For the first time in what seems like a long time, there weren’t any shocking results in Week 8. The favorites, for the most part, held serve. Our top five from last week – Fort Hamilton, Erasmus Hall, Curtis, Clinton and Tottenville – remains intact.
There was, however, some movement at the bottom of the list. Sheepshead Bay moved from No. 10 to No. 8 after its latest Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde impression. Lincoln and Campus Magnet move up, to No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, after victories, and New Utrecht makes its triumphant return at No. 10, replacing Flushing.
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Here’s how The Post’s full rankings break down:
1. Fort Hamilton (8-0) (Last week: 1)
Win or lose Saturday afternoon, the Tigers will receive a top seed. They won’t fall lower than No. 3. That doesn’t mean the tilt with No. 10 New Utrecht doesn’t hold plenty of meaning for Fort Hamilton. First, it is a rivalry game – between a pair of playoff teams – that is always heated and features plenty of drama. Second, with a victory Vinny Laino’s club would complete its second consecutive perfect regular season and pick up its 23rd straight regular-season win. Postseason success is what the Bay Ridge power craves, but this would still be a nice feather in their cap, er, helmet.
Next: No. 10 New Utrecht (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
2. Erasmus Hall (8-0) (2)
If Erasmus was a prizefighter, lately it would be one who just pecks away at an opponent and wins a decision in 12 rounds rather than one who finishes off opponents with a resounding knockout. The Dutchmen are capable of being the latter, they just haven’t looked that way lately in lackluster wins versus Boys & Girls, Midwood and now Grady. Tottenville, which hosts Erasmus on Friday night, won’t go down quite so easily.
Next: @ No. 5 Tottenville (Oct. 30, 7 p.m.)
3. DeWitt Clinton (7-1) (3)
Very quietly the Governors have established themselves as one of the most explosive clubs in the city. They have scored 45 points twice and broken the 30-point barrier three other times. Unlike past seasons, Clinton’s offensive is diverse. It can beat you throwing the ball with Joaquin DeJesus just as easily as jamming it down your throat with Onell Dishmey and Anthony Smith.
Next: Columbus (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
4. Curtis (7-1) (4)
Not a weekend goes by when Shaquan Coles fails to impress. The junior tailback, who leads the city in rushing yards with 1,232 and rushing touchdowns with 16, had 124 yards on the ground in Saturday’s 48-6 trouncing of Bayside. He also returned a kickoff 85 to the house, just the latest exploit for this dynamic back.
Next: @ Port Richmond (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
5. Tottenville (6-2) (5)
The Pirates have looked very solid since a disheartening win against Curtis in Week 6. They beat up on New Dorp, then came back on Susan Wagner in an exciting tilt Saturday on the road. Marvin Staten has been a revelation at running back and quarterback Jon Derbyshire has a knack for making big plays. That combination can take Tottenville a long way.
Next: @ No. 2 Erasmus Hall (Oct. 30, 7 p.m.)
6. Lincoln (5-3) (7)
The Railsplitters have failed to knock off an elite contender, falling to No. 1 Fort Hamilton, No. 4 Curtis and No. 9 Susan Wagner. Lincoln, though, has handled playoff teams Flushing and Grand Street Campus well. And Shawn O’Connor kids obliterated 4-4 Midwood, routing the Hornets, 26-0, on Saturday. That statement win may just have to wait until the postseason.
Next: Grady (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
7. Campus Magnet (6-2) (8)
If the Bulldogs go on to make a deep run into November, they can point to their final drive Saturday afternoon as the turning point. They were about to blow a game they had no business losing, trailing Flushing by a point midway through the fourth quarter. The drive began on the Campus Magnet 20-yard-line. Quarterback Scott Gadsden quickly moved the Bulldogs downfield, putting them ahead with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Karim Pierre. It was the kind of comeback victory, against a quality opponent, Eric Barnett’s kids needed to give themselves the needed push with the playoffs looming. The talent to win a few postseason matchups is there and now so is the confidence.
Next: Bayside (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.
8. Sheepshead Bay (5-3) (10)
So, wait, which Sharks are which? Is Sheepshead Bay the team that came the closest of anyone to beating Fort Hamilton in Week 1, the one that ravaged Brooklyn Tech this weekend? Or is it the team that looked so lackluster against Port Richmond in Week 7? It’s a trick question. The Sharks are both – dangerous against every team in the city and capable of putting up a real stinker, too.
Next: Canarsie (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
9. Susan Wagner (4-4) (7)
Wagner could have beaten Tottenville on Saturday. The Falcons led throughout until the Pirates tied it at 22 with 9:00 left in the game. Wagner looked to run out of steam after that and wasn’t able to put together a drive or get a stop. Much like Sheepshead, coach Al Paturzo’s kids are talented, but prone to inconsistency.
Next: @ New Dorp (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
10. New Utrecht (5-3) (NR)
The Utes have one of the best offenses in the city, yet they continue to fly under the radar. A 29-0 win against Grand Street Campus will help remedy that. Jordan Paul is an up-and-coming quarterback and Davon Collins is second in the league in rushing. New Utrecht will be a force in the playoffs.
Next: @ No. 1 Fort Hamilton (Oct. 31, 12 p.m.)
New: New Utrecht (5-3)
Dropped out: Brooklyn Tech (5-3)
On the bubble: Flushing (5-3), Brooklyn Tech (5-3) New Dorp (4-4), Lehman (4-4) and Midwood (4-4) and Port Richmond (3-5)