Family and friends came out to witness the Senior Bowl on Sunday as the Section 1 South team came back from a halftime deficit against the North team in a 20-9 win.
"It was awesome to work with some of the best players and best coaches," said the South's head coach, Michael Oliva of Irvington. "This game was a great experience and a lot of fun."
The comeback was led by Scarsdale quarterback Andrew Verboys and Woodlands defensive end Da'Sean Downey. Verboys earned the offensive player of the game award with a two-touchdown performance.
"It was an honor to play with these special guys and I'm happy to help them to get a win," Verboys said.
Downey, who had three sacks, claimed the defensive player of the game award.
"I was excited and blessed to have the opportunity to play this game with these guys and I'm happy to come out with the win," Downey said.
The North team dominated the first half with time of possession and ball movement, but could not score touchdowns in the red zone, allowing the South to stay in the game. Momentum shifted after the South's Justin Riccio of Woodlands snared an interception.
The South followed the interception with an 11-play drive that was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Derwhon Bartley of Nyack.
After that drive, the South collected three more turnovers, keeping the North team from regaining the momentum.
Many players were grateful for the opportunity to play in Sunday's game and they felt sympathy for the seniors who didn't get to play their last game due to Superstorm Sandy.
Section 1 officials cancelled the last game of the season for many footballs teams due to the destruction of the fields left by the storm.
"I feel they could have done a lot more for the seniors who didn't get the chance to play their last game," Downey said.
Oliva also thought that Section 1 could have done better with its decision.
"I thought it was a disgrace that we didn't get to play the last game," Oliva said. "I think it was really unfortunate."
Oliva said Section 1 could have turned a negative into a positive, and was really disappointed with the decision.
"We (Irvington) were ready to play Dobbs Ferry on Thanksgiving and we would have given the proceeds to Hurricane Sandy relief funds," Oliva said. "I just think we and Section 1 dropped the ball on that."
