Most of the favorites survived the first round Saturday, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t entertaining games. Brooklyn Tech needed two overtimes and a conversion on 4th-and-long to upset Thomas Jefferson and DeWitt Clinton’s late touchdown from Joaquin DeJesus to Malachi Lawrence did in favorite Erasmus Hall.
This week is expected to provide even more thrills. There are just eight teams left standing after 10 weeks of PSAL football. Here’s how we break everything down:
1. Tottenville (10-0) (Last week: 1)
The Pirates beat Grand Street Campus, 40-8, in a game that wasn’t even that close. Tottenville had 34 points by halftime, but took its foot off the accelerator. It has been the rare team that hasn’t played a bad game all season. The boys from Huguenot will try to continue that dominance in the quarterfinals.
Next: No. 6 Boys & Girls, PSAL City Championship quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
2. Fort Hamilton (10-0) (2)
The Tigers’ defense, big, strong and fast, rarely gets mentioned among the city’s elite. There is no reason for it not to. The unit, which boasts two of the best pass-rushers in the five boroughs in Rasheem Stroud and Kevon Foster, not to mention expert ball hawks in Brandon Reddish, James Howell and Travon Segure, has allowed all of 88 points in 10 games, less than 10 points per every Saturday. Factor in virtually every contest has been a blowout, that the backups have given up a few meaningless touchdowns, and those astounding numbers could be shockingly even better.
Next: No. 7 Brooklyn Tech, PSAL City Championship quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
3. Lincoln (10-0) (3)
The Railsplitters have been here before, undefeated and riding high, championship dreams dancing in their heads only to fall short. Shawn O’Connor feels this team is different from previous ones that fell in the quarterfinals, more matured, talented and poised. We’ll find out this weekend how different this group truly is.
Next: vs. No. 8 DeWitt Clinton, PSAL City Championship quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
4. Campus Magnet (8-2) (4)
This year was another step in the right direction for the Bulldogs, a seven-win season that included a victory over defending city champion Curtis. It was a good season, but it can be great with a victory on Saturday over those same Warriors. Campus Magnet should’ve made the semifinals last year, but couldn’t hold onto the ball in a loss to eventual runner-up Tottenville. This game isn’t on Staten Island, it’s at home. Eric Barnett’s kids can make a statement here that they’re part of the city’s elite.
Next: vs. No. 5 Curtis, PSAL City Championship division quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
5. Curtis (7-3) (6)
We felt good for running back Shaquan Coles last Saturday, the senior breaking off a 44-yard touchdown run in a 20-7 loss to Flushing after injuries have set him so far back over the last year, ruining his postseason last fall and limiting him this year. A breathtaking talent, Coles isn’t all the way back yet, but he’s getting closer every week.
Next: @ No. 4 Campus Magnet, PSAL City Championship division quarterfinals
6. Boys & Girls (6-4) (7)
If the Kangaroos want to pull the upset of all upsets this Saturday, go to Huguenot and beat undefeated Tottenville, the conversation starts and ends with their defense. The unit has plenty of ability, speed to burn and good size, but does give up a lot of points. The Pirates, as we all know, can score against anyone, and do it fast enough to make your head spin. That’s your matchup because Boys & Girls will find the end zone a few times against the Tots’ bend-but-don’t-break defense. Stopping the Staten Island juggernaut, well, that’s another thing.
Next: @ No. 1 Tottenville, PSAL City Championship division quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
7. Brooklyn Tech (6-4) (10)
No team will be coming into the quarterfinals riding higher than Brooklyn Tech, which needed a 4th-and-18 conversion in the second overtime to eliminate Thomas Jefferson on Saturday. The Engineers are big up front, tough, clutch and well-coached. They’re the kind of team that could give Fort Hamilton problems in the quarterfinals.
Next: @ No. 2 Fort Hamilton, PSAL City Championship quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
8. DeWitt Clinton (5-5) (NR)
The Governors could have easily packed up their bags and said “wait til’ next year” when two straight forfeits after a brawl with Flushing made them an unsightly 1-5. But Clinton hasn’t lost since – it hasn’t lost a game on the field since Oct. 2 against Fort Hamilton. Coach Howard Langley’s bunch needed late-game heroics to beat Erasmus Hall in the first round and it’ll look to continue the hot streak Saturday against top-seeded Lincoln.
Next: @ No. 3 Lincoln, PSAL City Championship quarterfinals (Nov. 20, 12 p.m.)
9. Erasmus Hall (7-3) (5)
Calling Saturday’s game a heartbreaker would be inappropriate given the events of Saturday. Erasmus athletic director Marshall Tames had a heart attack in the press box at Midwood Athletic Complex while he was working the PA. Some fast-acting heroes and the presence of an AED helped save his life. The Dutchmen, though, would end up falling 20-16 to Clinton on a late touchdown. Tough day all around for E-Hall.
Next: Season complete
10. Thomas Jefferson (7-3) (8)
The Orange Wave’s phenomenal season ended a little prematurely. Jefferson was unable to pull through in a two-overtime war with Brooklyn Tech in the first round Saturday. It doesn’t take anything away from coach Gus Cyrus’ squad’s amazing campaign. This is a program to watch in the future.
Next: Season complete
New: DeWitt Clinton (5-5)
Dropped out: Flushing (5-5)
On the bubble: Flushing (5-5), Susan Wagner (5-5), Lehman (4-6), Grand Street Campus (3-7), Port Richmond (3-7) and Sheepshead Bay (3-7)