2020 Week S15 (New York City)

2020 Week S15 (New York City)

I was rather certain that Week S14 was going to be my last possible week of high school football of the extended 2020 season. A trip to New York City isn’t cheap. And for just two games it was more for the novelty of it. I had wanted to see a PSAL game for a few years, so it was definitely a consideration. However, just like trips to Virginia to start the spring season, the cost becomes a issue. However, there was a new twist. There was an additional game on a Thursday afternoon. The schedule had showed Abraham Lincoln hosting a game on Friday afternoon at 3pm. Which would mean a slightly earlier start from home. But, there was a Thursday game at 4:30pm in Brooklyn. Now, three games, and with some planning ahead for a hotel, should make things a bit more manageable. It was just a matter of getting access to that game.

Now, one thing I learned about the PSAL is that not many schools even know or care if someone wants to cover their game. Though numbers and email addresses are accessible, doesn’t mean anyone answers or responds. It may just be dumb luck the first two I checked on Week S14 both responded. But, I did finally hear back from the lone Thursday game. Knowing I was welcome back at Abraham Lincoln meant just finding a Saturday game. I wanted to go outside of Brooklyn and Staten Island for that game. And there were a few primary options. Harry S. Truman and JFK, both in the Bronx, or Long Island City in Queens. The LIC game would, it turns out, be cancelled. While neither the JFK nor Truman coaches would respond via email or phone for my request. I headed out Thursday morning not sure exactly what my Saturday plan was going to be. I figured I’d know something by Friday afternoon.

I left home a bit after 7:30, knowing my way a bit easier I didn’t leave as early. Plus, I figured the odds of another tire issue being less severe. And if anything were to happen that prevented me from the Thursday game, there was still my Friday and Saturday plans. I stopped in Milesburg again at McDonald’s, laughing in the face of deja vu. Stopped to get a mask at the Wawa at the junction of I-80 and I-476, and then for gas when I got near Hope, New Jersey. I then followed the same route along I-280 toward the Holland Tunnel, but instead with enough time, cut down on US1&9 to the 440 and the Bayonne Bridge. As I said previously I had never been on this crossing from New Jersey to NYC. The last such crossing I hadn’t taken.

I knew that a few years ago it was completely redone. And it is beautiful with so little traffic it is actually a bit unsettling. Instead of taking you to Manhattan, it cuts south from Jersey City to Staten Island through Bayonne, New Jersey. The EZ Pass rate is $16 for out-of-state transponders, and I got dumped unceremoniously onto the Staten Island Expressway and onto the Verrazzano into Brooklyn.

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

This time, however, it was a straight shot up the Gowanus to Fort Hamilton Parkway. Destined for Fort Hamilton.

Fort Hamilton opened in 1941 and is the 2nd largest public high school in New York City. It’s located on the western edge of Brooklyn, overlooking the bay toward Staten Island. The Fort is the only active military installation in New York City. The surrounding neighborhood, including Bay Ridge, is to the northwest of the current facility. It’s a wealthy area that attracted New Yorkers for a getaway location in the city. The Crescent Athletic Club opened a field here in 1884. Though it’s completely built up surrounding the school and field now. The house I parked in front of, on the 83rd street was valued at 2.8 million. Just shy of the 3-4 million dollar homes alongside it.

Erasmus Hall is one of the oldest public schools, though it’s current status is a bit misleading. Opened as a private school in 1786, the school joined the public schools of NYC in the late 1800s. It’s been closed as a single school for quite a while. The current building houses 5 separate schools in one campus. That campus is what fields the athletic teams. This is an organizational strutcture of NYC public schools to have multiple ‘smaller high schools’ inside one larger building.

#130 Fort Hamilton v. Erasmus Hall

New York City has 56 public high schools. And though many of their schools have their own fields. Many do not. It’s a rough mix similar to Cleveland in terms of distribution. However, ‘field’ is an operative term in New York. Some, such as Abraham Lincoln, New Dorp, or Erasmus Hall, have fields with stands, etc. Some do not. There’s a few fields around Manhattan, one in particular, that is just a turfed square. It’s a common issue. Lack of available space leads to some clever creativity.

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

However, Fort Hamilton has the space. Their field is spaceous. It’s very wide, from street to street, with a lot of sideline room at play. Enough to host an entire, nearly regulation size baseball field into the plans. It does not have stands, though. Which, I knew going in. But, i also was expecting to be on the field.

I was under the assumption that having access to cover the game meant being on the playing surface itself. However, when I showed up I was let into the field itself, but instructed to stay on the track. The track, meanwhile, had its own internal fence separating the track from the playing surface. And that incredibly wide sideline space meant that I had just two positions around this vast field to get any sort of decent photos.

And, there was no working scoreboard. No press box. No stands. No scoreboard. So, things were a bit difficult on my end. I knew the game itself was going to be one-sided. And Erasmus Hall let it be known early. Three touchdowns and a fourth on a pick-six on a 4th down by Fort Hamilton made it 30-0 at the end of 1. This is important, because I confirmed the score with the sideline official (it was a four-man crew), that the score was 28-0 prior to the then successful two-point try after the pick-six.

Erasmus Hall would get two more touchdowns. One in the 2nd, and one in the 4th. The clock sped by, aided by the officials knowing this one-sided game needed some mercy on Fort Hamilton’s part. The fans, those that came to line the street looking in from the south, were mostly Erasmus Hall fans. One cool aspect of the game was that both teams wore their dark colors, rather than Erasmus Hall in road whites. A Navy v. Vibrant Red matchup. Luckily in the light of day, the colors really popped.

Erasmus Hall would win, 46-0. Though, I saw later the official stats posted to the PSAL website show it as 44-0. Without a working scoreboard, it was tough to corroborate the notes I had with the official account. But, I stand by my notes that all two-point tries after the first one were successful.

After the game, I had a lot of the afternoon remaining. I had booked a room in New Jersey simply because it was so dirt cheap. That did mean paying for the toll bridges. But even then, the price was worth it. Now, I had driven around Long Island the previous weekend. But, I decided, as I was heading north toward Queens, that I was going to stop at Katz’s Delicatessen.

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

Located in Manhattan, meant that it was probably it for my travel plans for the night. So, I decided to head over the Brooklyn Bridge. I had only once ever been on the Brooklyn Bridge. And that was when I walked across it when I was stuck in Manhattan way back in 2004. I also realized, that there’s no toll on the Brooklyn Bridge. Which would make me think of it for Friday.

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

I had headed up 4th to the Prospect, but the traffic backup from the Battery Tunnel and subsequent travel on the BQE was so fierce, that I abandoned those plans for 3rd, and headed back east to 4th again and followed that up to Atlantic. I didn’t realize just how close I was to the Barclays Center. But, headed west to Boerum Pl and the Brooklyn Bridge. Followed that along to FDR Dr, a small thoroughfare on the east side of Manhattan and got off on Houston. Katz’s is on Houston. And everyone else wanted to be there, too, it seemed. Circled the block once and found a place to park across Houston in a taxi stand/park pulloff.

It was busy, but their lines were efficient. I couldn’t quite decide what to order. So, I went with the classic that has made them famous.

It really did live up to the hype. I would’ve gotten a second sandwich if I could have. Even at $25 for just the sandwich it was a price, though not the hassle, I’d endure again for it.

After that, it was west on Houston to Varick and to the Holland Tunnel. From there I followed the 1&9 around Newark International and through Elizabeth to my hotel along a row of hotels in Avenel. For two nights, it was $115. And honestly, I’ve seen prison cells bigger than my room. However, it was cheap. It’s AC unit froze the room. And it was nothing more than I absolutely needed.

Finished photos around 3am, and was up and out by noon the next day.

2020 HSF S15 New York City

Since I realized that both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges were toll free, I decided to travel that route to Long Island on Friday. No sense paying $10.16 to jump from Staten Island to Brooklyn or go through the Battery Tunnel from Manhattan. Just pay the $16 toll to leave New Jersey and that would be it. The game at Abraham Lincoln was scheduled for 3pm. Cutting through Manhattan was fairly easy. It was cool going through Chinatown. A stretch of the city I missed before on my travels. And straight through to the Manhattan Bridge which took me right past the Barclays Center.

2020 HSF S15 New York City

I then opted for forego the BQE and Belt Pkwy, or the Prospect Expwy, and instead follow Flatbush Ave through the Grand Army Plaza, and along Prospect Park to the southwest. Then cut over to the Ocean Parkway (which is basically a boulevard with frontage streets), and down to the school, which the school sits on just past the Belt Pkwy.

#131 Abraham Lincoln v. New Utrecht

Now, it’s strange, especially in this already strange season, to be back at the same stadium a second time. I’ve been to multiple playoff games at places such as AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, DakotaDome, Hersheypark Stadium, etc. But, actual regular everyday stadiums for a second time. It’s actually been exceedingly rare. I was in Salamanca twice, earlier this year. And Clymer. Both in New York. And Frankford Stadium in Philadelphia. But this year of all years has been especially temporary. I’m usually ever interested in going to a stadium once. Unless there isn’t much in the way of options. And that is partly the reason here. However, Lincoln’s backdrop, with the Warbasse Towers to the south. Rising stoicly behind the field. Anywhere else, such as Cleveland Heights, the old school dominating the far sideline would be enough of a backdrop one could find. But not here.

It was interesting, also, returning to where I’ve been before without having to know my way around. Part of the journeyman routine is always acclimating to your surroundings. Never really just knowing where you are. There’s a certain comfort in that, I guess. But, for me, it’s strange.

The game, though, started with a bang. A 66 yard kickoff return. And then, a mishandled kickoff led to another Abraham Lincoln touchdown. I talked to the school’s Principal on the sideline. He was from State College, Pennsylvania originally. So, was intrigued by PAFN covering their game. As I said at the time, high school football is the same everywhere. It just gets drowned out in such a densely populated city. But, the couple hundred who were out for the game enjoyed it no differently than any other game I had been to. And the players were just as much a part of the game as anywhere else. Part of what I like doing what I do is showcasing just how much we’re not different. Not so much as people think we are.

It did start to rain again, slightly, so I went for my rain hood from my car and returned shortly. The scoreboard clock was not operational today. It worked, but the clock was kept on the field and after a few attempts to run it the operation of it was just left at 0:00. Which was fine as the officials seemed determined to end the game as quickly as possible. Lincoln would go up 35-6 before one final last gasp effort by New Utrecht would make it 35-12. The game finished in just under 2 hours.

After the game, I had some decisions to make. First, there was a baseball game going on just south of me at Maimonides Park. The Brooklyn Cyclones were hosting the Hudson Valley Renegades. I knew with the 7pm game, I was going to have to take the shortest route to the hotel. I was also going to get a late start in the morning if I stayed up processing the photos from the day. I also wouldn’t be able to go exploring.

In the end, I decided to head to the baseball game. Partly because their giveaway was a replica championship ring from their 2019 season. Parking was $8, ticket was $20, souvenirs was $20, and I spent about $30 on food and drink.

This was my 5th time seeing the Cyclones play. The last time was at Hudson Valley. It was also the 5th time seeing Hudson Valley. The Cyclones were playing terribly. The thousand or so fans weren’t that interested, either. Brooklyn got their first hit in the 6th inning. And ended up losing, 8-0.

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

Now, as I said earlier, I didn’t have a Saturday game planned when I started my trip. I had just assumed I’d have heard back from at least one of my Saturday options. I know now that one of the games was canceled. So, while at the Cyclones game, with no response back and unlikely to hear anything back, I sent an email to New Dorp’s coach. My fallback plan now that I clearly wasn’t going to make the trip on a whim to the Bronx for either Truman or JFK, was to maybe see the game at Petrides, and if I couldn’t get in there. And if not, having left early enough, head down to New Dorp if that option wasn’t available. But, I was convinced to return to New Dorp since the game would be close (Tottenville’s game at Petrides was not going to be close). Also, I’d know for a fact I could get in there.

So, after finishing up photos arond 5am, I went to sleep and got up at 10:30 for the trip to New Dorp.

Instead of taking the Goethals, as I had the night before, I headed south for the Outerbridge Crossing and taking the Korean War Veterans Pkwy and then cut south to New Dorp. Knowing my way around, I was a bit shocked how little activity was around the parking lot to the park just south of the field. Luckily, the game was still going on. And I arrived about 20 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff.

#132 New Dorp v. Port Richmond

I did get noticed this time. Several people talked to me prior to the game about the photos I had taken the previous weekend. It was a rare bit of accomplishment I don’t usually experience in person since I’m rarely back at the same venue the following week. Usually just through Twitter or a note passed along through PAFN is all I get in terms of recognition. So, that was nice.

The field was also so much more pleasant in terms of temperature. I also had stopped for something to drink prior to the game. Even though I was feeling a bit sluggish on several nights of limited sleep. Enhanced by taking up free time with a longer than necessary baseball game in Brooklyn.

For the game itself, it felt like a carbon copy of New Dorp’s previous game. A scoreless first quarter. A two touchdown deficit. A quick score before halftime to halve the lead. And then, a third quarter score to tie it. Though, instead of flirting with OT, New Dorp got a third TD and it would hold up to finish the game, 24-16.

After the game, I stuck around on the field for some final Senior Day festivities. Including a final lap around the field for the soon-to-be graduates. I didn’t see the one player-mom that now followed me on Twitter as I had spoken to her pregame. I was hungry, and headed for a highly recommended pizza place. Located right next to the school.

Bravo Pizza is a definite must stop in the area. It’s split into a restaurant and pizzeria. The pizza side sells pizza by the slice or by the pie. I was hungry and saw an assortment to try. So, went with the buffalo chicken, chicken caesar, and the stuffed meat pizza. Though, the stuffed meat pizza would’ve been more than enough.

The Caesar Chicken Pizza was basically a caesar salad on a flat bread bowl. It was very good.

After eating all but a small portion of the caesar chicken, I headed out and was surprised to see the two player moms I had spoken to pregame, the one who is on Twitter. After that, it was a long trip home.

I took a little longer getting home as I meandered back through New Jersey. I was stuck in a small delay due to a disabled car in central Staten Island. And then cut up through Bayonne, New Jersey and the US1&9, which the Pulaski Skyway was closed, so had to follow a long procession on the truck detour route. Then back across the 280 to 80. I did stop for something to drink near Berwick, at a McDonald’s. And that was it. Just before midnight, after gassing up one final time, I was home. And, for all intents and purposes, my 2020 season has finally come to a close.

931 total miles cost $446.09 for the three games. $48 was for the baseball game. $69.84 was for the tolls. $66.25 for gas. $115 for hotel. and $147 for food. The baseball game and the $41 at Katz’s Delicatessen.

Photos of the Week

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF Wk S15 (New York City)

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

2020 HSF Wk S15 New York City

Next Week

Right now, there is no next week. NYC has two more weekends of football. But, at this point it is exceedingly unlikely that I can make the trip there for either of them. So, current plans are for August. With games in Utah, Georgia, and New Jersey on the radar. I’ll know more by then.

2020 Statistics

132 Games
235 Teams
93 Stadiums
15 States

133 New Teams
82 New Stadiums

1,297 different teams
416 different stadiums

1,170 total games

For more, and larger, photos from this weekend, click HERE.

For photos from previous weeks and seasons, visit http://www.flickr.com/sykotyk/sets/

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