Fort Hamilton, the #1 high school football team in New York City was supposed to breeze through the playoffs. They were 11-0 going into the semi-final game against #5 Curtis. Fort Hamilton had previously beaten Curtis earlier in the season and entered the game with high hopes. Curtis, however, had a chip on their shoulder.
Led by Penn State bound defensive end Dominique Easley they did everything within their power to prevent a second loss to Fort Hamilton. Curtis struck first, but Fort Hamilton was able to control the tempo of the game. With just minutes to go and vociferous crowd behind them, it looked like Fort Hamilton would end up victorious 19-12. Then the unthinkable happened.
Curtis mounted a huge drive bringing them within Fort Hamilton’s 10-yard-line. Curtis quarterback Kelvin Ruano got a bad snap on 4th down. He unhesitatingly picked up the ball, found an open lane and rushing in for a touchdown. Curtis coach Pete Gambardella decided to go for the two-point conversion – and the win – and it paid off. Ruano found a wide open Jevon Gardner in the end zone to seal the upset.
Curtis defensive linebacker and Penn State bound Dominique Easley was a defensive force in the game.
Fort Hamilton quarterback Frank Laino tries to avoid Curtis defenders.
Curtis running back Jevon Gardner rushes for a few yards.
Curtis’s Wesley Foryoh returns a punt for a touchdown.
Fort Hamilton’s Brandon Reddish has a leaping catch.
Fort Hamilton’s Alton Richardson pierces Curtis defenses.
Fort Hamilton’s Brandon Reddish runs for a touchdown in the second half.
Curtis defensive back Adebowale Godwin returns an interceptions in the second half.
Fort Hamilton defenders can’t prevent Curtis quarterback Kelvin Ruano from rushing for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. This touchdown led to a two-point conversion which sealed the victory for Curtis.
Curtis defensive lineman Krenar Suka hugs Sharon Irwin after their win.
Curtis cheerleaders go wild.
Dominique Easley #58 leads the post game celebration.
