Brooklyn, NY. Erasmus Hall turned its PSAL opener into a statement. The Dutchmen defeated John F. Kennedy Campus 43-6 at home on Friday, September 18, earning their first win of the 2026 season after opening with two difficult nonleague losses in New Jersey.
A fast start in the league opener
Erasmus Hall led 29-0 at halftime before closing out the 43-6 victory. The result moved the Dutchmen to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in league play and extended their home winning streak to six games dating to last season, according to MaxPreps.
Newsday reported a sharp offensive performance from Erasmus Hall quarterback Michael Bennett, who completed 11 of 11 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Nayir Jackson finished with five receptions for 102 yards and two first-half touchdowns, while Christian Thomas added two catches for 55 yards and a score. Richuard Dobbin and Jordan Bishop each added a rushing touchdown.
SMITH²: Trevor Smith Jr. changes the game on special teams
Trevor Smith Jr., No. 9, returner/DB, delivered one of Erasmus Hall’s signature plays when he returned a punt for a touchdown. Newsday included Smith’s return score in its PSAL roundup following the 43-6 win.
The scoring return is also captured in video shared publicly by the Smith family and credited to K7 Photo Video Production.
Tristan Smith, No. 34
Tristan Smith, No. 34, LB/TE, was part of Erasmus Hall’s game-day group as the Dutchmen opened PSAL play with the win. No individual JFK stat line for Smith was listed in the cited public game reports.
More game footage
K7 Photo Video Production also published additional footage from Erasmus Hall’s win over JFK.
Smith twins land in Prep Redzone’s 2028 New York rankings
Prep Redzone New York’s August 17 rankings update places both Smith brothers among the state’s Class of 2028 prospects. Trevor Smith Jr., No. 9 for Erasmus Hall, is ranked No. 19 in New York and is listed by Prep Redzone as an athlete. Tristan Smith, No. 34 · LB/TE for Erasmus Hall, is ranked No. 94 in New York and is listed by Prep Redzone as an athlete/linebacker. Prep Redzone said the August update expanded its 2028 list to 551 prospects.
Erasmus Hall rises after the JFK win
MaxPreps’ rankings updated September 20 place Erasmus Hall No. 6 in New York, No. 2 in PSAL 4A and No. 2 in Section 12 PSAL. The Dutchmen now move from their 43-6 league-opening win into a matchup with Eagle Academy II, the team listed No. 1 in the Section 12 PSAL rankings.
What comes next
Erasmus Hall’s next game is listed for Friday, September 25 at 6 p.m. at Eagle Academy II in Brooklyn. Current MaxPreps and High School On SI game listings both show Erasmus Hall as the away team for the September 25 matchup. Eagle Academy II enters the week unbeaten, including a 42-0 league-opening win over Lincoln.
Sources: Newsday’s PSAL roundup; PSAL; MaxPreps; High School On SI; Prep Redzone New York’s updated 2028 rankings; public game media from @k7pvproduction and @bksmith6.
