Mahopac Central School District’s new Unified Flag Football team kicked off its inaugural season with an unforgettable trip to MetLife Stadium, where students and coaches took part in a special event hosted by the New York Giants and Special Olympics New York.
Mahopac, along with teams from Greenburgh North Castle, Irvington, Brewster, Hendrick Hudson and Byram Hills, will compete in the first-ever Unified Flag Football season for Section I of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) over the next several weeks, culminating in a championship game later this fall.
At the MetLife event, student-athletes enjoyed lunch and refreshments before heading to the field for a player meet-and-greet and team photos. They then took part in a series of fun skills-and-drills activities, working alongside Giants players including Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning, wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and defensive end Elijah Garcia.
Mahopac Unified Flag Football co-coach Shaun McGee described the day as one the team will never forget.
“It was the best day ever,” McGee said. “Our players were able to get signed autographs and take pictures with the players. Everyone caught passes from Eli and practiced their touchdown dances. You could tell all the Giants players were there because they wanted to be there and that made the event extra special.”
Mahopac unified athlete Brianna DelVecchia shared her excitement about the day.
“MetLife was a great experience,” DelVecchia said. “I caught a pass from Eli. It was really fun!”
Mahopac’s Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics Steve Luciana emphasized how meaningful the experience was for the students and for the district as a whole.
“Unified athletics are about inclusion, teamwork and joy,” Luciana said. “Seeing our students learning from professional athletes and celebrating the day together is what makes sports so powerful. This program is helping to strengthen our sense of community both on and off the field.”
The trip marked an inspiring start for Mahopac’s Unified Flag Football program, which continues to build on the district’s strong tradition of inclusive athletics and student engagement.
