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Port Chester, Mamaroneck Meet in Rivalry Game

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- For two years, Jason Ippolito has reluctantly had to stand and watch the annual Port Chester-Mamaroneck football game. In his freshman year, Ippolito was promoted to varsity following his junior varsity season. He witnessed a Port Chester win. Last year, a broken collarbone sidelined him from the game as the Rams escaped with a one-point victory. Ippolito will finally get his opportunity to play when the Rams travel to Mamaroneck for the 85th renewal at 7 p.m. Friday in front of what should be a huge crowd. The winner receives the Athletic Director’s Trophy, named in honor of former Port Chester AD Anthony “Zimbo” Zimbalatti and former Mamaroneck AD Leor “Roy” O’Neill. Port Chester has a stranglehold on the trophy, winning the last two years. “Coach Domestico has the trophy in his office,” Ippolito said, referring to Greg Domestico. “We took a look at it today. We want to make sure it stays there.” Ippolito will line up at fullback and outside linebacker when the teams take the field. “Last year, not being able to play, was really frustrating,” said Ippolito, a junior. “Standing on the sidelines watching my friends and teammates play and working really hard made me want to play.” Port Chester prevailed last year, 27-26, as Mamaroneck’s two-point conversion on the final play of the game fell incomplete. It was the second consecutive loss for the Tigers. Starting quarterback Parker Thelander, a senior, does not want the streak to reach three. Thelander missed the 2009 game with a concussion. That made him eager to take the field last year and he responded with an excellent game. “Last year’s game was everything I thought it would be. It was a back-and-forth battle for four quarters. It was fun to be a part of this," said Thelander, the strong-armed, mobile quarterback who can hurt a team with his legs or his arm. "I remember after the game last year, walking to Sal’s Pizzeria for pizza and people, who I didn’t even know, were congratulating me on a good game. That summed up how important this game is because you are not doing it for yourself, you are doing it for the people in your community.” Thelander said the success of each team’s program does not depend on wins and losses. Instead, it hinges on one thing. “The history of this rivalry goes way back,” Thelander said. “When it comes time for the game and people don’t care about the record, they will ask how we did that year against Port Chester.”

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