The Yonkers Guardians officially kicked off their first football season Friday, marking the debut of a newly unified team created from two longtime cross-town rivals.

The merger combines the former Yonkers Force and Yonkers Brave programs into a single squad, a move district leaders say was driven by fiscal challenges, while also creating a more competitive program.

Players say bringing together two successful teams has strengthened the program's potential.

“The Force and the Brave - both were the top two teams in our division,” said senior quarterback Brendan Mulvihill. “Combining both of us means we're going to be successful because we were successful on our own.”

According to Anibal Soler Jr., superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools, the merger allows the district to continue offering football while maximizing resources and competitiveness.

Head coach Doug Hogue said the team has embraced the transition and is focused on building a winning culture.

“Our kids are committed. They play with passion. They play with their hearts,” Hogue said. “They definitely have a championship attitude.”

District officials hope the new structure will provide student-athletes with a stronger overall experience and create more opportunities for future success.

Looking ahead, the district plans to add a freshman football team to strengthen player development and build a pipeline for future talent.

“Hopefully in the near future, we want colleges knocking on our door, saying there's a lot of talent in Yonkers,” said Jamell Scott, executive director of athletics. “We've known that for many years. We just have to make sure it's done right.”