On Saturday, September 27, before a vocal home crowd, the Kings County Steelers faced the undefeated Bronx Knights at New Utrecht High School.
Knights star running back Eyden Perez had a stellar game on the ground. Perez broke a number of long runs, one of which came very close to converting on a fourth down and long situation.
In the second quarter, the Knights caught the Steelers off-guard when Perez slipped out to wide receiver and took advantage of a blown coverage assignment for their only score of the night that ultimately became the game-winning touchdown. The Knights converted the extra point, giving them an 8-0 lead.
The Steelers’ offense came out firing this game, moving the ball down field on a number of exciting pass plays from starting quarterback Sal Miciotta, as he found wide receiver Artie Acevedo and tight end Luciano DiPreta for big gains.
Acevedo led all receivers with four receptions, including a couple of spectacular catches in traffic. Miciotta was locked in and completed five of the nine passes he attempted, as his offensive line, anchored by Daniel Torres and Carmelo Santana, gave him time to operate against the feisty Bronx Knights defense.
The Steelers’ defense was dominant, coming through in the clutch. Defensive end Acevedo led the charge on defense, creating havoc with the help of fellow defensive linemen Vincenzo Deriggi and DiPreta.
The Steelers’ linebacker core played exceptionally on crucial downs as linebackers Sean DellaTorre and Luka Skoda made big plays to stifle the Knights’ offense. Linebacker Faheem “Junior” Clark had a break-out game, as he made plays all over the field. Strong safety Carlo Miciotta made some big hits, contributing to the Steelers’ physical defense.
As the clock wound down, fans were treated to a nail-biter. The Steelers had one final chance to tie the game in the final minute but the drive stalled just inside the Knights 30-yard line, as Miciotta’s final pass of the day fell incomplete.
The Bronx Knights took home a hard-fought victory and remain undefeated. Their head coach commented on his respect for the kids of the Kings County Steelers, stating, “That was our toughest game of the season.”