By Phil Foley
It was Yonkers version of “Friday Night Lights” on Sept. 24, as the Yonekrs Force and the Yonkers Brave faced off for the City Trophy in the YPS’ big game of the year, played at Roosevelt High School. It was a well played, hard-fought, defensive struggle that went to overtime with the Yonkers Force pulling out a 12-6 victory!
I spoke to both coaches after the game, and both were very proud of their teams efforts.Yonkers Force Coach Anthony Fava said, “Our kids played their butts off all game. We came into this game with several key injuries and everyone of our kids stepped up to secure this victory! Hats off tot he Brave for fighting to steal the Cup back. They’re a tough and well coached team. It was a great night for the City of Yonkers!”
Offensively for the Force Atticus Oelkers had 11 carries for 103 yards and scored the winning TD in OT! Atticus also was 5-10 passing for 45 yards. Atticus was named the game’s Offensive MVP. Ryan Joseph added 13 carries for 73 yards and a TD for the Force.
Coach Fava told me defensively Bryan Espinal was a Beast up the middle, recording 12 tackles in the game, and 6 of them for losses! He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. His effort earned him a nomination for LoHud Player of the Week.
Brave Coach Vic Chiappa wanted to praise three of his players for a real great game: They are Manny Romero who scored on a 1 yard rushing touchdown. Dajour (DJ) Holmes had 170 yards rushing and had a tremendous game at quarterback. Coach Chiappa praised Sherif Tazi for a great game on defense.
Tickets for the game were restricted to family and staff because of COVID, but even with the limits, the crowd was loud and into the game, and the buzz was back at Roosevelt HS field.
This Friday the Brave visit New Rochelle HS. Kick off is 6 pm. The Force travel to Fox Lane this Saturday. Kick off is 6:30 pm. Good luck guys!
