By Eddie Castro
The Erasmus Hall Dutchman came into last Saturday’s showdown undefeated at 7-0. The team faced a very tough task as they went head-to-head with another powerhouse team in Curtis, who also came in with a 7-0 mark. For both teams, this was without a doubt the most anticipated game of the year. A victory for one team will solidify them as one of the best, if not the best, across the city.
The beginning of the game for the Dutchman did not go smooth as the team found themselves in a 22-6 hole to the Warriors early on; however, in the second quarter, the team appeared to have gotten their swagger back led by their talented junior quarterback Aron Cruickshank. He was simply outstanding, throwing for 73 yards, using his legs as a weapon to rush for an astonishing 219 yards and four touchdowns after cutting Curtis’ lead to just two points after three quarters. The Dutchman were able to complete the comeback in the early minutes of the fourth quarter and with the lead, the momentum shifted towards Erasmus’ side. After building on a 12-point lead, the Warriors came storming back and it was the heroics of their quarterback Quincy Barnes who was able to tie the ball game on a fourth and inches run. Barnes then followed that great play with a pass to teammate Amad Anderson that would ultimately seal the game for Curtis by a score of 44-42. It was the first time the Warriors have defeated the Dutchman since 1986.
Although it was a heartbreaking loss for the young men of Erasmus, they will tell you themselves, no matter what the win-loss record is, you can’t get overconfident at any time during the course of the season, something the young QB Cruickshank feels the team did during the late stints of the game. “I think we were just getting a little too cocky and now it’s time to wake up,” he said. Cruickshank and company will get a shot at redemption on November 6 as they will wrap up their season in front of their home crowd against Fort Hamilton. After a game like last Saturday, you have to think this team is ready, willing and able to finish off the 2016 campaign on a good note.
Sports Notes: (Football) Don’t look now but maybe, just maybe, the New York Jets are finding their stride to be able to compete in a division that has just been owned by the Patriots. The team will head to Miami seeking a third straight win as they play the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon. Fresh off their bye week, Eli Manning and company will look to get things back on track when they welcome divisional rival the Philadelphia Eagles. (Basketball) As we go to press, both the Knicks and Nets are 1-2 after the first week of the season. What will the season look like for both teams as the season unfolds? E-mail me at castroeddie714@gmail.com and share your views with me.