The Kellenberg Memorial High School football team has started its 2026 season with a decisive 21-10 victory over rival Chaminade, signaling a potential turnaround after a difficult 1-9 record in 2025. This opening-week triumph, achieved against a larger AAA program, marks the Firebirds' first win against Chaminade since 2021.
"That’s probably one of the best wins that I’ve had as head coach," said Firebirds coach Eric Meisse. Senior linebacker Joseph Mullin echoed the sentiment, declaring, "The birds are back!"
The team's renewed focus and improved performance are attributed to increased player commitment and enhanced training facilities. Alumni-funded upgrades to a strength and conditioning center have allowed players to add muscle and improve their physical readiness. "We all trained so hard — and we held each other accountable for it, too," said senior offensive lineman Christopher Biondi, who gained 30 pounds of muscle. Team workouts have reportedly boosted camaraderie and team culture during the offseason.
Despite the struggles of the 2025 varsity season, the Kellenberg JV team secured a championship, and many of those players have moved up to the varsity squad. "It’s a very talented group this year, and us seniors are pushing them; they’re pushing us," noted lineman Christian Jean-Francois. "Every practice — it’s a dogfight."
The team acknowledges past criticisms and the perception of being underdogs due to their AA classification. "People think we’re the underdogs because we’re in AA. That doesn’t faze us at all," Mullin stated. Last season, Kellenberg narrowly lost to the AA title-winning Xavier team in the playoffs, a game ending on a contested pass in the end zone. Junior running back Brendan Barkley expressed a desire for a rematch, aiming for a win this year.
Coach Meisse emphasized the need to maintain focus despite the early success. "Everyone’s very excited, but there’s a lot of work to do here," he said. "We still have 12 more weeks together. One week’s not going to define the season. It’s great, but it’s something to build off of."
The Firebirds are looking ahead to a schedule that includes matchups against other AA schools, as well as a non-conference game against AAA opponent Cardinal Hayes on September 19. "We’re not just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk," Jean-Francois added. "And show the whole island, the whole state of New York, what we could do."