Reporter: Alex Campbell
This past Thursday, the Mamaroneck High School Tigers took a road trip upstate to take on John Jay East Fishkill, opening up Section 1 AA play. After a close 20-13 loss to Somers High School in the opener, the Tigers were looking to get back on track and defend their 2025 Section 1 AA championship, and they did just that. Mamaroneck thrashed John Jay EF, beating them 47-7.
It was a dominant performance by the Tigers, with star quarterback James Fitzgerald accounting for five TDs in the first half. It was an efficient day for him, with the junior QB going 11-for-14 passing for 250 yards and four scores through the air. He also complemented his passing game with a rushing TD. Three of Fitzgerald’s touchdowns came from long range, with bombs of 84 and 40 yards.
Senior running back Mark Leibowitz, who was a member of last year’s title squad, got on the board with his first rushing touchdown of the year. The defense also played a superb game with sacks and batted passes, and a forced fumble by junior free safety Owen Koby. Mamaroneck found themselves with a 40-7 lead at the half and put in the second string for the final two quarters. Koby, who also plays running back, found the end zone in the second half to put the game at 47-7.
The Tigers came into this game ranked 84th in the state with John Jay EF at 126th, but this win helped to boost their rankings. They now sit second in the league standings, as well as ranking 35th in the state, sixth in Division AA, and seventh in Section 1. Despite their setback in Week 1, they are still in strong contention for trophies, with the Week 1 loss coming to a Division A squad in Somers, who is ranked first in their division this week.
The Tigers’ hunt continues with a league matchup on Friday, on the road at Arlington High School. While the Admirals are third in the league standings, their resume leaves more to be desired, with a shutout loss to Division AA #9 Middletown, and a blowout win against Division AA #54 Ketcham.
Will Mamaroneck be able to continue their charge through Section 1 AA? That will be the question coming into this game. This matchup looks favorable for the Tigers, but success comes from consistency. They will have to take care of business on the road this Friday at 6:30 at Arlington High School.
