As Queen’s “We are The Champions” played throughout the village, Pleasantville High School’s football team was honored with a parade this Sunday for their state championship win.<\/p>\n
The Panthers, coached by Tony Becerra, defeated Chenango Forks 28-14 in the Class B state championships on Nov. 26 at the\u00a0Carrier Dome in Syracuse to secure the school’s first state championship.<\/p>\n
The parade began at the intersection of Wheeler Avenue and Bedford Road, proceeded along Bedford Road, then marched to the Pleasantville High School Circle. Over 100 people, from parents to Panthers of the future, showed up for the parade.<\/p>\n
The players were satisfied with the audience that showed up to honor the team’s accomplishment.<\/p>\n
“It’s great to see the community come out for events like this,” senior and team co-captain Tim Driscoll told the crowd. “I know it’s been said, but we really appreciate your support. You have no idea how great this feels, we’re never going to forget it.”<\/p>\n
“This was a great team win and I’m thrilled that you all came out to celebrate with us,” said senior Jack Minerva, who, like Driscoll, is also a team co-captain.<\/p>\n
Coach Becerra, who captured his 100th victory as head coach in the championship game, was also appreciative of the show of support from the community throughout the entire 12-1 season.<\/p>\n
“Whether you made the ride up to Syracuse, or packed yourself into Foley\u2019s or just followed the game on your phone, we felt like this team could not be denied,\u201d\u00a0 Becerra said.\u00a0\u201cWe can\u2019t do what we did without your support. The reception that we got last Sunday night when we got back to Pleasantville was nothing short of remarkable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senior Nicholas Salzarulo, who received the loudest reception of the seven captains who spoke, said\u00a0<\/em>what made the championship win so special was the long-term bond the players have had going back years ago.<\/p>\n “It feels great, especially doing it with guys you grew up with since you were so young,” Salzarulo told Lohud<\/em>.<\/a> “I\u2019ve said that a lot, but to actually do it is amazing. We said from Week 1, it\u2019s a lot easier said than done going to the [Carrier] Dome. But we came here and we finished it. We\u2019re the No. 1 team in the state.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n