Peglegs 2024 Season Preview

by Eli Lifton

Welcome to the 2024 Stuyvesant Peglegs Football Season!

Take a look at what to expect from the Peglegs this fall:

There’s no denying it—the Peglegs had a tough season last year, finishing with a 1-7 record. The challenges began in Week 1, when they allowed a last-second 30-yard touchdown to lose against Franklin K. Lane. In Week 3, they made a valiant 4th quarter comeback but fell in overtime to John Adams, and in Week 6, they were stunned at their homecoming with a heartbreaking 2-point loss to Flushing. The season was filled with close calls that never seemed to go the Peglegs’ way.

Like all football teams, the Peglegs knew they would be losing key contributors from the previous season. Captain Aristotle Miller and two-way starter Tobias Oyaniran, who is now heading to play at Wabash College, both graduated. Additionally, Junior Captain Bodhi Sabongui transferred to state champions Cardinal Hayes in hopes of pursuing football at the Division 1 level.

Positives Amidst Challenges

Despite last season’s record and the loss of senior leadership, there were positives to take away. The introduction of PSAL All-Access Program allowed the Peglegs to expand their roster, welcoming players like junior Aaron Beck (WR/DB) from the I-School, senior Ant Ferreira (OL/DL) from the Murry Bergtraum Campus, and senior Taj Dawkins (OL/DL) from LaGuardia. The team also retains significant talent, with 16 returning varsity players, most notably junior Captain Eli Lifton (ILB/HB). Many of the returning players are expected to take on larger roles this year. Additionally, several young players are coming up from the 2023 JV squad, which posted an impressive 5-1 record. 

Coach Simerau, who had his first year coaching Stuyvesant last season, has quickly become popular with the team. His leadership and guidance were instrumental in the team's growth during a challenging season.

A Strong Preseason

With last year's challenges behind them, the Peglegs had a much more productive preseason this year. Thanks to support from Peglegs alumni, the team was able to return to camp—a tradition that had been paused due to COVID-19. The camp provided the players with valuable practice time and much-needed team bonding.

The Peglegs also had two preseason scrimmages. In a four-way scrimmage, they dominated, scoring six touchdowns and allowing none. In their scrimmage against Petrides, they narrowly lost 12-13 but walked away with plenty of positives and a clear idea of what to improve before the start of the  regular season.

Looking Ahead to the 2024 Season

The Peglegs are eager to kick off the season and face the challenges that lie ahead. In Week 1, they’ll face a tough Lehman team, whose running back led the league in rushing yards last year. Despite the formidable opponent, the Peglegs are ready to step up to the challenge. They’re particularly excited for their matchups against John Adams and Flushing at the Pier, where they’re hoping to exact revenge for last season’s losses.

The Peglegs have been putting in hard work and are determined to show their fans who they truly are this season. After an injury cut his season short, senior quarterback and Captain Vitaly Pyagay put it, “We’ve been working harder than ever. Last year’s struggles only made us stronger, and we’re ready to prove ourselves.”

A Team Ready to Succeed

The Peglegs are ready to grind for success. After a difficult 2023, this group of players and coaching staff are determined to prove that they have what it takes to be winners. As Coach Simerau said, “This team has grown in ways that stats don’t show. We’re not the same team as last year, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve.”

With enthusiasm, talent, and hard work, the Peglegs are ready to make their mark on the 2024 season.