Clinton topples Tigers for third season loss

September 24, 2012 By Jim Dolan Bay Ridge Eagle

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Clinton 28 Fort Hamilton 7

With both teams looking for their first win of the season, a banged up (0-2) Fort Hamilton Tiger team ventured to the Bronx to meet the (0-2) Governors of DeWitt Clinton High. Since the beginning of the season, the Tigers’ inactive list has been growing losing key players to injury. In fact, this week the Tigers lost key running back Michael Brooks to a collarbone injury, in addition to their long snapper Petros Papadakos when he simply rolled his ankle in practice.

In addition to an anticipated win, the Tigers were also looking forward to avenging the team that knocked them out of the second round of the playoffs last season. But despite their motivation, the limping Tigers lost their third consecutive game of the 2012 season.

After playing to a scoreless 0-0 tie in the first quarter, the Clinton offense opened up with 60-yard touchdown run to begin the second quarter. The Tigers answered with a score of their own as Miguel Stewart, in for an injured Michael Brooks, followed his 15-yard rush with a one-yard dive into the end zone. With an extra point added by Michael Fiorito, Fort Hamilton took what would be their only lead of the game, 7-6. The Governors quickly struck back with a 50-yard score by Haleem Livingston to take the lead at the half, 14-7.

Driving down into the Governors’ end, Adrian Maldonado’s pass sailed away for a Clinton interception at the 30-yard line. The Governors capitalized on the turnover for another score by Haleem Livingston to open the third quarter to build up the Clinton lead to 22-7. Livingston scored again on a 30-yard run, finding a seam in the Tiger defense for another touchdown to increase Clinton’s lead for the final score of 28-7.

According to Assistant Coach Ean Evars, the Tigers are experiencing “the ripple effect,” where young sophomore and junior players are playing out of position while they await a number of their starters to get healthy. “We’ll get through it; you’ll see. As the season goes on we should be in better shape.” stated Evars.

Still looking for their first win of the season, the 0-3 Fort Hamilton Tigers host the 1-2 Engineers of Brooklyn Tech at Fort Hamilton High School Field next Saturday at noon.