Section XI Student Media team member Keira Kenny wrote the following story. 

Before Ward Melville’s Suffolk County Championship showdown with William Floyd, I had the chance to speak with senior captain Victor Bergamaschi, a player whose hard work and leadership have defined the Patriots’ remarkable season. Ward Melville went on to defeat the Colonials, 31–28, earning a spot in the Long Island Championship—one final game for this special group. As Victor prepares to graduate and move on, he hopes to leave behind one lasting message: never take a single day for granted.

Victor has been part of the Ward Melville Football family for four years, and the experience has meant everything to him. He hopes younger players understand just how fast the time goes.

“Never take a single day for granted,” he said. “Whether it’s offseason work or practice, every day with your boys is a blessing.”

His teammates, coaches, and the moments shared within this program are what he treasures most.

He also credits his coaches—especially Coach Russo and Coach Sorbera—for helping shape him into the player and leader he is today. Victor’s development is also the product of years of offseason training. His dedication has put him in the position to lead the Patriots on their championship run.

As the team prepares for its biggest game of the year, Victor explained how he manages the pressure of playing in front of a massive crowd.

“I take a deep breath, look at my boys and the crowd, and forget about all the expectations and pressure for a second,” he said.

In those moments, he reminds himself that they’re out there to play football—and to enjoy it.

Victor and the Patriots will face the Massapequa Chiefs this Friday at 12 p.m. in the Long Island Championship. It will be a battle, but Ward Melville enters the game with the work ethic, chemistry, and leadership needed to compete for a title.