Tigers take down Boys High for second win

Fort Hamilton 22 Boys High 6

After beating New Utrecht last week for their first win of the season, the 1-3 Tigers were looking towards this meeting with Boys High as “a playoff game” since their chances of reaching this season’s post season depend on bouncing back for the rest of the season.

As the opening coin toss commenced at midfield, Assistant Coach Reggie Wilson stirred the Tigers up in their huddle, reminding them what was at stake by repeating, “Remember what our mission is; remember what our mission is!”

The first half ended in a deadlocked 0-0 tie as linebacker Jermaine Garner began that mission to lead the Tigers on defense to keep the Kangaroos away from the end zone.  Returning to the field for the third quarter, the Tigers then took charge on offense as Michael Brooks scampered to the 10-yard line on a 40-yard run, which he eventually converted to the first score of the game.

Late in the third quarter the Tigers forced Boys High to punt deep from their own end to Daquan Glover who scooped up a bouncing end-over-end kick at the Fort Hamilton 40-yard line.  Picking up blockers along the way, the speedy senior rocketed down the near sideline and then fought off a last Kangaroo defender at the goal line for the score.

Remarking on his game-breaking run for a touchdown, Glover stated, “I asked the coach to put me on punt coverage for the second half,” said the confident senior.  “Once I got that ball on that bounce I followed my blockers down the left side just like my coaches taught me.”

Starting the fourth quarter with a 16-0 lead along with game momentum, the Tigers quickly scored again as quarterback Sharif Legree led the Tigers down to the five yard line with a hand off to Noah Solano for the knockout punch of the game. Not wanting to be shut out, the Kangaroos pushed hard and finally scored on their last possession of the game on a 10-yard run by Brandon Payne to make the final score 22-6.

Summing up the game for his team’s second win of the season, co-captain Brooks stated, “The defense really stepped up today and allowed our offense to stay on the field so we could score.”