Yonkers Brave - Victor Chiappa, Head Coach

Yonkers Force – Daniel DeMatteo, Head Coach

(YONKERS, NY)  With great enthusiasm, Yonkers Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez released the names of the new 2018-2019 Yonkers merged football teams.  “Yonkers Brave and Yonkers Force,” proclaimed Rev. Lopez, “the names themselves project the fortitude, strength of character and determination of our students, families and community.  The Trustees are proud to be a part of the resurgence of our sports program.”

New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) Section I recently approved the Yonkers merged football teams which initiated the District search for highly qualified head coaches.  From eleven (11) applicants for the two (2) head coaching positions a team of Yonkers administrators with input from the Yonkers Council of PTAs selected Victor Chiappa and Daniel DeMatteo.  “We have made progress with our athletics program over the last three years,” noted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada.  “Yonkers athletes have more varsity options and we are building sports enthusiasm and competency through our two-year old Middle Years Intramural Sports program.  With the addition of Yonkers Brave and Yonkers Force there is a very bright future for athletics in the City of Yonkers.”

“Congratulations to the newly merged Yonkers Public Schools football teams,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Knowing sport builds character and life lessons, we are proud our high school athletes are reengaged into a dynamic sports program that will provide them further opportunities to grow and mature.”

Yonkers Brave will be students from Lincoln and Riverside High Schools, Saunders Trades & Technical High School and Palisade Preparatory school.

Yonkers Force will be students from Gorton High School, Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies, Yonkers Montessori Academy and Yonkers Middle High School.

About the Coaches

Yonkers Brave - Victor Chiappa, Head Coach

• Head Coach - Saunders HS 2008-2009
• 2008 Section 1 League Coach of the Year
• 2014 - Present – Assistant Varsity Football Coach New Rochelle HS
• 2001 Assistant Varsity Football Coach SUNY Cortland
• Assistant Coach: Clarkstown South HS, John Jay HS, Harrison HS, Nyack HS
• 2014 – Present Yonkers Physical Education Teacher
• 2002 Graduate SUNY Cortland, played football 1997-2000
• 1996 Graduate of John Jay High School, Cross River NY

Yonkers Force – Daniel DeMatteo, Head Coach

• Head Coach - Gorton HS from 2004- Present
• 2014, 2015, 2016 Yonkers Bowl Champs
• 2015 Section 1 Service Award Winner
• 2005 Section 1 Coach of the Year
• 2005 Section 1 Bowl Champs
• 2004-2007 2011, 2014-2017 Yonkers City Champs
• 2000 – Present - Yonkers Physical Education Teacher
• 2000 Graduate of SUNY Cortland
• 1994 Graduate of Charles E. Gorton High School, Yonkers NY