If there were any questions about the young and inexperienced Erasmus Hall football team, with 19 freshman and two sophomores, they were laid to rest last Saturday.
The Dutchmen put on a spectacular offensive and defensive display in a 26–6 victory over host Flushing Sept. 13 in City Conference football. Quarterback Aaron Grant had three passing touchdowns, two for 45 yards or more, to help Erasmus to a second-straight lopsided win. Grant spoke about the veterans helping out the younger guys on the team to help them get off to a good start.
“We have to show them by example,” he said. “I have to be a leader. They all look up to us juniors and seniors.”
Erasmus’ defense had just as much of an impact. It collected three interceptions off Flushing’s senior quarterback Terrence Chavis. One of which was taken back 52 yards for a touchdown by senior Shavar Brathwaite in the third quarter and took the Red Devils out of the game.
“I think we’re getting better every week,” said Erasmus head coach Danny Landberg. “I think we’re a work in progress. But hopefully we will rise to another level in practice next week.”
Senior Kefa Court contributed to the defensive dominance with two interceptions. One of the picks came on the same series of plays as Brathwaite’s in the third quarter. Court was stripped on the return and Flushing (1–1) recovered only to have Chavis throw another interception to Braithwaite. Court’s second pick came in the fourth quarter and all but sealed the game for the Dutchmen (2–0).
Court also showed up on the offensive side of things in Erasmus’ first drive of the game. Grant found Court on a short bubble screen. It looked to be well covered by Flushing, but the nifty receiver was able to break a tackle in the backfield and take the ball 45 yards for the score. Grant and Court hooked up again in the second quarter for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Grant’s day wasn’t over, as he was able to find Keon Gravenhise, for a 50-yard touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter.
“On most routes I know where they’re going to be,” Grant said of the two senior receivers. “We have a lot of chemistry.”
Erasmus hits the road this week to play Staten Island power Curtis, which is coming off a loss to Grand Street. Landberg knows this game is going to be a battle.
“We are going to have to play a perfect game. Curtis is a hell of a team,” he said. “They really brought it to us last year. We have to be tough with them and deal with their blitz.”
