Dobbs Ferry Eagles Prove Young But Mighty

The Eagles have a three-year chip on their shoulders, having missed out on what was once an annual trip to the New York State playoffs.

Widely-recognized as the elite program on the small-schools circuit in the early-to-mid 2000s, Dobbs Ferry was once untouchable atop the Section I mountain.  

Though the Eagles may have lost a bit of their clout since the days when Kevin Farrington delivered pinpoint passes and gruff taskmaster Skip Violante's no- nonsense style took the section by storm...   

When diminutive but tough-as-nails back Rich Burke gashed defenses, broke tackles, and withstood more shots to the head than a Mike Tyson opponent in 1991, while navigating deftly through opponents' defense...

When 6-foot-5 Danny Juvan repeatedly hit go-to receiver Zack Connet for touchdown strikes...  

Or when Rob Alexander carved up defenses, breaking tackles and leaving numerous defenders tasting turf as quickly as they gave chase... 

 Now, those days are just distant memories, and this year's team refuses to look back. 

 "We're not trying to be anyone we used to be," said senior quarterback Justin Kennedy, who impressed many with his arm at the recent 7-on-7 clinic at Gould Park in Dobbs.  

 "We just want to get everyone together. We can't keep looking back on the past. We're starting over now. We're just finding our identity and getting ready for the season. We'll take everything one game at a time and hopefully get back to where we once were."  

 The Eagles must shed their immature reputation. With just two seniors on the roster, Dobbs Ferry is boasting an unprecedentedly young squad. 

Junior John Yozzo-Scaperrotta will undoubtedly play a significant role. After a solid showing in the Rye 7-on-7 challenge, the 6-foot-1 player showed he's ready to make the switch from receiver to halfback.  

As a big, physical receiver last season, Yozzo-Scaperrotta made several crucial grabs. He gobbled up passes from since-graduated quarterback Sam Connett and breaking tackles. He hauled in six catches for 46 yards during a 46-22 walloping of non-league foe Putnam Valley.  

 Yozzo-Scaperrotta pulled down a 27-yard pass and later capitalized on a five-yard touchdown strike during a 28-0 trouncing of Rye Neck, a game in which he also recorded four solos and two assists.

The Eagles needed Yozzo-Scaperrotta's manpower during a crushing 24-7 loss to a Bronxville squad that took home last year's Section 1 title.  

 That lopsided affair, which saw Bronxville take a commanding 21-7 lead into the intermission, was Dobbs Ferry's first regular season loss since falling to a senior-powered Hastings team at Reynolds Field in 2000.  

 Bronxville, which returns many of the essential ingredients that helped put the Class C school on the map last year, will once again have a bulls eye on its back.

The Eagles, who captured New York State championships in 2002, 2004, and 2006, haven't forgotten about that humiliating defeat.  

 "In our eyes, the goal is to really work hard and beat Bronxville to show that yeah, we're young, but we can still hand a beat down to whoever looks down on us," said Yozzo-Scaperrotta.  

"With practice comes perfection. We know we all have to work hard in practice. If you look back at last year, with [all-state running back] Devonte Brailsford, I mean he set a great example. Whenever he touched the ball, he took it as far as he could. So whenever we touch the ball, we're taking it as far as we can and giving it 150 percent no matter what. If not, you're coming off the field. Everyone pretty much understands that now."

 The team features just two seniors, Justin Kennedy and running back Eddie Fanning, both of whom have struggled with many injuries.  Though the team was missing a lot of its essential players, Kennedy showed promise during Dobbs Ferry's 7-on-7, where Eagles coach Chris Wagner had the opportunity to burn the formations and plays into his players' minds.  

Fanning, favoring his banged-up knee, sat out of the competition, which also featured Croton and Hen Hud.

Both seniors have been chosen to captain the Eagles, and Kennedy impressed many with his arm during Rye's annual 7-on-7 competition.

While the Eagles will feature a workhorse ground game, Kennedy has no problem letting the ball fly.  

Fanning has all the attributes to develop into go-to receiver. He works out religiously with Kennedy and the two have developed a strong QB-Recevier connection, since they've both played on the varsity team since their freshman seasons.  

 "He's got great hands, just a really great touch," said Kennedy of his classmate. "Anytime I throw it up, I know he can come down with it."

Fanning played more of a defensive role last season, piling up tackles.    

The go-to receiver will likely be Spencer Avalos, who runs efficient routes and can pull down passes with ease and agility.

Yozzo-Scapperata and Avalos will likely shoulder the receiving duties, although Kennedy has other options with Rocco Cipriano also on the field.

 And the Eagles also will likely invest a great deal of playing time in freshman-giant Timmy Soave, who will likely play some defensive end from the start. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound player will also be utilized at fullback.  

 "We're expecting a lot out of him," said Kennedy. "He's got the size and power to make an immediate impact."  

 Will Dobbs Ferry renew their winning ways this season? Or will they be be written off because of their youth?    

 It all remains to be seen.

 Practice officially begins August 20 at Gould Park.