The Broncos celebrating after winning the NYS Class C Championship. Photo by Tara Bacigalupo

By S.Q. DeJoy and J. Murrer

Dec. 10, 2025: Last year, the Broncos were undefeated in the regular season but suffered an unexpected loss to Ardsley in the sectional semifinals. From that moment on, the Broncos never took their foot off the gas in order to achieve their ultimate goal-- a New York State Championship.

It is not easy to win states. You have to bring your best game week-after-week, and that is exactly what the Broncos did. They won sectionals and regionals and went on to defeat Chenango Forks, winning the state title for the second time in Bronxville history.

“Playing in the football state championship as a senior is a dream come true,” said Desi Heathwood. “We were all prepared and locked in and were able to come out on top. It’s incredible.”

In the championship game held at the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University on Saturday, the Broncos seized control early in the first quarter.  On their opening drive, Bronxville went for it on fourth-and-one, and Brian Formato put the Broncos on the board with a 41-yard touchdown run.

Bronxville scored again in the first quarter when Theo McMurray completed a fourth-down touchdown pass to Desi Heathwood. Moments later, the Broncos scored a third time when Brady Dolan forced a fumble and Walker Moore returned it for a touchdown, giving the team a 21-0 lead. Chenango Forks was finally able to get on the scoreboard in the last seconds of the first quarter.

The Broncos strong first quarter start was not surprising given how well the team worked together all season.

“This team came out and battled all year long,” said Brady Dolan. “It is an absolute honor to be part of such an amazing story.”

“The way we put our head down and worked together as a team was so amazing to see, and I’m so blessed to have been a part of it.” added Walker Moore.

In the second quarter, Chenango Forks stepped up their defensive effort, but the Broncos broke through late in the quarter. McMurray hit Freeman on a deep pass to set up a 30-yard touchdown run by Formato, giving the Broncos a 28–7 halftime lead.

Chenango Forks scored early in the third, but Bronxville’s defense kept the Blue Devils from building momentum with a sack from Anton Schmidt and strong coverage from Grant Patterson.

In the fourth quarter, Formato delivered again breaking free from an 84-yard touchdown run. After big gains from Formato and Will Molloy, Formato delivered his fourth touchdown of the game to bring the score to 42-13.

"Every time we stepped onto the field, we stepped out as one — the ultimate team,” said Formato. “We played for the person next to us, we knew our jobs, and we finished them.”

Chenango Forks mounted a late rally with two touchdowns, one coming off an onside-kick recovery.  The Blue Devils attempted another onside kick, but Bronxville’s Charlie Atkeson secured it, and a first down run by Formato allowed the Broncos to run out the clock.

“This weekend we did what we do--dominated a football game and brought home a state championship for our town we all love,” said Molloy.

For the first time since their 34–14 win over General Brown in the 2010 NYS Championship, the Broncos returned to the top of New York State football.

“This has been a truly incredible season,” said Harry Estrada. “The work ethic and togetherness of this team is what really gave us that extra edge to do something we hadn't done in 15 years.”

There are twelve seniors on the team but none more accomplished than Brian Formato who deserves special recognition. Formato and Sleepy Hollow’s Brayden Richardson each scored 42 touchdowns this fall, setting the Section 1 single-season touchdown record and surpassing the previous mark by Harrison's Sammy Maldonado.

Formato was named Section 1 Class C Player of the Year and the MVP for the Class C State Championship Game. In the state final, Formato rushed for 247 yards on 27 carries, and he finished the season with 2,455 yards of total offense.

Senior Walker Moore will continue his football career at Williams College next fall, and senior Kieran O’Neil will play at Bowdoin College.

The football team will return many starters next fall including junior Theo McMurray, who has been the Bronco’s starting quarterback for the past two years.

“This group really bonded well with each other,” said McMurray before the state championship game. “I have not felt this type of bond ever. It is definitely a huge part of our success. Everyone plays for each other and loves each other. It’s just an amazing bunch of guys.”

Other returning starters include Henry Scholes, Grant Patterson, Will Morrisroe, Charlie Atkeson, Will Molloy, and Anton Schmidt.

“Winning the state championship and everything that has followed is just surreal,” noted Schmidt. “The support from the school, our coaches, and our families has been unbelievable.  It matters. We want to win for Bronxville.” 

For Bronxville’s players, this championship meant more than just a win.

“Bronco football has taught me lessons in every discipline in life that I will continue to live by for as long as I live,” said Troy Neild.

The Broncos arrived back home on Saturday evening with a police escort to a sea of fans. Thomas Freeman, who played a key role as a receiver, linebacker, and kicker this season, reflected on the team’s journey.

“We have been with each other since 5^th- 6th grade and to end our journey as State Champs is a fairy tale ending,” said Freeman.  “Although a bittersweet feeling given that it was my last football game, there is no other way I would rather have it end and no other group of people I would have rather done it with.”

Go Broncos.

Photos below by Tara Bacigalupo

Photo below by Susie Secondo

Photo by Susie Secondo