Rocks conclude positive year

Despite having only 22 players on the roster, and just one weighing over 200 pounds, East Rockaway, once again, earned a postseason berth in Conference IV football.

While it was a combination of character and heart that enabled the Rocks to secure a trip to the playoffs, the lack of size was their undoing in their first round playoff matchup with No. 2 Carle Place/Wheatley.

The host Wild Frogs, led by a big, powerful offensive line, rushed for 445 yards and walked off with a 42-14 win last Friday evening. Senior quarterback Chris Kelly ran for 128 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead the way. Carle Place/Wheatley, which improved to 7-2, also got 117 yards on six carries from junior fullback John Deridder.

No. 7 East Rockaway, which finished with a record of 4-5, got second half touchdowns from junior Colin Barnes and senior James Tierney.

Head coach Russ Pajer figured size would be an issue. “They’re big and aggressive up front, so we knew they’d be a handful for us,” Pajer said. “We played them straight up, and we had our opportunities. The guys fought hard and didn’t quit, but they just wore us down. I’m proud of what we accomplished on the field and, even more so, for everything the guys did off the field.”

The Rocks put themselves among the playoff teams by winning two of their last three; a 34-28 nail biter at Valley Stream South, and a 42-14 home victory over a stubborn Mineola team. In the latter, Tierney gained 140 yards on 13 carries and scored twice on the ground. He also took the second half kickoff back 80 yards for a third touchdown. 

In the victory over South, senior quarterback Tommy Rogers scored the winner on a 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Barnes, who earned All-County honors, carried the ball 18 times for 165 yards. He scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground and one through the air.

The Rocks were also victorious in games against Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Tierney picked up Honorable Mention All-County recognition, and Rogers was an All-Conference honoree.

The off-the-field activities Pajer alluded to were part of the team’s above the line mantra, a philosophy based on the book “Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Champion Season,” written by Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer. The team committed to creating a family atmosphere, and was driven to make a difference in the lives of others in the community.

“The most incredible thing was that they did most of it on their own,” Pajer said. “They embraced it and took ownership. The guys called their own meetings and planned out how they’d carry out activities. Whether it was meeting and learning about someone with special needs or helping out with an Eagle Scout project, they took it seriously. It’s all positive, character building stuff they will be able to carry with them.”