See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
South Shore doesn’t plan on tip-toeing its way into the top division of Public School Athletic League football.
The Vikings are banking on a loud entrance that announces them as a contender for the city’s highest prize after two straight titles at the lower level.
“We set our mindset for big things around here,” said South Shore coach Matt Ciquera. “That’s what we are looking for. We are talking about it. We are not scared to move up and [just] say we want to be .500 or we want to make the playoffs. I don’t look at an opportunity like that.”
Ciquera wants to be playing a championship game this season at Yankee Stadium instead of Springfield Gardens where the Bowl Division title game is held. Getting there this year is unlikely, but Ciquera has set his program up to achieve that goal sooner rather than later.
The Vikings have scrimmaged Tottennville, the city runner-up the last two seasons, and more than held their own this year and last according to Ciquera. They also played Grand Street a year ago and Brooklyn Tech this August to get ready for playing at the highest level.
“I feel like if we can play with a team like that, we can play with anyone,” Ciquera said of Tottenville.
There is a reason he feels that way, because South Shore isn’t short on talent. Senior running back Timothy Bowers can be one of the city’s most dynamic players in a backfield with three-year starter Omar Jarrett and youngsters Rafael Cordero and DeAndre Campbell. Bowers, who plays cornerback, and Tyler Busby, a fourth-year starter at defensive tackle, will lead the defense.
The Vikings could also have a rising star in sophomore quarterback Jason Martin, who threw four touchdowns while starting the final two regular-season games last season. Former South Shore star signal caller David Legree will mentor him. Legree, who played at Syracuse, spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs.
“I feel like I have an elite quarterback coach with an elite quarterback,” Ciquera said.
South Shore plans on being an elite team and has taken the step needed to get itself prepared to be. Its one crack at the league’s big three comes on Oct. 12 when the Vikings visit Erasmus Hall in Week 6.
Only time will tell if South Shore will be in line for a statement win. For now, give the program credit for putting itself in position to dream big.