Pelham Football’s historic season came to an end Friday night in a 35-7 semi-final loss against top seeded Somers. 

The Pelicans came in with a lot of momentum, finishing the regular season with a 6-1 record, as well as their first playoff win since 2011. Somers got hot early in the game, however, scoring two touchdowns in the 1st quarter. The rest of the game followed the same trend. Daniel Fredbeck scored the lone touchdown for Pelham on an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The team finishes the 2021 season 7-2, their only losses being against top seeded programs in Somers and Rye.

Pelham has not enjoyed this type of success in a long time, being at the bottom of the league in the last few years. This year, Pelham turned it around led by captains Thomas Shelton, Josiah Campbell, Luke Green and Daniel Fredbeck. The Pelicans were able to beat longtime rivals such as Eatschester and Harrison in statement wins for the program.

“Playing for this team was something special,” Green said. “I’ll never forget how hard we worked to be the best possible football team we could. I’m proud to have led a group of warriors.”

Campbell agreed it had been privilege to play for Pelham. “This season was one for the ages like I knew it would be,” he said. “I just hope I made an impact as a captain even more than I made on the field. This group will be remembered by Pelham football forever.”

While PHMS football faced an unfortunate ending, there is a lot to like about the program’s future. Juniors such as Green, Callum Reen, Teddy Johnson and Timmy Meyer will look to keep up the success next season, and try to push the team back into the playoffs.