By: Easton Fitzgerald
On Friday, September 17, the Eisenhower Knights clashed with the Seneca Bobcats for the 2026-27 Homecoming Football game. Although it was a well-fought and close battle, the Seneca Bobcats took home the win, 42-41. Heading into the game, the Knights were 0-3, unfortunately losing to Iroquois, Fairview, and Corry, still searching for a victory.
Seneca started the game hot with a 12-yard touchdown run, but would miss the following extra point. Following this, Eisenhower senior Joseph Gigliotti ran for 13 yards and scored Eisenhower’s first touchdown. Gigliotti had an incredible game, contributing to five touchdowns, running 17 times for 73 yards, and scoring two touchdowns. He also went 4-for-9 passing for 59 yards and added two passing touchdowns. He also scored an amazing 87-yard kickoff return touchdown, shocking the fans. Gigliotti also benefited the Knights on defense, with 10 tackles, truly showing his versatility and essence on the team.
In the second half, the Bobcats scored two more touchdowns and two extra point kicks, which left the score at 20-7. The Knights responded with two of their own touchdowns before the end of the second quarter. One was the 87-yard kickoff return, and the other was a 28-yard touchdown pass to Nolan Gesing. Gesing, also a senior for the Knights, performed exceptionally well on Friday, running 27 times for a whopping 190 yards, one of which being a touchdown, leaving him with two total touchdowns for the game. Additionally, Gesing showed his defensive abilities by making 12 tackles. Gesing played a crucial role on Friday, so The Squire grabbed him for an interview to get his perspective.
The Squire asked Gesing what areas he felt he performed well in during the game, and what he could improve. He replied, “I believe I performed well rallying to the ball,” essentially saying that he always made an effort to tackle the ballcarrier, even if it was not necessarily his guy. Gesing also added that he could improve on reading his guards and making quick decisions in game. Furthermore, The Squire also inquired on how the team prepared for such a big game. Gesing noted that they, “prepared by operating through a game plan that was designed by Mr. Penley.” He also added that their plan was to figure out exactly what Seneca’s top play was and figure out how to effectively counter it. The Squire would like to thank Nolan Gesing for his time and his effort towards the game on Friday.
Additionally, during halftime, the 2026 Homecoming king and queen were announced, with Michael Palmieri being crowned king, and Paisley Lawson being crowned queen. There was also special recognition for the 2025 Homecoming king and queen, Clara Steinberg and Xavier Nichols, with Trenton Courtney as a fill in for Nichols. Follow The Squire on Instagram to see pictures and to meet the rest of the 2026 Homecoming court.
Moving right along, the Knights came into the third quarter with another touchdown from Gigliotti, with the extra point by sophomore Chase Card. Seneca responded by tying up the game with a 23-yard touchdown pass, 27-27. Gesing then ran the ball for 9 yards to score another touchdown, ending the third quarter at 34-27. The Bobcats then tied up the game once more, 34-34, and it stayed that way for the rest of the fourth quarter, bringing the game into overtime. Coach Jim Penley stated that the Bobcats touchdown was at the fault of a confusing call by the officials while the Bobcats were in the Knights’ redzone, which gave them a first down when they were on a fourth.
In overtime, Senior Ollie Boozer was able to get open and receive a five-yard touchdown pass from Gigliotti, and with the extra point good, the score was 41-34. The Bobcats also managed to break through the defense and score a 10-yard run. Despite an earnest effort from the Knights defense, led by Senior Bryce Coleson with 15 tackles, the Bobcats got through once again for a two-point conversion. This, unfortunately, left the Knights down one point, ending the game 42-41, with a win by Seneca.
The Squire also took the time to interview Penley about the game on Friday. The Squire asked Penley if there was a significant part of the game when he felt more confident or disappointed in his team. He answered, “Gigliotti’s kickoff return touchdown sparking three consecutive touchdowns that turned a 20-7 deficit into a 27-20 lead.” Penley also added that he was, “Unbelievably proud of the effort in the game. It was a big rivalry game, and it showed with the effort both teams gave.” The Squire was thankful for Jim Penley sharing his perspective on how the game went.
The Knights look forward to this season and hope to get a win under their belt as the season progresses. Go support your Eisenhower Knights as they continue through the 2026 season and keep an eye out for the student section themes of home games to show IKE pride. Be there and be loud!
