Pictured: Thomas Freeman, Coach Patsy Manganelli, Walker Moore, Brian Formato, and Coach Lou Cicillini

By S.Q. DeJoy and J. Murrer

March 19, 2026: Three members of the Bronxville High School varsity football team were honored as Westchester’s top football scholar-athletes at the 52nd annual Golden Dozen Awards Banquet, hosted by the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Seniors Brian Formato and Thomas Freeman were each selected as Golden Dozen recipients, one of the highest honors for high school football players in Westchester County. Teammate Walker Moore was also recognized at the event as a scholar-athlete.  The Golden Dozen Award highlights the student-athletes for their performance on the field, accomplishments in the classroom, and commitment to community service.

Formato, Freeman, and Moore—captains of the 2025 football team—led the Broncos to an undefeated season and a state championship, the second in Bronxville history.  All three players were named All-Section and All-State for the 2025 season.

Head coach Patsy Manganelli praised the student-athletes and the significance of the recognition.

“The Golden Dozen is one of the most prestigious awards an athlete can receive in Westchester County. Brian, Thomas, and Walker exemplify what it means to be true student-athletes both on and off the field. Our program’s foundation is built on effort, and these athletes exhibit elite effort not only on the field but in everything they do. This award is much deserved.”

Formato, a running and defensive back, scored 42 touchdowns in 2025, setting the Section 1 single-season touchdown record.  In the state championship game, he rushed for 247 yards on 27 carries and finished the season with 2,455 yards of total offense. Formato received numerous honors for his efforts including New York State Class C Co-Player of the Year, Section 1 Class C Player of the Year, and MVP of the Class C State Championship game.

Freeman, who played receiver, linebacker, and kicker for the Broncos, also had an outstanding season and was named Section 1 Class C/D Defensive Player and Defensive Back of the Year. Freeman will continue his football career at Princeton University in the fall.

Moore was named Section 1 C/D Receiver of the Year after an exceptional season at tight end and defensive end. He will play football at Williams College in the fall.

The Golden Dozen ceremony took place on March 10^th at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, where the top 12 high school football players in Westchester were honored, along with 13 players recognized as scholar athletes.

First established in 1974, the Golden Dozen is widely considered the highest honor for high school football players who demonstrate excellence both athletically and academically. Since its inception, more than 600 student athletes have received the award.

The recognition of Formato, Freeman, and Moore reflects the strong tradition of academic and athletic excellence within the Bronxville football program.

Go Broncos.