Football: Undefeated PMHS wins first Colonial Cup since 2006, beating Eastchester 35-20

By Tobias D'Amore, Staff Reporter|October 3, 2021

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Courtney Valente

The PMHS football team celebrated with the Colonial Cup.

PMHS football advanced to 4-0 with a resounding 35-20 win over Eastchester on Friday night. 

The victory not only preserved the team’s undefeated streak, but also marked Pelham’s first Colonial Cup win against longtime rival Eastchester since 2006. 

“I’m proud of these kids and how hard they worked,” said head coach Artie Viggiano. “They wanted this thing, they wanted it more and they went out and won it.” 

Junior captain Luke Green and Pelham Athletic Director Christian Hodge. (Courtney Valente)

In the triumphant win, running back Thomas Shelton tallied 187 yards on 24 attempts, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He also recorded 3 touchdowns and added 25 receiving yards to earn the Colonial Cup’s Best Running Back of the Game Award. 

Do-it-all senior captain Daniel Fredbeck also had a big night. He recorded five tackles and added a 74-yard kick return to clinch the game for the Pelicans. 

On the defensive side, junior safety Teddy Johnson returned an interception for a touchdown to put Pelham up 14-7 early on and had 5 tackles. Senior linebacker Connor To anchored the defense with 7 tackles, while senior defensive end Josiah Campbell made the game-sealing sack.

Senior captain Thomas Shelton and Pelham Athletic Director Christian Hodge (Courtney Valente)

“I told everyone what was going to happen this year before the season started,” said Campbell, also a captain. “You guys all know it now. We’ll continue to keep doing what we’re doing. We want Harrison next week.” 

Lineman Luke Green and Shelton received game MVP honors. Green was more than ecstatic about the team’s 4-0 start, “ I can’t even express it,” he said. “Lets go, and let’s keep rolling. On to Harrison.”

The entire team looks to continue next week against Harrison. The Huskies have also enjoyed a strong opening to the season, sitting at 3-0. Things might change, however, as they play the No. 4 ranked Rye Garnets Saturday.