The 2025 Staten Island high school football season will begin with a full day of action at SIUH Community Park in St. George on August 30, highlighted by a key matchup between Port Richmond and McKee/Staten Island Tech at noon.
The event, dubbed Fabulous Football Saturday, will also feature Moore Catholic taking on Brooklyn’s Abraham Lincoln at 3 p.m. and the highly anticipated first-ever Curtis – St. Peter’s showdown at 7 p.m.
Curtis athletic director Eric Ritzer announced the event, crediting the success of last year’s Curtis-Tottenville game at SIUH Community Park as the inspiration for the expanded triple-header.
He acknowledged the support of Staten Island FerryHawks president and co-owner Eric Shuffler, as well as SIUH Community Park’s General Manager of Stadium Operations and Facilities Ray Irizarry, for allowing football to take over the stadium while the baseball season is still ongoing.
“This wouldn’t be possible without their cooperation,” Ritzer said. “Coordinating three games in one day, especially with a baseball season running, takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it for the excitement it brings to Staten Island HS football.”
The opening game between Port Richmond and McKee/Staten Island Tech is expected to be a hard-fought battle, as both teams come into the season eager to make a statement.
Port Richmond, led by standout player Kasiem Cromwell, will look to establish dominance early with their aggressive ground game, while MSIT’s disciplined defense will aim to hold firm against the Raiders’ attack.
“Port Richmond has a strong, physical team, and they always come prepared to play,” said MSIT head coach Jim McCarthy. “We know it’s going to be a battle, but that’s exactly how we want to start our season.”
On the other hand, Port Richmond’s coaching staff emphasizes the importance of setting the tone early in the season. “We have a lot of returning players who know what it takes to compete at a high level,” said Port Richmond athletic director Nancy Cena. “Starting the season against MSIT is a great challenge, and our guys are ready to step up.”
One major change from last year’s setup is the addition of a second goalpost, addressing an issue from the Curtis-Tottenville game when teams had to play in a single direction.
The field alignment will be adjusted, allowing for a more traditional setup.
Fans can purchase one ticket to attend all three games, with ticket details to be announced as the event approaches.
The Staten Island high school football community will gather for the 46th annual Fred Fugazzi Football Dinner on March 1 at Li Greci’s Staaten in West Brighton.
The event will honor the Island’s top football player with the Fugazzi Award, a prestigious recognition voted on by Staten Island high school coaches.
Each of the borough’s 11 varsity football programs has nominated a standout player for the honor:
- Gabe DeLuca (McKee/Staten Island Tech)
- Evan Dukes (Curtis)
- Ryan Alexander-Wilson (Petrides)
- Gerald Green (Moore Catholic)
- Kasiem Cromwell (Port Richmond)
- J.T. Rose (New Dorp)
- Alex Ustun (Monsignor Farrell)
- Jeremiah Williams (St. Peter’s)
- Anthony Lavezzoli (St. Joseph by the Sea)
- Devin Louisson (Susan Wagner)
- Kory Brown (Tottenville)
“It’s an exciting way to celebrate the best talent in Staten Island HS football,” said board member Joe Avena. “This dinner gives these young athletes the recognition they deserve, much like the Heisman Trophy does for college players.”
Former New Dorp head coach Chris App Sr. will receive the 2025 Thomas O’Connor Memorial Award in recognition of his contributions to Staten Island high school football.
Lou Vesce, a key figure in the local football community, has also been instrumental in organizing the event and ensuring that the tradition continues.
The Fugazzi Award was established in 1978 to honor Fred Fugazzi, a New Dorp graduate and Staten Island football legend drafted by the AFL’s Boston Patriots and the U.S. military in 1964.
Following his service, Fugazzi spent 11 years as a decorated NYC firefighter before passing in 1977.
