The dichotomy between the East Rockaway and Malverne football programs is staggering. The Rocks like to grind it out, take time off the clock, and only throw the ball when absolutely necessary, while the Mules can score at the blink of an eye and don’t mind going to the air.
The contrasting styles were on display last Saturday afternoon as the teams that play just a mile and a half apart renewed the rivalry for Ocean Avenue bragging rights, but this time with a trip to Hofstra and the semifinal round of the Nassau Conference IV playoffs on the line.
The old adage about consistent, effective effort leading to success rang true. Senior Jarell Brown carried the ball 21 times for 134 yards and a touchdown to lead host East Rockaway to a 24-12 victory. Junior Caleb Alvarez (28 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown) was outstanding on both sides of the ball for the Rocks.
The offensive line comprising Joseph Amabile, Logan Ackerman, Dom Sarro, Ezequiel Espinal, Vincent Cavalli, Charles Harrison, and Edward McCann IV opened up holes enabling East Rockaway to amass 348 yards on the ground. Jordan Eveillard’s 78-yard touchdown run got the Mules within six at 18-12. Quarterback Donovan Ishmael also scored for Malverne.
“Malverne has a strong, tough, athletic team, but we believe in our system,” East Rockaway head coach Russ Pajer said. “We stayed disciplined and ran the ball hard. If we can get three yards each play, we’re going to be in every game.”