Scarsdale Varsity Football Team Opens Season 2-1 After Loss to Mamaroneck

The Scarsdale Raiders varsity football team opened the 2026 season with two impressive home victories before suffering its first loss Friday night, September 25, in an away game against Mamaroneck High School. The Raiders are now 2-1 on the season.

The first two games showcased a potent offensive combination in senior quarterback Patrick Simon and junior halfback Shane Kelly. The two speedsters have provided the Raiders with a formidable one-two punch in the backfield, repeatedly finding holes and breaking away from opposing defenses.

Scarsdale opened the season on Thursday, September 10, with a 40-14 victory over Yonkers Guardian at Butler Field. The Raiders followed that with a 42-13 win over John Jay on Friday, September 18, also under the lights at Butler Field.

Simon and Kelly Lead the Raiders' Offense
Simon and Kelly were at the center of Scarsdale's offensive success in the first two games.

Simon ran for three touchdowns in the season opener. Against John Jay, he added another rushing touchdown, bringing his total to four for the season after two games. He also threw two touchdown passes in the John Jay game — a 60-yard pass to wide receiver Luke Iasiello and an 18-yard pass to tight end Hunter Ross.

Kelly matched Simon's three-touchdown performance in the second game and had an extraordinary night against John Jay. On just eight carries, he rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns, including a 69-yard touchdown run.

Simon carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards and a touchdown, with his longest run covering 31 yards. He also completed two of seven passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including the 60-yard scoring pass to Iasiello.


Simon is one of four team captains, along with fellow seniors Lucas Handwerger, Lars Burrows and Winston Schwartz.

While the Raiders' offensive success clearly centered on Simon and Kelly, the team's offensive and defensive lines also deserve credit. The lines consistently gave Scarsdale's backs room to run while keeping opposing offenses in check.

A First for the Senior Class
The victory over John Jay also marked a memorable milestone for Scarsdale's seniors: it was the first time any of the current senior football players had defeated a John Jay football team.

During timeouts and halftime, the Scarsdale crowd was energized by 10 SHS student cheerleaders dressed in white, who incorporated gymnastics into their routines. A Scarsdale student pep band also performed at a football game for the first time this season. The band was led by Brian Zeller.

The Raiders' speedy backfield duo repeatedly carried the ball downfield, with Simon and Kelly using their quick, track-team-like feet to evade defenders and find the end zone. It may be difficult to determine which is faster, but both have proven difficult for opposing defenses to catch.

Coach-to-Quarterback Communication
Another notable feature of the Raiders' first two games was the communication between Simon and head coach Andy Verboys, who is in his 20th year as Scarsdale's varsity football coach.

Before virtually every offensive play, Simon and Verboys communicated about the play call before the ball was snapped. The coach-to-quarterback communication appeared to serve the Raiders well during their first two victories.

After the season opener, Verboys praised Burrows, Handwerger and Kelly for their performances.

Following the John Jay victory, the coach again praised Simon and Kelly, while emphasizing the contributions of the entire team. Among the other players he singled out were Lucas Kowalski, Noah Dembitzer and Gavin Costello.

All 42 players on the roster saw action during the first two games.

Raiders Fall to Mamaroneck
The Raiders' winning streak came to an end Friday, September 25, when Scarsdale traveled to Mamaroneck High School.

On a cold and windy night ahead of the nor'easter, the two teams battled to a 14-14 tie until late in the fourth quarter. With 4:48 remaining, Mamaroneck connected on a long pass for the go-ahead touchdown and held on for a 21-14 victory.

The loss leaves Scarsdale with a 2-1 record as the Raiders continue their 2026 season.

Photos by Dave Taber. See more and buy yours here.