At Least There Was Some High School Football This Year in Yonkers!

Congratulations to Yonkers Force Football Coach Dan DeMatteo, all of the coaches and most of all the players, for coming back to play this shortened year. photo by DOCWSZOLEK Photography

By Phil Foley


Sad to say the Yonkers Force football team had to cancel their last game of the season this Saturday due to Covid protocols. I know Coach Dan DeMatteo must be really disappointed with this development. They were supposed to have played Portchester HS at Roosevelt HS Field.


I asked Dan for a comment on his team and the season where the Force managed to play 2 games going 1-1 on the shortened schedule. Coach DeMatteo said “Sad that the season is over but couldn’t be prouder of my team and coaches…. they handled the adversity so well and just kept working… this senior class is special and I am glad that we were able to have a season with them. They set up the underclassmen for a good Fall season. I told my team in our very first meeting this season that”any amount of football is better than no football” We make it a point to enjoy every moment and take nothing for granted. My players left it all on the field and did everything I asked of them…I could not be prouder!!!”


The Yonkers Brave lost last Friday night at White Plains HS 40-0. Coach Vic Chiappa told me “The kids played hard and never gave up”! This Saturday the Brave are scheduled to play John Jay-East Fishkill HS at Saunders Field. Kick off is 3pm.


The Yonkers Rising will once again be awarding a Player of the Year Award to one player from the Force and the Brave! Look for the winners real soon in the Rising!

We appreciate your hard work and effort. And congratulations to the Yonkers Force on winning the Cup! And thanks to DOCWSZOLEK Photography for the great shots! We will try to report on some of the springs sports coming up. Email pfoley14@aol.com with your scores, team rosters and photos.