Peglegs Split Opening Games to Start 1-1

by Eli Lifton (#5)

On Saturday, September 14, the Stuyvesant Peglegs opened their 2024 regular season against Lehman Campus High School. Motivated after a narrow non-league loss to Petrides 12-13, the Peglegs were determined to start the season strong. However, they had a rough beginning, falling behind 12-0 after allowing an 80-yard rushing touchdown on the first play and then another score following a three-and-out. The Peglegs rallied, marching down the field to score a touchdown before halftime, and again in the second half to take a 13-12 lead.

Their momentum was short-lived as Lehman responded immediately with a kick return touchdown, regaining the lead by 7. The Peglegs drove down the field once again, but a fumble on the 7-yard line gave the ball back to Lehman. Undeterred, the Peglegs forced a three-and-out and drove back down the field to score, but missed the two-point conversion, leaving them down 20-19. Lehman then struck with another 80-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead by 9 points. Despite an impressive 80-yard touchdown pass to junior Isaac Peng, time ran out, and the Peglegs fell 26-28. Although disappointed, the team showed significant improvement and looked forward to applying their lessons in their upcoming home game against John Adams.

In contrast to Week 1, the Peglegs came out strong for their home opener against John Adams High School. They opened the game with a drive down the field, highlighted by a 30-yard run from junior Aiden Bailey, and capped it off with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Peng, going up 6-0. The defense was dominant from start to finish, allowing only 25 yards of offense by John Adams and didn’t give up a first down. After several stalled drives and key defensive stops, the Peglegs capitalized on good field position, scoring their second touchdown to extend the lead to 13-0. A 15-yard touchdown pass to senior Daniel Teboul pushed the lead to 19-0 by halftime.

The second half continued with the defense setting the tone. Senior Eli Lifton recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown, sealing the game with a 25-0 shutout win—marking the Peglegs’ first home victory in two years. Looking ahead, the Peglegs are eager to build on this momentum in front of their home crowd. With homecoming against Flushing High School—the team that spoiled Stuy’s homecoming last year—the Peglegs are seeking redemption. Confident in their progress, they are ready to show the Stuy community the team they’ve become.