CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - In just their second year together, the John Jay 5/6 football team captured the championship at Contest Field on Sunday, Nov. 2. Remarkable, considering the boys didn’t even have a winning record last year. This time, they faced White Plains—and the results spoke for themselves.
The explanation, according to running back Nate Stingone, was simple: “We turned into sixth graders.”
His teammate Forge Martin added a bit more perspective after the final seconds ticked off: “We worked harder than everyone else.” The raised trophy from a hard-fought 7-0 victory proved their point.
Defense Sets the Tone
John Jay started the game methodically. White Plains’ offense was stopped after just three plays, while the Wolves’ defense came out strong. Gus Bubaris nearly intercepted an early pass, Martin deflected another, and the entire front line shut down a quarterback sneak.
Taking over at their own 27-yard line, White Plains moved the ball slowly, gaining only four downs, while Stingone carried much of the load. After three short runs for seven yards, the coaches trusted him to keep going—and he delivered with a 43-yard burst to the 33.
Caiden Jones powered through for five yards on the next play, and Stingone followed with another five to reach the 22. An illegal procedure penalty set them back slightly, but Stingone responded with a 15-yard gain for the first down. “They finish for me,” he said of his offensive line.
White Plains continued to fight, forcing a fourth down, but John Jay converted. A few plays later, Stingone faced another fourth-and-three situation.
“He’s really fast and quick. You can’t really tackle him,” said Jack Sandford. Stingone plowed through for six points and ran in the conversion, giving John Jay a 7-0 lead.
Second Half Dominance
The defense stayed strong in the second period. A crushing tackle by Martin reminded everyone that “you have to be able to run with the big dogs,” and the Tigers found themselves struggling against John Jay’s relentless front line.
Stingone continued to make plays, though a holding penalty erased a promising run. Martin also made key defensive contributions, including an interception. “I came from the edge, and James Velishka batted it up in the air,” Martin said. “I saw it, I jumped—but I got tripped. I was so close!”
Late in the first half, Stingone burst through the line on a 52-yard run to the end zone—but another penalty nullified the score. Still, John Jay went into halftime with a 7-0 lead, confident in their game plan and execution.
Finishing Strong
The defense continued to dominate in the second half. Bubaris broke up a crucial pass, and Martin powered through the line to secure first downs. Despite a few penalties slowing progress, John Jay’s defense repeatedly stopped White Plains’ drives.
With just 1:40 remaining, Stingone sealed the championship with a critical first down.
“It feels great,” he said modestly.
Even players in supporting roles appreciated the team dynamic. Cornerback Luke Salerno, primarily a reserve, said: “It’s really fun to be on the team because we win a lot, and all the guys are like brothers to me.”
Note: Meanwhile, the undefeated 3/4 team continued its perfect season, defeating the Cortlandt Panthers 33-12 on Saturday, Nov. 1.
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