The Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, NY) varsity football team is set to compete in a neutral playoff game against Curtis (Staten Island, NY) Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New York High School Football
Who: Curtis vs Erasmus Hall
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 Boys Fall Football NY PSAL State Tournament – PSAL AAAA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Curtis vs. Erasmus Hall
A marquee rematch is set as Curtis (11-1) faces Erasmus Hall (9-2) in a high-stakes neutral playoff game. Curtis edged out Erasmus Hall 10-7 in their regular season meeting, thanks to a late-game field goal. Both teams will look to assert dominance this time with a chance at further postseason glory on the line.
Season Recap: Curtis Warriors
- Record: 11-1
- League Record: 8-0
- Points For/Against: 394 PF, 112 PA
- Scoring Average: 32.8 points per game
Curtis has been dominant, especially in league play, boasting an undefeated record. Their defense has been stellar, allowing just 112 points all season and coming up clutch in their first meeting with Erasmus Hall. With standout wins over tough opponents, Curtis has demonstrated resilience and an ability to win close games.
Season Recap: Erasmus Hall Dutchmen
- Record: 9-2
- League Record: 7-1
- Points For/Against: 386 PF, 126 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.1 points per game
Erasmus Hall’s offense is explosive, averaging over 14 points in the first quarter. While their defense has been solid, they’ve had moments of inconsistency, such as their narrow victory against Tottenville (46-40). Their only two losses came against Curtis and St. Joseph’s Prep, but Erasmus has responded with strong performances in the playoffs.
Key Matchup Recap: Curtis vs. Erasmus Hall (10/5/24)
- Final Score: Curtis 10, Erasmus Hall 7
- Curtis came from behind, using a staunch defensive effort to hold Erasmus scoreless after the first quarter.
- The Warriors’ offense was limited but managed key plays in the second half to secure the win.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Curtis | Erasmus Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-1 | 9-2 |
| League Record | 8-0 | 7-1 |
| Points For (Total) | 394 | 386 |
| Points Against (Total) | 112 | 126 |
| Scoring Average | 32.8 | 35.1 |
| Defensive Strength | Elite | Strong |
Common Opponent Performance
Both teams have dominated common opponents. Erasmus Hall tends to win these matchups by wider margins, thanks to their high-scoring offense. Curtis, however, has relied on defense and ball control to secure victories.
Keys to Victory
Curtis Warriors
- Defensive Consistency: Replicating their earlier success in limiting Erasmus Hall’s explosive plays will be critical.
- Efficient Offense: Curtis needs to improve on their 10-point performance from the last matchup. Sustained drives and field position will be key.
- Special Teams Impact: Their winning field goal in the previous meeting highlights the importance of executing in all phases.
Erasmus Hall Dutchmen
- Fast Start: Erasmus Hall needs to capitalize on their first-quarter scoring strength and build an early lead.
- Limit Turnovers: Mistakes hurt them in the first matchup, and ball security will be critical.
- Contain Curtis’s Running Game: Keeping Curtis in third-and-long situations will help their defense stay aggressive.
Prediction
This rematch has all the ingredients of a classic: a dominant defense (Curtis) facing a high-powered offense (Erasmus Hall). The game could hinge on Erasmus Hall’s ability to adjust their offensive strategy and Curtis’s continued defensive discipline.
