The Post's All-Staten Island football honors

Monsignor Farrell returned to a place of prominence on Staten Island.

The Lions made the CHSFL Class AAA playoffs under new coach Jim Bradley and had a fine season, putting the once-powerhouse program back on the right track. St. Joseph by the Sea, under first-year coach Rich Clarke, advanced to the ‘AA’ semifinals.

In the PSAL, Tottenville made its third straight PSAL City Championship division semifinals while Curtis and Port Richmond both enjoyed winning seasons with playoff berths. McKee/Staten Island Tech won a second consecutive Cup title in dramatic fashion, scoring a touchdown as time expired.

All-Staten Island football Player of the Year: Alvin Cornelius, Tottenville

In the preseason, Cornelius received the ultimate honor for a Tottenville football player. Longtime coach Jim Munson bestowed upon him the jersey No. 4, worn every year by the team’s top player.

“That’s our number,” Munson said. “The guy who puts the No. 4 on his back is like Superman.”

Cornelius played that role marvelously. When quarterback Brandon Barnes went down with a torn ACL in Week 8, the Syracuse-bound wide receiver spent time under center in what Munson dubbed “the Alcat.” In that role, splitting time with pocket passer Brandon DiGirolamo, Cornelius led Tottenville to the PSAL City Championship division semifinals.

He absolutely did it all for the Pirates. Cornelius had three rushing touchdowns, three passing touchdowns and threw for a score in the regular season. He returned three touchdowns on kicks or punts and also had five interceptions as a defensive back.

All-Staten Island football Coach of the Year: Jim Bradley, Monsignor Farrell

Jim Bradley faced the challenge of taking over for legend Ben Sarullo and becoming just the fourth coach in program history at the high school where he also played.

The former UMass and Wagner College assistant brought that experience, discipline and knowledge to his alma mater. Bradley knew full well about the Lions rich history and his job was to restore them as one of the CHSFL’s top teams.

His business-like and organized approach had an immediate impact on the players and led to one of Farrell’s best seasons in recent years. It finished 4-6 overall, playing with a newfound passion and determination. The Lions returned to the Class AAA playoffs for the first time four years. Things should only get better from here.

FIRST TEAM

Offense

RB Kevin Austin, Curtis

Talk about an impact transfer. The junior from down south racked up 820 yards and finished fifth in the PSAL City Championship division in rushing touchdowns (13) as the most potent cog in the Curtis offense all season.

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