Washingtonville Wizards continue winning streak during homecoming game

The Washingtonville varsity football team continues its winning streak, reining in its fourth consecutive win and its sixth this season in an electrifying homecoming game Saturday afternoon against Minisink Valley. In the end, the Wizards were victorious 41-7. Check out photos from the day here! 

Washingtonville demonstrated its talent and determination in its two previous games against Goshen and Wallkill, securing dominant victories with final scores of 37-7 and 35-7, respectively.

Head Coach Joseph Delgardo said before kickoff that his players entered the homecoming game eager to continue building that momentum on their home turf. 

“It meant the world,” said Coach Delgardo about the team’s exceptional season. “I grew up here, I came through Washingtonville, I’ve been here the last ten years with this program, so it means everything to me. Everyone’s focused this year, everyone is together as a team; this is a family, and that’s what I’m trying to build.”

What makes this homecoming game extra special is the newly renovated athletic field, fully equipped with alternate shading, blue and gold end zones and a shock pad for safety and a better athletic experience for students and the entire community for years to come. Additional enhancements include improved drainage, a new press box, scoreboard, fencing, and LED lighting. 

“It's just been tremendously exciting to see the pride that our kids and community are taking in,” said Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Suzanne Lendzian. “Really just seeing the passion, pride, and purpose that our student athletes are playing with out there and really putting forth in all the efforts, of course, even in their academics, because most of our teams are also scholar athletes.”

Wizard family and fans rocked blue and gold apparel as they proudly cheered players on from the stands. Class of 2024 alumnus Anthony Nesmith attends every game to watch his little brother, Ayden Nesmith, the cornerback, play.

"My brother plays on the team, so I come to every game,” Anthony said. “It’s really crazy how everything has changed; I love the energy they play with, I love the field, I love everything about Washingtonville football. It’s really amazing coming back and watching them play.” 

That Washingtonville pride was on full display as cheerleaders and pep band kept the energy high from kickoff to the final whistle. The cheerleaders delivered dynamite dance routines and stunts, while the band played high-energy beats to keep the crowd cheering throughout the game.  

High school sophomore Rebecca Gelardi highlights that homecoming games foster a strong sense of community pride and help students connect, particularly through the student section. Most recently, the crowd wore pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. Click here to read more about the initiative with the Wizards Against Cancer club.

“I feel like a true Wizard when I attend football games,” she said. “I like dressing up with the theme, sitting in the student section and doing all the cheers. We did pink out last week.” 

Washingtonville Wizards will continue to celebrate and show off their school spirit at the homecoming dance this evening, providing students with the perfect opportunity to carry the high energy and excitement from the afternoon's victory into the night.