During its two-decades long stretch of dominance, New Rochelle has had hits fair share of playoff thrillers. It’s very rare, however, for the Section I powerhouse to be tested so mightily by a first-round opponent. On Oct. 29, however, the No. 1-seeded Huguenots faced an unexpected challenge from No. 4 Clarkstown South, needing two overtime periods to put away the pesky Vikings with a 21-14 win. But if the Huguenots of past years have been identified with their dominance, this year’s club has embodied the “next man up” ethos, which was in full display on Friday night.
Chris Tuck who began the season as a tight end before being shifted to running back after injuries decimated the Huguenots’ backfield, ended up being pressed into service at quarterback after a first half injury put New Rochelle starter Austin Luzzi on the shelf, scored the go-ahead touchdown in the second overtime period before Jamel Williams—playing cornerback with his right hand wrapped in a club-like apparatus to protect a broken wrist—sealed the deal with an interception on the goal line to send the Huguenots to the Class AA semifinals.
“I’ve never been involved in a game that stressful or that tense, but I believe in my teammates and my teammates believe in each other,” said Tuck. “And when I saw Jamel, the ‘One Hand Bandit’ take that, I was so proud for him; he’s better with that club than he is with two hands.”
That the game needed such a dramatic finish was something of a surprise, both for fans and members of the Huguenot team. Clarkstown South came into the game with a 4-3 record but quickly established that they had the athleticism to hang with New Rochelle, striking first with a 30-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter. Trailing 14-7 in the third, the Vikings came up with another big pass play that went for 73 yards and a score.
“We knew they were solid, we knew they were well-coached, but honestly I wasn’t sure about their speed,” said Huguenot coach Ray Rhett. “They had been consistent, they had played some good teams well.”
Rhett noted that the Huguenots’ offensive output was dampened by the fierce wind, as well as an injury to Austin Luzzi, but that players like Tuck—and Jaire Redding who also took snaps under center—filled in admirably. Running primarily out of the Wildcat formation, Tuck carried the ball 35 times for 233 yards to power the Huguenots.
“That’s the thing we preach, “next man up,’” said Rhett. “For Chris, it all starts with his work ethic, but he has so much skill, ability, intelligence, and he has the ability to play anywhere.”
With the win, New Rochelle advances to the Class AA semifinal round, which will see them host Arlington on Nov. 5.
“Right now, I think the entire team needs a nice ice bath,” said Rhett. “But the lesson we learned today is consistency, not riding the wave of emotion.”
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