Mount Vernon Knights beat Yonkers Brave in thrilling Unified Homecoming

Hundreds of maroon-and-gold fans cheered during a nail-biting 18–14 Mount Vernon Unified Homecoming win over the Yonkers Brave on Friday night – a thrilling game of heart-pounding football suffused with community pride. 

Head Coach Mark “Sparx” Murray said before kickoff that his players were ready to give it their all in front of the home crowd.

“We are excited and ready to play for the unified game, which brings our community together,” Murray, a 2006 graduate of MVHS, said moments before kick-off.  

  From the stands, his biggest fan — his mother, Sonya Murray — proudly sported a shirt emblazoned with her son’s nickname across the back as she interacted with family and friends while pacing back and forth.

Before the game, the stands erupted in applause as a long line of seniors took the field, each holding flowers for their families — a Homecoming tradition symbolizing gratitude and connection.

Among them was senior Damani Edwards, the team’s new kicker.

“I just started playing for the team,” he said with a grin. “I’m Jamaican, and they took me for my soccer skills – so it’s a nice opportunity.”

The Knights wasted no time giving their fans something to cheer as the bright lights were turned on, casting a gridiron glow that left the filling stands in relative darkness.

They took a 6–2 lead late in the first half, then added another touchdown before halftime to make it 12–2. Early in the second half, the Knights stretched the margin to 18–2 and appeared to be cruising with just over a minute left in the third quarter.

But the Brave weren’t done just yet.

They mounted a furious comeback, scoring twice in the fourth quarter to pull within 18–14. As Yonkers threatened again, the crowd’s roar and cheerleaders’ chants echoed through the field.

In the stands, the tension was palpable. Senior Michael Samuel’s parents watched intently as Yonkers rallied.

“It’s crazy right now,” said his father, Rohan Samuel, eyes locked on the field.

“He practiced and worked so hard,” added his mother, Kayan Robinson. “I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish after he finishes school.”

Mount Vernon’s defense dug in, holding strong to preserve the victory and improve their record to 3–2, extending a winning streak that now stands at three games, including the 26–20 triumph over Ketcham.

The win was especially sweet for the Knights, who had fallen to Yonkers 36–28 last season in September 2024.

As part of the Homecoming 2025 celebration, a colorful keepsake football journal was sold to commemorate the athletes and community and raise funds for future events.

The publication paid homage to Sasha Gay-Harris, the team’s athletic trainer, who “continues to embody true Knight spirit — dedication, resilience and heart.”

“She’s there for our student-athletes on and off the field all year round, providing care, guidance and unwavering support,” the journal noted.

Another special shoutout went to Joanne Maxwell, “who wears many hats — team photographer, school mom and sister to our very own Coach Sparx.

“You are our personal memory creator, and your kindness touches every student-athlete, parent and coach in the Mount Vernon community,” the glossy publication said.

During the game, Ms. Gay-Harris was everywhere with her camera and large zoom lens — capturing the action while cheering loudly as the Knights held off Yonkers’ final drive. 

The crowd’s chant of “Go Knights!” grew louder with every defensive stop until the final whistle sounded and the stands erupted in joy.

The Knights will now take their momentum on the road to face Ramapo in Rockland County on Thursday — riding high after a memorable Homecoming night that brought Mount Vernon pride to life under the lights and onto the surrounding streets.