YONKERS, NY (July 14, 2026) Former foes are now united on one football team for all Yonkers high schools. The Yonkers Public School District introduces the Guardians.

Since 2018, the Yonkers Brave and the Yonkers Force have competed as crosstown rivals. The team names paid tribute to the Yonkers Police and Fire Departments, whose members have long supported and mentored student-athletes.

The Guardians name continues to honor the courageous protectors of the city, under one banner. District leaders believe the combined muscle and might of these two fine programs will position Yonkers as a formidable contender in pursuit of victory. The last time a Yonkers school captured the New York State High School Football Championship was 30 years ago, in 1996.

“Even as we embark on a new chapter for high school football in Yonkers, it is important that we continue to recognize the contributions of our first responders,” said Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools Anibal Soler, Jr. “We were at a crossroads with our football program and I believe merging into one team will give our student-athletes a stronger, richer experience and be more sustainable for the district. We also celebrate the new head coach who is a hometown hero.”

At the helm for the Guardians is head coach Doug Hogue, whose own football career started right here, in Yonkers. In 2006, Hogue earned First-Team All-State while playing for Roosevelt High School. He excelled at Syracuse University, where he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. He later played in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions and the Carolina Panthers.

“I view the football field as an extension of the classroom, where the ultimate goals are building character, fostering teamwork and helping young men develop into successful leaders,” Hogue said.

The Guardians’ new emblem features a plumed Corinthian helmet centered within a shield. The helmet’s nose guard and angled eye protectors combine to form the letter, “Y,” creating a symbol of strength and Yonkers pride.

The district will invest in the future of the program by adding a freshman football squad beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. This will strengthen the player development pipeline and produce more talent for the existing junior varsity and varsity teams.