Engineers Hope To Build On Season Opening Win

Engineers Hope To Build On Season Opening Win
By Adam Martini, PSAL Reporter



Brooklyn Tech has earned a reputation as one of the most academically demanding high schools in the city. Being a student-athlete at the school requires exceptional time management skills. For one week, however, the Engineers were able to focus exclusively on football.

A quirk in the PSAL football schedule this year had the season begin four days prior to the opening of public schools for all students. That left extra time to practice and study film. And with new coach Kyle McKenna on the sidelines at Brooklyn Tech, it was time used to adjust.

McKenna, who spent the previous seven years as offensive coordinator at Grand Street Campus, watched the Engineers defeat the Hornets, 8-0, at Midwood Athletic Complex. Senior Tarrance Taylor scored the game’s only touchdown with 2:25 left in the third quarter to complete a 64-yard drive. Senior Denzel McLarty, who broke free for runs of 21 and 16 yards on the drive, added the two-point conversion. McLarty finished with a team-high 125 yards rushing on 17 carries.

“It feels good to start off with a win,” said McKenna, who is taking over for long-time coach Jim DiBenedetto. “There’s a lot of tradition at Brooklyn Tech.”

McKenna was able to hit the ground running, as the Engineers showed up in shape for pre-season camp. Many of the players participated in the Big Apple Games and took part in strength and conditioning programs over the summer. Instead of practicing after school in the days leading up to the game, the Engineers were on the field in the early mornings.

“The only thing we had on our minds this week was football,” Taylor said. “We didn’t have to worry about any AP courses, tests or class work. It made it easier to focus on the game.”

It was a defensive standoff in the first half, as neither team moved the ball much. The closest either team came to scoring was Brooklyn Tech’s opening, nine-play drive, which stalled at the Hornets’ 30. The Engineers mustered the only scoring drive in the second half, although they nearly added another touchdown late. Senior James Brown (three catches, 39 yards) had his 18-yard touchdown catch waived off for offensive pass interference, one of 11 penalties called on both teams.

Extra Points … In 21 years at Brooklyn Tech, DiBenedetto recorded 125 wins and 10 playoff appearances … McKenna is only the fourth coach in school history … senior Delroy Nichols had two sacks.