After a strong 5-3 regular season last year and a return to the playoffs, Fort Hamilton’s Varsity Football Tigers are back to finish what they started. The team, which is off to a 3-1 start, has built on last year’s momentum in hopes of making a deeper playoff run this time around. Coach Daniel Perez’s squad has shown improvement in early season victories over Cardozo, Bayside and Boys and Girls High School. The strong start has many believing that something special is brewing at Fort.
The Tigers are fueled by senior Quarterback Aidan Farley, sophomore running back Harold Marshall III, a strong offensive line anchored by senior offensive lineman Syed Qasim, and senior linebacker Timothy Tan, who leads a swarming defense. Farley, who achieved 19 touchdowns and had a 102.3 passer rating last year, brings strong leadership, a steady presence, and solid decision-making as he commands a powerful Tiger offense that has averaged 42 points per game. Meanwhile, the Tigers defense has proven to be formidable as they have given up a respectable 18.5 points per game.
The Tigers’ only loss thus far was a hard-fought 28-26 loss to Randolph Campus in the Bronx on October 12th. Down 20-6 at halftime, the Tigers stormed back but eventually fell short in overtime. However, their “don’t give up” mentality is a testament to the coaching staff and the fortitude they have instilled in their players.
“We’re disappointed with the outcome of the game but we’re proud of the effort our team put forth,” said Coach Perez. “We’re a resilient bunch, and we’re going to bounce back stronger than ever.”
The pride felt by the entire coaching staff was echoed by Assistant Coach Dominic Delisi.
“These guys have been working hard for months,” he said. “No team out there is more deserving of success coming their way than this group.”
The Tigers still have some exciting games ahead of them, including a highly-contested matchup against currently undefeated Brooklyn Tech at home on October 26th, 2024. That game against the Engineers will be a Pink Day-themed event to raise breast cancer awareness. All spectators are encouraged to wear pink to the game.
“The Pink Day Game is a great opportunity for us to show support in the fight against breast cancer awareness and to come together as a community,” said Coach Perez. “It’s become a tradition here at Fort, and we hope to see everyone there.”
The regular season wraps up in November with home games against Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School on November 1st, 2024, an Hispanic heritage-themed game, and a Senior Day showdown against Franklin K. Lane Campus on November 9th, 2024. Hopefully, the Tigers will continue to pile up the wins and compete for a league championship this fall.
