertus Magnus. Photo by David Fenner.

Connor Mestl in the game against Albertus. Photo by David Fenner.

Harrison Ruffo in the game against Albertus. Photo by David Fenner.