Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Pre-Game Interviews - EHall

"I think it was a good game as far as us winning but we should have scored more on offense and we shouldn't have allowed any points on defense so I think we have a lot to improve on. We need to come out strong during the first half, we have been coming out in the second half well, we need to do well in all four quarters," Mike Cuneo

"I think last Saturday was a step up from last week. I didn't make too many mistakes. This week was a building block for the upcoming game. Hopefully against Erasmus I'll get to throw the ball deep a lot so my receivers can make some good plays," Hisham Dola

"I don't think we performed as well as we wanted to. I personally thought we should have had this game locked. We should have done a lot better. We're happy about the win, but we didn't play our best. It came up to the wire, and it shouldn't have," Ahmad Ahmed

Tarrance Taylor, who forced a fumble and scored a touchdown, said, "It was a really close game, we should have pulled out by way more. Erasmus is a really good team. They're undefeated, have the number 1 offense in the city, and they're the second best team right now. So we have a good challenge. We just gotta work."

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Brooklyn Tech Defeats Lehman 16-9





The varsity football team wanted a win after an upsetting loss against Ft. Hamilton. Tech played Lehman High School Saturday afternoon, and many alumni were present for the 5th Annual Adam J. Cirillo Classic.


The game started off with a kickoff to Lehman to the 22 yard line. After a first down and a 25 yard run, Tech was able to hold Lehman to a field goal and led 3-0. On the ensuing kickoff, James Brown returned the ball to the 41. Denzel McLarty ran for 5 yards which was followed for a run for a yard by Olawale Jegede. Another run by McLarty for 3 yards which was short a yard for the first down. James Brown punted for 32 yards. Although Tech forced an incomplete pass on first down, a penalty was called on roughing the passer. Lehman ran for two yards, followed by a loss of a yard, which ended the first quarter.


On 3rd and 8, Oyleye Odewumni tackled Lehman for no yardage and was forced to punt. The punt was returned to the 34 yard line. After two plays for two yards, it was 3rd and 8 and the throw to Stephen Harris was knocked down. Brown punted to the 16 yard line. Tech forced Lehman three and out and the punt was returned to the 18 yard line. After Tarrance Taylor ran 3 yards. Jegede fumbled the ball and Lehman recovered. Lehman ran twice for a total of 2 yards but on 3rd and 8, they made the first down. They completed another first down. Lehman was tackled for a loss of two yards. Lehman made a pass for 18 yards and attempted a field goal, but it was not good. At the end of the half Lehman was winning 3-0.
The kickoff was to the 23 yard line, and although there was a 9 yard run, Tech was forced to punt. The defense did a great job though and stopped Lehman forcing them to punt. The punt was blocked by Mazahrul Islam. Taylor ran for 10 yards and then ran for the touchdown, and Tech led 6-3. McLarty made the two point conversion. Tech led 8-3. Lehman returned the kick to the 40 yard line. After a 12 yard pass, Terrance Ancrum and Chioke Tiamfook knocked down the QB forcing an incompletion. A 10 yard pass was followed by an illegal procedure penalty on Lehman which brought them to the 21 yard line. Lehman ran for 4 yards and McLarty made a tackle for a loss of yard. The defense held them for no gain, and on 4th and 11 there was a short incomplete pass into the end zone, Tech recovered on the 17 yard line. Taylor ran for no gain, and Hisham Dola was sacked for 8 yards, and on the next play Lehman almost intercepted. That play ended the 3rd quarter.

Tech started the quarter with a punt near the 40 yard line. Tech was very successful and shut Lehman down. On 4th down with 4 yards to go Selby made an interception, but the offense could not come through, and was forced to punt. On 4th and 11, James Brown made an interception. Taylor ran for 7 yards and on the next play fumbled. On third down and 9 yards, Lehman scored a touchdown making the score 9-8 with 4 minutes to go. The extra point was stopped. The kickoff was returned to the 35. McLarty ran for 4 yards to the 40 yard line, and then ran for a loss of two. On 3rd down, with 9 yards to go and 3:34 left in the game, Dola threw the ball out of bounds.

Having great confidence in the defense, James Brown punted to the 20 yard line with 2:38 left in the game. The defense made a tackle for a 2 yard loss, and called a timeout. Tech then tackled for another 5 yard loss, and called their final timeout. On 3rd and 16, Lehman's quarterback was sacked for 7 yards. Lehman punted to Brown to the 17 yard line. On 1st down, Dola threw incomplete. On 2nd down, McLarty ran for 7 yards. On 3rd and three, Dola threw long to Brown in the end zone but the pass was incomplete. On 4th and 3, Brown got the first down. Dola spikes the ball on the 4 yard line. McLarty runs for the touchdown and the two point conversion. Tech is winning 16-9. Lehman gets the ball and after a 5 yard run, Lehman took their final timeout with 37 seconds left. Lehman threw long on the last play of the game, and was incomplete. Tech won, 16-9.

Tech plays at Erasmus Hall this week, on Saturday at Noon.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

5th Annual Cirillo Classic


** Alumni Event ** (students and Faculty will still be admitted FREE, but BBQ is an extra paid event)

Cirillo Classic:

Tech Engineers vs. Lehman Lions

Coach Joe Cuzzocrea, Pat (Cirillo) Cuzzocrea, Coach Jim DiBenedetto '71, Coach Kyle McKenna, the Football Parents Club and Tech Football Alumni invite you to the 5th Annual Adam J. Cirillo Classic Homecoming Football Game.


After the game, join us for the post-game alumni barbeque, with barbequed burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, steak sandwiches, soda, beer, water, sides and desserts!


The annual classic is named in honor of legendary coach Adam J. Cirillo, architect of Tech’s football program.


Also, there will be a recognition of the reunion teams whose senior seasons were played in 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1984, and 1999!



Come out to support the Engineers!

DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2009
TIME: 12 noon
LOCATION: Tech’s Charles B. Wang Athletic Field

“Home of the Engineers”

(Corner of Fulton Street & Clermont Avenue)
TICKETS: $40 -- includes game ticket and post-game barbecue ticket
RSVP: Please RSVP with the number of people you plan to bring to the event.


Pat/Joe Cuzzocrea

email: coachcuzz@aol.com

phone: 718.698.3947

cell: 917.658.1078

Adam J. Cirillo Remembered

From the New York Times October 1982.

Adam John Cirillo, one of the most successful high school football coaches in the city, died yesterday at his home in Staten Island. Mr. Cirillo, who had suffered from cancer for a long time, was 72 years old.

Coaching Brooklyn Tech from 1939 to 1969, he turned out teams that won 10 Public Schools Athletic League city championships. Mr. Cirillo, born in Brooklyn, graduated in 1929 from Tech, where he was voted all-city end. At Lafayette College, where he majored in civil engineering, he captained the football team in 1932.

His Tech teams won city championships in 1943, 1946-48, 1955-57 and 1960-62.

Cirillo Classic - Pre-game Interviews

By Kate Blitz
Brooklyn Tech Football Sports Information Director

"I think we need to improve overall. We showed we could play well against Ft. Hamilton. We held them to 4 rushing yards in the 2nd half," Mike Cuneo

"The score was better than the (outcome) of the game. After we watched the film, we realized we should have scored. Our offensive line has to become more of a unit, we should be on the same page all of the time," said Chioke Tiamfook, who forced a fumble against Ft. Hamilton.

"This week was a work in progress. I'm excited for Saturday. We're all hungry for a win and ready to play," Hisham Dola.

"We're definitely ready to improve. We had some good practices this week to prepare us for the game," Ashton Cooper

"We played the best team in the city and we got beat. We have a good chance to show how we can bounce back this week," Ahmad Ahmed

Come to the homecoming game Saturday against Lehman at 12.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Week 3 Wrap-up


After winning the first two games, Tech had their home opener against Ft. Hamilton. Ft. Hamilton was also undefeated after two wins against Sheepshead Bay and Curtis.

Since the game was on a Thursday, many students and teachers were at the game showing their support for the team. Everyone got all excited for the opening play, but was quickly upset when Ft. Hamilton ran it back for a Touchdown. The defense stopped the two point conversion. Gino Nadela ran the kick to the 10 yard line. Denzel McLarty ran for 12 yards and than 6 yards and then a run for no gain. On third and long the first down is made, but tech is forced to punt after after a play for loss of yards and a 5 yard penalty. James Brown punted the ball to Ft. Hamilton. On the next play, Brown and Mike Plonski tackled Ft. Hamilton out of bounds. McLarty then had two tackles. On the following play, Fort Hamilton fumbled, Chioke Tiamfook forced the fumble and Tamber Zaman recovered it. Brown had a long run, but the drive became unsuccessful and we were forced to punt. Ft. Hamilton almost scored another 25 yard touchdown but was brought on a penalty. Saquaine Selby almost intercepted on the next play. The defense forced them to punt. Ft. Hamilton intercepted though. From the 40 yard line Ft. Hamilton scored a Touchdown, but again, the 2 point conversion was stopped. Brown fumbled and Ft. Hamilton led 19-0. There was little time left after the touchdown before half time.
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After halftime, Tech was ready to fight. Ft. Hamilton kicked off to Tech and was returned by Brown. McLarty ran the ball twice for ten yards. He ran again for 4 yards. On second and six, Zaman got the first down. Tarrance Taylor then ran for a first, and Zaman caught a pass for another first. McLarty ran for 9 yards and then on 3rd and short an incomplete pass was thrown. On fourth down, Taylor scored a touchdown, but Tech was called on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. On the extra point, Tech missed but Fort Hamilton was called on a defensive interference. On the second try, Tech missed the extra point again. On defense, Taylor made a tackle for a loss, which forced Ft. Hamilton to punt. Taylor returned the punt. . On third down, Brown ran for a first down. Taylor ran for another first down. Brown made an additional first down. McLarty ran for 5 yards. After a one yard gain, Brown had a loss of 4. On 4th down, Tech went out of bounds. Ft. Hamilton ran for 10 yards on their first play. Tech called a timeout. Ft. Hamilton won 25-6.
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Although Tech lost, they really pulled it together in the second half. They kept Ft. Hamilton to one touchdown. You should come and see what Tech has in store for next week against Lehman. It is the homecoming game. The team really appreciates the effort of everyone, and they would love for everyone to come out Saturday at 12.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Fort 25 - Tech 6

Brooklyn Tech's rally falls short
Engineers outplay Fort Hamilton in second half, but run out of time

By ZACH BRAZILLER

Brooklyn Tech outgained Fort Hamilton, 161-73, on offense and out-rushed them, 125-4. The turnover battle was even, as was the scoreboard.

Unfortunately, that was just the second half.

Taking advantage of two Engineers turnovers, the Tigers led 19-0 at intermission and prevailed, 25-6, Thursday afternoon in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn.

“If we come out like that,” senior running back Tarrance Taylor said, referring to the final 24 minutes, “we can beat anybody.”

Taylor capped Brooklyn Tech’s lone scoring drive, of 13 plays and 75 yards, finding pay dirt from 13 yards on 4th-and-1. The drive to start the second half set a tone that the Tech wasn’t going anywhere. Twice more, the Engineers drove into Tigers territory but failed to produce points.
Sponsored Links

Fort Hamilton (3-0) failed to pick up a first down after halftime until quarterback Frank Laino hit wide receiver Brandon Reddish on a 69-yard touchdown pass with 3:00 remaining, a scoring strike that iced the victory.

“We came out and we stood there and we fought,” Brooklyn Tech's first-year coach Kyle McKenna said. “My hat goes off to our kids.”

McKenna took heart in his team’s effort. There was a fighter’s mentality, he said, that trickled down throughout his entire roster. It had nothing to do with any speech he delivered or X’s and O’s adjustments.

“They came out and decided they wanted to play as good as they are,” he said. “It’s not like I became Bill Belichick.”

Brooklyn Tech (2-1) made the extra blocks that sprung running backs Denzel McLarty (14-67) and Taylor (7-44) for first-down runs. It gave quarterback Hisham Dola (6-of-14, 78 yards) that extra split second to find an open receiver. Defensively, the Engineers kept containment on Fort Hamilton stars AJ Richardson and Frank Laino, not allowing either to get the edge.

“We have to work on keeping our intensity up the whole game,” wide receiver/quarterback/defensive back James Brown said.

Like any coach, McKenna wasn’t taking a moral victory out of the performance. He felt after Taylor’s touchdown, and the defense forced Fort Hamilton to go three-and-out, Brooklyn Tech was in the driver’s seat. But with what he described as a top-tier schedule looming, a loss isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

“When you have a lot of success early it’s good to get tested and see how you react afterwards,” McKenna said. “It’s not like we’re on a bed of roses and everything is great. You got to face some adversity to get to the point where you can peak.”

zbraziller@nypost.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pre-game Interviews

By Kate Blitz
Sports Information Director

After a tight game against Bayside, the team knew that there could have been some improvements, but they were also excited for the upcoming game.

"We had a great win. We could have done better, but I could have definitely improved on my passing decisions. I'm not too intimidated by Ft. Hamilton, we beat them on JV so its pretty similar," Hisham Dola said.

Delroy Nichols, who had 3 sacks against Bayside, said, "We made a lot of progress. The offensive output was much greater. We got a lot of pressure on the quarterback and had a good defense."

"It was a close game, but we broke away for the win. Our work is cut out for us this week," Malik Alexander said.

Derek Norman, who blocked a punt this week against Bayside, said,"The game worked out like we planned. I was excited that we won, and I'm happy that people from school are going to be there Thursday to support us."

Your friends want you at the game, please support the team, and come to the first home game this Thursday at 4PM. It's only a few blocks away from school on Fulton and Clermont Streets. You get in free if you wear Royal Blue!

Monday, September 14, 2009

JV Defeats Stuyvesant 40-0


In the annual JV grudge match, Tech defeated Stuyvesant in front of a enthusiastic home crowd. Chris Francis ran behind an offensive line that included two freshman. A shutout was threatened late in the game, but Tech held strong in the red zone to close the game.

Next game is against Fort Hamilton on Monday Sept 21 at Tech field.

Tech Defeats Bayside 14-8





By Kate Blitz
Sports Information Director
Photos by Barry Ritter

After an exciting first win against Midwood HS, Tech came prepared to play Bayside. Bayside was 0-1 after a loss to Grand Street Campus 22-0.

Tech started the game by kicking off to Bayside. Derek Norman blocked a punt and Denzel McLarty fumbled on the 10 yard line in the first quarter. Tech was very successful in the first quarter holding Bayside to no points.

In the second quarter, Tech had a long play which brought the team to the 15 yard line. On 3rd and 8, Hisham Dola threw an incomplete pass to James Brown in the end zone. On 4th and 8, Dola threw an interception. The tech defense allowed a first down but on the next down Bayside was called offsides. Bayside threw for a one yard pass but was immediately tacked by Tarrance Taylor. Oyeleye Odewumni had an interception and ran it back to the 9 yard line. McLarty had two runs, one for 8 yards which brought it to the one yard line and the second for the touchdown. The two point conversion was missed. Tech led 6-0.

Bayside gets the ball at the 35 yard line, after a penalty on Oyeleye Odewumni because the kick went out of bounds. On the next play, Tech was called for unnecessary roughness bring Bayside to Tech's 45. A first down resulted in Bayside being on Tech's 11 yard line, and two plays later on on 3rd and 7, the quarterback was tackled and gained no yardage. Dola defends the pass on 4th down with 17 seconds left. Tech recovers on downs and takes a knee to end the half.

Tech received the ball on the 35. The next play was a run for no gain, and then Gino Nadela ran the ball on a reverse play for a first down. Tarrance Taylor turned over the football on the 47 yard line. Bayside had a 34 yard run. On 3rd down, Bayside threw long for a touchdown. They also completed the 2 point conversion, and led 8-6. Tech recovered the ball on the 44 yard line. Tech was called on a 10 yard penalty but made up for it with two runs for 10 yards. Tech was sacked on 3rd and 7, and punted to the 47. Bayside had a first down, but on 3rd down was intercepted by Brown. McLarty runs for 4 yards. Tarrance Taylor ran for 48 yards for a touchdown. Taylor also ran for the two point conversion. Tech led 14-8. The kickoff was returned to the 47, and the 3rd quarter had ended.

The Tech defense sacked Bayside for a 20 yard sack. Bayside was forced to punt, and Brown received the kick. Tech ran for about 20 yards to the 48 yard line. McLarty ran twice for 15 yards. McLarty ran 8 yards for the first down. A lateral was thrown to Brown for 5 yards. Gino Nadela was tackled for a loss of 6. Tech called a timeout, and turned over the ball on downs. Bayside had a first down, but the defense made Bayside throw for three incompletions. On 4th and 10, with Bayside under pressure, Brown defended against the pass, so Tech recovered on the 40 yard line. A penalty was called against Tech, bringing them to the 45. McLarty ran for 15 yards. On 4th down, Dola is intercepted on the 18 yard line with approximately 1 minute left. With 52 seconds left, Bayside got a first down, and ran out of bounds. Mike Plonski had a sack for 12 yards. Bayside called their final timeout with 38 seconds left. The defense had a tackle for a two yard loss with 15 seconds left. Chioke Tiamfook had an interception, Tech was called for holding, giving Bayside the first down. The clock ran out on Bayside and Tech won 14-8!

Come support Tech Football, at their opening home game on Thursday against Ft. Hamilton HS, who is 2-0, at 4 PM. The field is located at Claremont and Fulton Streets, just a few blocks away from school.

Week 2 NY Post Rankings

Brooklyn Tech goes to #10
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/football/psal_football_rankings_week_5qR3N40xlL2US4hyKw7LZJ/1

Friday, September 11, 2009

Brooklyn Tech Football - Radio Interview

ANDREW JASHYN, JIM DESANTIS and KYLE McKENNA TO APPEAR "ON THE SIDELINES" with VINNY ACETO! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM on RADIO NEW YORK 91.5 FM
http://real.wnye.org:8080/ramgen/otsl/ot..sl

Pre-game Interiews

This upcoming Saturday, Brooklyn Tech plays Bayside High School in Queens. Bayside lost their first game against Grand Street Campus this past Saturday.

Although Tech won Saturday against Midwood HS 8-0, there is always room to improve.

"We should have scored more. This week we'll try and focus on our mistakes," Tarrance Taylor said during practice.

This week, the team has been trying to improve the many penalties in the opening game, and scoring more points.

"We played a lot better then the score showed. There were stupid penalties. The offense should have stepped up. This week we're working on fixing the mistakes," Ahmad Ahmed said about the opening game.

Tech plays at Bayside Saturday at Noon. Tech has definitely stepped up their game, and everyone is confident that they will do well, building on the spectacular game from last week.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

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.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Sunday Clippings Sept 6th, 2009

NY POST
Brooklyn Tech 8, Midwood 0: Denzel McLarty had 125 yards on 17 carries and Tarrance Taylor rushed for the game’s only touchdown for Brooklyn Tech (1-0). The Engineers’ defense had four sacks, led by Michael Plonski’s two. Midwood is 0-1.

NY Daily News
Brooklyn Tech 8, Midwood 0
Brooklyn Tech's Denzel McLarty ran for 125 yards on 17 carries and the Engineers' defense had four sacks as first-year coach Kyle McKenna's earned his first win. Defensive end Michael Plonksi had two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Maxpreps

Follow Brooklyn Tech Football on Maxpreps.com
http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/iqDJhV3Le0Wlp7uyRVP5Rg/brooklyn-tech-engineers/football/home.htm

Brooklyn Tech Defeats Midwood 8-0 in opener

By Kate Blitz
Brooklyn Tech Football, Sports Information Director (SID)

This past Saturday, the Tech football team opened the 2009 campaign against Midwood High School. Tech received the ball to start the game. The first possession was quite successful with a few runs by Denzel McLarty, but Tech turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert a 4th and five from the Midwood 35.



The defense, led by a punishing defensive line, set the tone against the Midwood offense early. At the end of the first quarter there was no score. Midwood had possession of the ball at the start of the second quarter, but was forced again to punt. Tech received the ball on the 44 but was then charged with a false start and intentional grounding. Midwood took over on the 39, but two plays later were stunned by Mike Plonski and Delroy Nichols for a 12 yard sack. Midwood came back with a 10 yard pass, making it 3rd down and two yards. Tech called a timeout and made a tackle for a loss of ten. Midwood is forced to punt. James Brown calls for a fair catch on the 17 yard line. Tech is called on a false start, but two plays later Dola throws to Brown for a 32 yard pass. Tech is called for a false start which stalls the two minute offense. James Brown punts to Midwood with 33 seconds in the half, and Midwood takes a knee. At the half, the game is still tied at 0.


Tech stopped Midwood on their first possession of the half. However, on the ensuing punt, the kick is muffed, hits Tech and Midwood recovers. Midwood runs for 15 yards, but fumbles, and Tech recovers on the 36. The sudden change is followed by two runs by McLarty, of 12 and 20 yards bringing Tech to Midwood's 17 yard line. Midwood is then caught offsides and Tech is brought within the 10 yard line. On the next play, Dola hands off to Tarrance Taylor for the 7 yard touchdown and McLarty adds a two point conversion.

Tech kicks off to Midwood and is taken aback by a 50 yard pass on 3rd and long. The quarter ends and the Tech defense is backed against the wall.

Although Midwood was on Tech's 20 yard line, the defense responds with two tackles with total losses of 6. On 4th and 16, Midwood throws incomplete and Tech recovers on downs. Tech is forced to punt on the next possession. On the next defensive series, Tech starts with a stop for a yard gain and follows it with a sack. On 3rd down, Midwood throws incomplete and they punt to the 48 yard line. Dola throws a touchdown to James Brown, but it is called back 15 yards on offensive pass interference. Tech is forced to punt with 47 seconds left on the clock. Tech defense forces a final fourth down. Midwood throws long but Muhammed Tayeh intercepts. Tech takes a knee, and the first game of the season is over. Tech wins 8-0.

McLarty would finish the game with 17 carries for 125 yards which is more than 7 yards a carry. Tarrance Taylor had 39 yards.


Be sure to be at Tech's next game September 12th at 11 AM at Bayside HS.
All photos taken by Tech Football Alum An Rong Xu
anrongxu.com

Thursday, September 3, 2009

NY Post Article

MCKENNA TAKES OVER BROOKLYN TECH
NY POST
By MARC RAIMONDI
Posted: 3:41 am
August 31, 2009

Brooklyn Tech has one of the most storied football programs in PSAL history, and when Kyle McKenna puts on the headset in Week 1 against Midwood he'll be only the fourth coach in Engineers history.

"It's kind of like the Pittsburgh Steelers," McKenna said. "At Brooklyn Tech, you're stepping into a lot of tradition and you have to be respectful of it. There's a lot of pride in the institution and the athletic department."

Adam Cirillo was the program's architect, guiding Brooklyn Tech to two city championships in 30 years on the sidelines. He gave way to Joe Cuzzocrea, who spent more than 20 years at the helm, and McKenna is taking over for Jim DiBenedetto, who became head coach in 1987.

DiBenedetto decided to retire in February due to health problems and he was instrumental in bringing in McKenna, the offensive coordinator at Grand Street Campus for seven years.

"I think he's going to do a sensational job," DiBenedetto said. "Brooklyn Tech is a different kind of school. It has the smartest kids in New York City. It's a different place to coach. Every kid is going to college."

DiBenedetto amassed 125 wins, 10 playoff appearances, two division titles and two trips to the semifinals in his time at Brooklyn Tech. McKenna said those are difficult shoes to fill, but it's a process made easier because of DiBenedetto's support.

"The transition has been very good," McKenna said. "He's been very helpful with me coming in. Jim is a friend."

The new coach also has the benefit of a senior-laden group coming back. Brooklyn Tech has 22 players going into their final high-school season. Last year, the Engineers went 3-6 and fell to Erasmus Hall in the second-tier, Bowl Division semifinals.

"I think the experience factor is going to help us a lot," McKenna said. "They're very sharp. They're students of the game and excellent students in the classroom."

He said one of the goals is to get some of his players into Ivy League schools for next year. Some of his best returning players could make Brooklyn Tech a playoff contender. Running back Denzel McLarty, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound load to bring down, is the fourth best returning rusher in the PSAL (639 yards), and quarterback Hisham Dola returns.

Dola's main target figures to be a big one: 6-foot-4 wide receiver James Brown, who doubles as the team's star safety. Junior Mike Plonski (5-11, 230) is Brooklyn Tech's center and a defensive end. He'll get support from Delroy Nichols at the other end position.

"He's got a nice team coming back," DiBenedetto said.

McKenna agrees with his predecessor.

"I think," he said, "we have a lot of potential."

Adjustments to original schedule

Contrary to the original practice schedule posted, practice for varsity on Friday September 4th, starts at 10am. Pre-practice at 930.
Game jersey and tech shorts.