Fort Hamilton’s struggles late last season aren’t being forgotten. Tigers coach Danny Perez isn’t telling his team this is a new year and to leave its four-game losing streak in the past. On the contrary.
“It’s been reminded to them,” Perez said.
He can do that when a large portion of that group returns with hopes of building off the success they did have last year. Fort Hamilton put itself back among the Public School Athletic League’s top clubs after notching just one win two years ago.
The Tigers squad is prepared to keep moving forward, and are aiming to put themselves back in the city championship picture with the likes of mainstays Abraham Lincoln, Erasmus Hall and Tottenville.
“It’s all motivation,” said senior running back and cornerback Michael Brooks. “We started out so well and ended with a four-game losing streak. It does leave a bad taste in your mouth. You want to come back and you want to start off winning.”
Much of Fort Hamilton’s success will center on junior quarterback Sharif Legree, after posting more than 1,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns last season. His teammates have seen him grow more confident and make better decisions.
“He is more comfortable throwing the ball, changing the plays up at the line of scrimmage,” senior running back Juan Tejada said.
Legree will work behind an inexperienced line that includes Alfredo Lopez, Nick Johnson, Alex Diaz, Bradley Burrell and Josh Deese. The Tigers have plenty of weapons returned, starting with the elusive Brooks and powerful Tejada at running back. Brooks will miss at least the opener against Curtis because of a partially separated shoulder. Receiver Mohamed Masoud, who posted numerous big games a year ago, will join them.
“This can be a championship offense,” Legree said.
On defense, the Tigers have talented, veteran skill players around a new-look line. Fort Hamilton’s strength will be in the secondary, with the return of Devon Watts, Dequan Glover and Tejada at safety. Brooks, when healthy, will play corner. Troy Booker is filling in for him there and in the backfield on offense. Seba Nekhet is the other corner.
Jayson Magnani and Jermaine Garner are also back at linebacker. The veterans will have to teach a young line that features Tyreek Small and Burrell. Perez has great confidence in those back on defense.
What the Tigers squad wants to do this year is bring a championship to the school for the first time since 2010. This group of seniors came in after the last crown, watched the program take a step back, and now wants to leave it on top.
“This year is special because it is all of our last years,” Watts said. “Every single one of those guys I have been playing with since freshmen year. It’s our last year, so we feel like this year it can really happen.”
