Archives

June, 2008

Jun 25

2008

This Bulldog has bite

In The News
6.25.08
By Zachary Braziller - Queenscourier.com

This Bulldog has bite

Campus Magnet’s Benjamin leads NYC to Empire Challenge win with acrobatic touchdown grab
Much like the resurgent Campus Magnet football program under Eric Barnett, Stephan Benjamin spent much of the 13th annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge - the gridiron All-Star game pitting New York City’s best against their counterparts from Long Island - under the radar.

He was on the field, but had just one ball thrown to him, which he caught for a meager gain. When he was on the sideline, the senior kept in close contact to his coaches, following them around, he said, like a hound dog, begging for his opportunity.

And like the Bulldogs, who have quietly made a name for themselves by improving every year under Barnett, winning seven games this season and nearly upsetting PSAL finalist Canarsie in the opening round of the playoffs, Benjamin took advantage when the ball came his way.

He hauled in three consecutive catches in the game-winning 78-yard drive, including the go-ahead touchdown reception, a picturesque, diving eight-yard grab in the back corner of the end zone of a Jeff Legree toss. Benjamin extending his lanky 6-foot-5 frame to haul in the aerial over Long Island’s Clarmell Betts while dragging both feet inbounds with 23 seconds remaining, capping the 21-20 victory in front of 11,005 at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium Tuesday night.

“It felt unbelievable, I have been dreaming of doing that,” said Benjamin, who caught four passes for 30 yards altogether. “I’m blown away right now. It doesn’t get better than this, my last high school game.”

The completion earned Legree the MVP award, but made an even greater statement for Benjamin, who is headed to Division II American International College in Springfield, MA.

Barnett had a difficult time selling college scouts on Benjamin. He didn’t put up huge numbers at Campus Magnet, hauling in 33 receptions for 610 yards and eight touchdowns his final two seasons. But he did almost everything for the Bulldogs, from blocking to lining up on the other side of the ball at linebacker, where he made 26 tackles and two sacks as a senior.

This off-season has seen his emergence. Benjamin, Barnett said, has demonstrated an improved work ethic, and it has showed in two high profile All-Star games, the Governors Bowl last month, pitting the top prospects from New York against New Jersey, when he hauled in a touchdown pass at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, N.J. and the Empire Challenge, when he keyed the go-ahead drive.

“It shows me,” Benjamin said, “I’m not a Division II player.”

Benjamin, though, is still developing. When Barnett, the former Christ the King offensive coordinator and Springfield Rifles athletic director, took over three years ago he included Benjamin, then a scrawny, uncoordinated sophomore, on the varsity. He rarely ran routes smoothly; everything he did was awkward. But when his pads were on, Barnett recalled, smiling broadly, he was fearless. Benjamin not only loved contact, he sought out would-be tacklers. Slowly, he has matured as a football player, these off-season exhibitions serving as ample proof.

“He’s still going to be better than what he is now,” Barnett said. “AIC is getting a Division I player.”

Holy Cross’s Tom Pugh, an assistant coach with the city team who has sent numerous players to play college football at the Division I level, wholeheartedly agreed, listing Benjamin’s size, smooth speed and hands as impressive qualities.

“He was catching the ball this week,” Pugh said, referring to workouts leading up to game day, “and he was getting better every day.”

Though disappointed higher programs didn’t bite, Barnett sees no limitations to his star wide out’s future. “You can go to the NFL from any level,” he said. “As long as he keeps working hard he can make it happen.”

Added Benjamin: “At least I’m playing (college) football - that’s what counts.”

AIC is certainly excited about their newest addition. Their wide receivers coach, Mike Rafferty, was on hand to see Benjamin’s dramatics, which added to his optimism. On tape, the Division II school was already impressed with him, but his recent performances against numerous Division I athletes have solidified their confidence.

“He can be one of the freshmen that make an impact,” Rafferty said. “He’s ready to step up and be a big contributor.”

Jun 25

2008

With Game, Radio Gig, Boomer’s Going 24/7

In The News

6.25.08
By Eric Allen

With Game, Radio Gig, Boomer’s Going 24/7

Boomer Esiason just doesn’t get much sleep these days. Almost 10 months into his radio position as morning co-host on WFAN here in New York, Esiason’s new role has proved to be challenging.

“Morning radio is tough,” he said Tuesday evening. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a full-time job.”

Perhaps the lack of Zs has made Esiason forget his illustrious 14-year career in the NFL. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, the University of Maryland product played for three teams, including his hometown Jets, from 1984-96. Like any good quarterback, he values teamwork in any industry.

“If you have a good partner — like a quarterback needs good linemen — you can really be successful,” he says. “My partner is a fantastic radio personality and at this point I feel lucky to be paired with him. It’s actually made it a little bit easier for me.”

Craig Carton, a non-stop bottle of energy who can be engaging one minute and grating the next, serves as Esiason’s devilish companion. Like a 7-year old who’s just digested three packs of Skittles, the talented Carton is all over the place. He’s the shock jock while Boomer often balances his partner by offering a more reasoned approach.

“He is wide-open. Full-throttle wide-open,” Esiason said. “For me, I’m a little bit more reserved. I’ve accomplished some things in my life that I want to make sure people remember me for as opposed to just a radio gig.”

They talk sports, but they also dabble in Hollywood, politics and other current events. Carton, a seasoned radio vet, and Esiason, who has appeared in front of the camera for years on MSG and CBS Sports, know stat boxes won’t cut it for listeners at 6:45 a.m.

“You have to remember morning radio is supposed to be entertaining as opposed to just informative,” Esiason said. “We don’t really try to bog ourselves down with stats and trades and trends and all that other stuff. We just let it go and see where the microphones take us every day.”

On this late afternoon, it’s about two hours before the Empire Challenge kicks off at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. The 13th annual game, played between the top high school football players from New York City and Long Island, actually began as a contest between Long Island’s two counties.

“It was Nassau vs. Suffolk the first few years and we weren’t just getting enough people, we weren’t getting enough support,” Esiason said. “Then once I opened it up to the New York City kids and it was NYC vs. Long Island, the sponsors started really taking notice, which really helped. Without the sponsors that we have, we couldn’t pull it off at this level.”

Proceeds from the game will benefit three causes: New York area youth football, the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis, and the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra.

Esiason, a native Islander who attended East Islip High School, was traded from the Bengals to the Jets prior to the 1993 season. But just a couple of months later, he was informed that his 2-year-old son, Gunnar, had cystic fibrosis. The disease affects the lungs and digestive system of children and has no cure, but Esiason decided he would work to change that fact.

“We just felt like there was a missing piece in the world of cystic fibrosis,” he said. “They didn’t really have anybody with a name that sports fans knew or anyone else knew, so when I became quarterback of the Jets I just basically blurted it and all that came with it from a media standpoint.

“Since that time, we’ve raised over $65 million dollars for cystic fibrosis.”

Gunnar, now 17, has achieved his goal of playing quarterback at the high school level (Friends Academy). He is a battler and you’d expect nothing more from Boom’s boy.

Before the Challenge began, Esiason promised to stay in the background and let the dozens of volunteers run the show.

“As the president of my foundation says, ‘Boomer, when you have a walkie-talkie, it’s like the fall of Saigon.’ It’s like madness all over the place,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s been really well run over the last six years to the point where it’s been flawless, so I just try to stay out of the way now.”

The game turned out to be a thriller as New York City scored a touchdown in the waning seconds and captured a come-from-behind 21-20 victory. There were 11,005 in attendance and when the game ended at 10:28 p.m., you know Boomer must have felt tremendously satisfied but probably ready to beat the traffic as well.

The alarm clock was going to buzz in a few hours, and Norman Julius Esiason was working the early shift again.

Boomer Esiason just doesn’t get much sleep these days. Almost 10 months into his radio position as morning co-host on WFAN here in New York, Esiason’s new role has proved to be challenging.

Jun 25

2008

New York City’s Empire Challenge Game Tackles Cystic Fibrosis

In The News

6.25.08
By Tracey - philanthropyscores.com

New York City’s Empire Challenge Game Tackles Cystic Fibrosis

A record 11,005 fans packed Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium yesterday to watch New York City squeak by Long Island, 21-20 in the 13th annual Empire Challenge football game. Created in 1996, the contest is a matchup of local area, high school all-stars.

The Empire Challenge was created by NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason to raise money for and awareness about cystic fibrosis. Esiason’s son Gunnar suffers from the incurable disease.

Along with corporate sponsors, the days’ events raised money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis, contributes to the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University, and supports youth and high school football in the New York metropolitan area. With corporate support, the Boomer Esiason Foundation has raised over $60 million to date.

“The support these companies have provided to the Boomer Esiason Foundation is a great example of how corporate America can make an impact in bettering the communities where employees work and live,” said Esiason, in a recent interview. “Their support for the foundation will be used to improve the lives of all those afflicted with cystic fibrosis. As both a local resident and a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’m thankful for companies like Canon U.S.A., the New York Jets, USA Football and Outback Steakhouse that believe that giving back to the community is critical to their role as corporate citizens.”

How you can get in the game:

To find out more about cystic fibrosis and contribute funds or volunteer, check out the following sites:

Empire Challenge
Boomer Esiason Foundation
Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University

Jun 25

2008

Long Island defense proud of effort

In The News

6.25.08
By Marcus Henry - Newsday.com

Long Island defense proud of effort

It wasn’t going to be easy shutting down a New York City offense that featured two strong-armed, mobile quarterbacks.

Fort Hamilton’s Jeff Legree and Curtis High School’s Dominick LeGrande, two quarterbacks with a combined three PSAL championships under their belts, were used to making big plays in big games.

Unfortunately for Long Island it was no different at the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge last night as Legree led the City on a 78-yard scoring drive with under a minute remaining for a 21-20 victory.

As gut-wrenching as the loss was, Long Island’s defensive players were proud of their effort. “The plan was to contain them on the outside, because we knew they were going to try and run wild,” Amityville linebacker Reggie Robinson said.

Robinson led the defense with 11 tackles, including three for loss and half a sack. Lawrence’s Keith Goodluck added seven tackles and Babylon’s Beau Bachety added three stops and half a sack.

Long Island appeared to be headed to victory, leading 20-14 with a minute remaining. But Legree pulled off the play of the game by scrambling to his left and finding Shaahiyn Alston for a 57-yard gain, setting up the City’s final score.

“We had him,” Freeport defensive tackle Ramel Epps said. “But he got rid of the ball just before we could get to him.”

Robinson lauded Legree’s athleticism: “This is an all-star game, with all-star players. Anything can happen.”

Robinson said the defense was prepared and it showed for most of the game as the City scored just 14 points in the first half and was shut out in the third quarter. But Robinson also said he thought the City would pass the ball a little more. “We didn’t know that was all they were going to do,” Robinson said.

Legree completed 10 of 20 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. The City was just as effective on the ground, totaling 142 yards on 44 carries. “Legree and LeGrande are great athletes,” Robinson said.

Robinson, who is headed to Hobart, said he had no regrets about losing.

“I first came to this game in the eighth grade,” Robinson said. “I told my mom when I graduate I wanted to play in this game. Unfortunately we lost, but we had fun. And that was the mission.”

Jun 24

2008

Gunnar Esiason has always risen to challenge

In The News
06.24.09
By Bob Herzog, www.newsday.com

Gunnar Esiason has always risen to challenge
It’s been fourth-and-long for Gunnar Esiason his whole life, and the kid just keeps making first downs and moving the chains.

Born with cystic fibrosis - a disease that causes mucus buildup in the lungs, severely affects breathing nd weakens the immune system - the 17-year-old son of Boomer Esiason has defied the odds by playing high school football the last two seasons at Friends Academy. He capped his career with an appearance last night in the Empire Challenge at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

Esiason, voted one of the team’s captains by the coaches, was told early Tuesday that he would start the first offensive series. “Look out for some razzle-dazzle,” quarterbacks coach Rob Hoss of Sayville told Newsday just before Esiason entered with 7:02 left in the first quarter, after Long Island stopped the City on downs at the L.I. 13-yard line.

Before the scripted trick play unfolded, a spontaneous act occurred that you couldn’t script. The entire City defensive unit crossed the line of scrimmage and, one by one, hugged Esiason or slapped him on the shoulder pads.

“That was really fantastic,” Esiason said on the sideline after his first series. “The respect the City showed me, and the sportsmanship, is what this game is all about.”

After that gesture, Esiason took his first snap, turned and pitched right to Terrell Williams. Hempstead’s 2008 Thorp Award winner started around end, then pulled up for a deep halfback option pass that fell incomplete.

Esiason, however, had a magic touch on his second play. He made a deft inside handoff to Williams on a trap play up the middle, and he exploded through a hole and raced 87 yards for the game’s first touchdown. Trailing the play, waving his right index finger in the damp night air, was Esiason.

“That was awesome. Once he got past the linebackers, no one’s catching him,” Esiason said. “The second play sure stole the thunder from the first one.”

Nothing could steal Esiason’s thunder on this special night. Earlier, Boomer said he would not watch his son from the sideline, even though, as the founding father of this game, the popular former Bengals andJets quarterback could have stood in the huddle if he wanted to and no one would’ve complained.

“I just want to be a dad. This is his night,” Boomer said. “This game doesn’t happen if it wasn’t for him.”

In 1996, Boomer started the game, which has raised millions for CF research, after his son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age.

“I’ve been at every one of these games,” said Gunnar, who served as a ballboy several times. “To finally play in it, I can’t even describe what it’s like. I’m still kind of caught up in the moment.”

He was entitled to show some emotion, and he wasn’t the only Esiason to do so. “What do you think my reaction will be?” Boomer asked rhetorically before the game. “I’ll have a tear in my eye.”

Jun 24

2008

NYC’s 57-yard, last-minute play keys win over LI

In The News
6.24.08
BY Adam Ronis - Newsday.com

NYC’s 57-yard, last-minute play keys win over LI
Long Island was in excellent position to win the 13th Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge at Hofstra Tuesday night. New York City faced a fourth-and-20 at its own 23 with one minute left in the game and trailed by six points.Long Island hadn’t allowed a point in the second half and it would take a miraculous big play for the City team to have a glimpse of hope and that’s exactly what occurred.

Quarterback Jeffrey Legree rolled to his left to avoid the rush, and he caught Shaahiyn Alston going across the middle. Alston stopped, reversed field and went down the right sideline for a 57-yard gain.

Legree connected with Stephan Benjamin on three straight pass plays and the final one went for an 8-yard touchdown with 23 seconds left to tie the score and Michael Horowitz kicked the extra point to give New York City a 21-20 win before 11,005 fans.

Long Island leads the series, 6-5 and it was the first time NYC won consecutive games. Nine of the 11 games between the City and L.I. have been decided by eight points or less, including four by one point. “Everything broke down on that play,” Lawrence’s Keith Goodluck said. “I thought we were going to tackle the quarterback. I thought we had it.”

Said L.I. coach Paul Longo of Floyd: “Their kid made a big play at the right time. Considering the defenses are limited by the rules, I was proud of the way the defense played in the second half.”

The offenses controlled play in the first half and it turned into a defensive battle in the second half. L.I.’s offense was most crisp with Floyd’s Joe Sidaras under center, who was quarterback for three of the four scoring drives.

Sidaras, who will play at Hofstra, went 7-for-11 for 80 yards and two touchdowns. It was an unusual ending for Sidaras, who won all 33 games he played at Floyd before losing in the Governor’s Bowl and this game.

“I thought we had it,” he said. “It was fourth-and-20 and they found a hole. I’m not used to losing.”

Long Island opened the game with an 80-yard, nine-play drive that took 5:05. Sidaras culminated the drive with a 19-yard pass to Trevor Perryman and Floyd’s Jonathan Korn kicked the extra point to give L.I. a 7-0 lead.

Legree hit Alston for an 8-yard touchdown with 3:23 left in the first quarter to tie the score at 7 for NYC.

After L.I. was stopped on its second offensive possession, NYC gambled on a fourth-and-2 at its own 38 and was stopped on an incomplete pass.

L.I. took over and on the second play of the drive, it used a double pass to get deep into NYC territory. Sidaras threw a pass to P.J. Preziosa, who then threw a 31-yard pass to Jack Kensil to put L.I. at the 3-yard line. Two plays later, Sidaras threw a two-yard scoring pass to Lawrence’s Conrad Stewart with 7:57 left in the second quarter to give L.I. a 14-7 lead.

NYC took over and went on a long drive to tie the score at 14 after a 14-play, 67-yard drive that took 7:07. Legree capped it with a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 50 seconds left in the first half.

L.I. marched down the field quickly and Korn hit a 40-yard field as time expired to give L.I. a 17-14 lead.

Jun 24

2008

City Stars rally in Empire Challenge

In The News
6.24.08
By Andy Martino - Daily News Sports Writer

City Stars rally in Empire Challenge
In the final game of Curtis coach Fred Olivieri’s 26-year career, New York City edged Long Island, 21-20, Tuesday night on a late touchdown in the Empire Challenge, the 13th annual matchup of high-school all-stars.

An event-record 11,005 spectators at Hofstra University saw city receiver Stephen Benjamin stay in bounds at the corner of the end zone, catching a touchdown pass from Fort Hamilton’s Jeffrey Legree with 23 seconds remaining. The extra point was good, and New York took its only lead of the game.

Legree, who was 10 for 20 for 144 yards and two touchdowns, was named the MVP. William Floyd quarterback Joe Sidaras was Long Island’s MVP, completing 7of 11 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

The retiring coach was overwhelmed by the finish. “My spirits were down, but the boys wouldn’t let us die,” Olivieri said.

The Empire Challenge was created in 1996 by former NFL quarterback and East Islip product Boomer Esiason to raise money for and awareness about cystic fibrosis. Esiason’s son Gunnar suffers from the incurable disease.

The city team trailed 20-14 with one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, and faced a fourth down and 20 on its own 28. Before the play, Legree shouted, “Let’s go, baby,” and then connected with Curtis receiver Shaahiyn Alston for a 57-yard reception.

Three plays later, Legree found Campus Magnet’s Benjamin for the touchdown.

Jun 24

2008

Outback New York Empire Challenge High School All Star Game: NYC beats Long Island 21-20

In The News
6.24.08

Outback New York Empire Challenge High School All Star Game: NYC beats Long Island 21-20
The New York City all stars defeated Long Island, 21-20 in the Outback Empire High School All Star Game Challenge hosted by Boomer Esiason, from Hofstra University. The New York City squad was led by Fort Hamilton standout QB, Jeffrey Legree, who earned game MVP honors with 2 TD passes and a touchdown run. Staten Island’s Shaahiyn Alston, of Curtis High School, chipped in with a touchdown catch. Free the Fan was there to cover it. Here are some interviews from the game. More highlights to come.

Jun 23

2008

I.C.E. Tour Attends Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge

In The News
6.23.08
From islanders.nhl.com

I.C.E. Tour Attends Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge

With many high school students getting ready to graduate and enjoy their final summer before heading out to college, many students start to reflect on what they will miss the most after they move on to bigger and better things. For many student athletes, that certain part of high school they will miss the most is the time they spent with their teammates battling for a win in their respective sport.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation held its annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge football game today, which gives football players one last game in their high school career as the best of the best from Long Island face off versus the top players from high schools in New York City.

On hand for the special event was the Islanders’ I.C.E. Tour, which was part of the pre-game festivities in the Fan Zone. The I.C.E. Tour RV made it’s debut to the public as fans were allowed to stop by and receive some great Islanders prizes as well as take a peak into the awesome RV that has been decorated with an entire Islander exterior and interior. Sparky the Dragon was also wondered around, greeting and playing with all of his fans. The inflatable moonbounce and obstacle course were also on hand as nearly 1,000 fans showed up for the pre game party.

All proceeds from the game go to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, whose main goal is to aid in financial support to research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. When all was said and done, the New York City team defeated the Long Island team by a score of 21-20. The New York City all stars won in dramatic fashion with a long drive with less than two minutes remaining that resulted in a touchdown. The event was tons of fun and the Islanders were thrilled to be a part of such a special event.

Jun 23

2008

Jackolski focused on winning Outback Challenge

In The News
6.23.08
By Adam Ronis - Newsday.com

Jackolski focused on winning Outback Challenge
Brock Jackolski isn’t used to losing. In fact, the best word to sum up his high school career is “winner.” In three seasons at Floyd, he went 33-0, won three Long Island Class I championships and scored 10 touchdowns in those games.It wasn’t until earlier this month, when the Hofstra-bound Jackolski played in the Governor’s Bowl, that he tasted the first defeat of his high school career.

Now the Floyd running back will get one more chance to suit up as a high school player when Long Island faces New York City in the 13th annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge at 7:30 Tuesday night at Hofstra. All proceeds from the game go to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the Gunnar H. Esiason Scholarship Fund at Hofstra and local youth football programs.

It’s for a good cause and it’s a fun game, but the players take it seriously. Long Island leads 6-4 in the series and has won four of the last six games. New York City won last year’s game, 35-27, and is trying to win consecutive games for the first time.

“It’s very important to win,” said Hansen Award winner Jackolski, who rushed for 3,601 yards and 52 touchdowns and caught 54 passes for 890 yards and eight TDs in his career. “They beat us last year, so we have to come back and win this year. It’s definitely a motivator. We want to show there’s good football on Long Island.”

Farmingdale quarterback Steven Probst, who also will attend Hofstra, said: “It’s all fun and it isn’t supposed to be too serious, but we definitely want to win.”

The Long Island offense should keep the fans entertained. Probst, P.J. Preziosa (Lawrence) and Hofstra-bound Joe Sidaras (Floyd) will alternate at quarterback. Jackolski, Tashawn Arthur (Farmingdale) and Anthony Biscardi (Wantagh) lead the running backs. Alex Rivas (East Meadow), who will attend Lafayette, is at fullback and Brian Cervantes (Lindenhurst), Jack Kensil (St. Anthony’s) and William Slinkosky (Sachem North) are some of the threats at wide receiver.

“The offense is very good,” Arthur said. “Any of our players can take it the distance just like that.”

Cervantes hopes the time players invested in preparing for this game will be rewarded with some bragging rights.

“We practice for eight days, so you want it to pay off,” Cervantes said. “The skill positions are really good. We have a lot of weapons. It has become a big rivalry. Usually, all-star games are blowouts. These games are always close.”