STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Curtis head coach Peter Gambardella had a simple explanation on why he chose to defer the opening kickoff after his Warriors won the coin toss prior to their season-opener against St. Peter’s.

“I just rather start on defense during this week, double zero, you know we replaced five offensive linemen and there’s going to be jitters — there’s going to be things,’' said the 18th-year head coach. “(St. Peter’s) does a great job coaching, so I knew what they showed last year wasn’t going to be what they show now. We had to be a little bit patient and figure things out.’'

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