East Rockaway rocks opponent at homecoming

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It was a happy homecoming for the East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School varsity football team as it picked up its first win of the season, handing Oyster Bay a 33-21 defeat on Sept. 24.

Students, athletes, cheerleaders, parents, alumni and faculty members all came out to show their support for the Rocks, who improved to 1-2 and had many contributors in the victory. Quarterback Tommy Rogers threw for two touchdowns, both of which were caught by receiver Jonathan Starkman. Running back James Tierney had two scores on the ground, while fellow rusher Colin Barnes had 16 carries for a team-leading 136 yards and added a touchdown.

“It was exciting,” East Rockaway coach Russ Pajer said. “It was a fun day. A good day of activities. The kids came to play, they played hard and they played well and came out with a victory, so overall it was a good weekend.”

The game was preceded by a parade and pep rally on Sept. 23. Seniors Diana Locoteta and Michael Saporito were named homecoming queen and king at the rally, while juniors Paul Bertolotti and Kristi Ackerina were named homecoming prince and princess.

East Rockaway’s annual homecoming game also serves as its Louis Cosenza Scholarship Game. Cosenza was a health and physical education teacher at East Rockaway High School for six years and was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 31 in 1971. All proceeds from the event went to the Cosenza Scholarship Fund, which is given to a senior who excels in the classroom and on the athletic field.

In a special pre-game ceremony, the school honored former East Rockaway High School graduate Andrew Stern, who died in the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Stern’s mother, sister and brother attended the ceremony acknowledging the 15th anniversary of his passing.

“There was a nice turnout,” Pajer said. “The stands were packed. The parade was very nice, and everyone was cheering for our team.”