They’re throwing the “T” word — title — around in Fort Greene.
The senior-heavy Engineers feel this fall is their time, the moment they have worked so hard for. They feel last year’s disappointing 4-5 campaign set the stage for a memorable senior year, the lessons they learned from narrow setbacks ready to pay off.
With 12 returning starters, including Division I prospects James Gales (running back/wide receiver/cornerback), Thomas Plonski (defensive end) and Kyvaune Brammer (wide receiver), and a number of promising underclassmen, Brooklyn Tech is talking about a championship.
“What we do this year is going to be our legacy,” Brammer said. “When they look back at the class of 2013, it will be champions, playoff contenders or losers.”
There may not be a more dynamic playmaking tandem in the PSAL than the 6-foot-3 Brammer, a Buffalo commit who had 17 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns last year, and the versatile Gales. Coach Kyle McKenna plans to use Gales out of the backfield — he ran for 1,125 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago — split out wide and even under center in Tech’s version of the Wildcat.
“He’s a player who has potential every time he touches the ball to do good things,” McKenna said.
The offensive line is as experienced as it is massive, led by center Justin Minucci, offensive guard Shaquille Williams and offensive tackle Zarique March. The biggest question for this group is at quarterback as McKenna may use senior Brandon Schneider and sophomore Elijah Rueda throughout the season, alternating them within games depending on the opposition and the game plan. The backup a year ago, Schneider is a capable thrower who can make plays with his feet. Rueda, a 6-foot-1 strong-armed underclassman, can stretch the field vertically.
McKenna is hoping to see improvement out of his defense after the unit was gashed for over 30 points four times. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Plonski, a Villanova commit, will anchor the line at defensive end and be joined by a host of others, such as March, Minucci, senior Ben Haye and junior varsity call-ups Keon Mash and Grey Abraxas. Seniors Terrence Busby and Tyler Dougherty and are key to the linebacking corps. while Gales will be assigned the opposition’s top receiver and Kareem Ellis will be on the other side at corner.
More than any individual player, McKenna has stressed fundamentals, such as better team tackling and communication.
“I expect this year we’re going to have a defense that will be a very formidable defense,” the coach said.
The group is a tight one, particularly the 25 seniors, many of whom played together on the junior varsity three years ago. McKenna’s first class, they are a strong-willed and dedicated bunch which hangs out together off the field and fights for another on it.
“They’re more than just friends and teammates — they’re like my brothers,” Brammer said. “It’s not like playing for a kid in school. It’s playing for family.”
While optimistic, the fourth-year head man stopped short of calling his season and let the chips fall where they may. team a title contender. He wants to have a solid regular
His confident players, however, are determined to make this fall special, and they aren’t afraid to talk about their extremely high hopes.
“It’s either championship or we’re gonna lose in the championship,” Gales said. “We’re definitely gonna make it to the championship.”