John Jay High School, Cross River, NY — The sun began to set over the Contest Field, and night crept in as the 0-3 Pelham Pelicans were set for a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday with the 1-2 Wolves on Homecoming night, under the lights. The student section, better known as “The Pack” was certainly packed into the near side of the bleachers, sporting all-white, standing shoulder to shoulder, and buzzing with excitement. They brought the energy from kickoff to all zeroes on the clock, as the hometown Wolves were able to secure a much-needed 15-9 victory.
After back-to-back disappointing Friday nights against Eastchester and Yorktown with scoreless efforts in each, the Wolves looked to get back to winning ways against Pelham in the most hyped-up game of the year.
The Wolves seemingly got off to a hot start, as Senior Dom Savastano took the opening kick to the house, but a flag on the play called it back. John Jay still had a short field to work with, starting on their own 45 yard-line. Junior quarterback Tommy Machado took advantage a couple plays later, as he took a read-option 30-yards, muscling his way into the endzone for 6. The PAT was good by senior kicker Abel Berganza to put the Wolves up 7. That would be the only score of the first half, as both sides struggled to sustain drives and move the chains.
During the break, each class paraded a lap around the track for the culminating activity to an eventful spirit week at John Jay High School. Each class had a different theme with the Seniors being Disney, the Juniors Nickelodeon, the Sophomores Cartoon Network, and the Freshmen ESPN.
Pelham received the ball to start the second half, looking to even the score. However, the Wolves defense hounded the Pelicans for a quick 3-and-out. After a short punt, the Wolves began on Pelham’s 41. They wasted no time, as they put the ball in Senior Running Back, Luca Duva’s hands, and he brought it all the way for a house call. Duva also punched in a 2-pt conversion to put the Wolves up 15-0.
Another big play came in the 3rd quarter when John Jay punted, and the ball was muffed by a Pelham player. Junior Manny Ruiz swooped in to scoop it up and give possession back to the Wolves.
Later, with 2:40 on the clock, Pelham was driving down the field. They marched all the way down to John Jay’s 4-yard line. The Pelican QB rolled out right looking for the endzone, but Junior Sean Maddock was there to jump the route for a critical pick.
With 2:35 remaining in the 4th quarter, Pelham got some momentum going with a safety after the Wolves were forced to begin their drive from their own 1 after the interception. They got the ball back, and the Pelham QB connected with a receiver on a 31-yard strike for a touchdown. All of a sudden, Pelham had made it a game, as the scoreboard read 15-9 after the kicker connected on the field goal.
Pelham attempted an onside kick, but John Jay recovered. The offense trotted back onto the field to run the best play in all of football, victory formation, as they took a knee and heard the sound of the buzzer to improve to 2-2 on the season, as Pelham fell to 0-4.
Postgame, emotions were running high. Senior linebacker Jabob Jones was thrilled, as he exclaimed, “It’s a dub baby!” He also mentioned that “Everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth.” To say Jones was hyped would be an understatement. Senior Safety James Arefieg mentioned that he was happy to escape with a win, saying, “We almost lost, but we were able to get the job done.” It was a great night all around for John Jay players, coaches, and students on Homecoming night. The Wolves will hunt for another win Friday, October 6th against Mahopac.
