By:Andrew McClure
This was to be a nip and tuck battle, and the first half went as advertised. Each team had early chances to score, but strong defense and turnovers nullified those opportunities. Midway through the second quarter, the second of Clarke's six interceptions on the day led to the first points of the game, a 37-yard field goal by Paul Dabbs.
After a three and out by the Rocks, Clarke took over looking for more. However, on the first play of the ensuing drive, Rob Giunta intercepted a pass and returned it to the Clarke 35. Two plays later, it was the Rocks getting on the scoreboard as Mike LaRocca threw his eighth touchdown pass of the season, a 27-yard strike to Giunta, who had beaten his man down the left sideline. LaRocca's point-after-attempt was good and the teams headed to the locker room with the Rocks holding a 7-3 lead.
Whatever momentum the Rocks had at the end of the half dissipated quickly. The return team muffed the second half kickoff and Clarke recovered at the East Rockaway 29. Six plays later, Mike Grimes put Clarke ahead with a one-yard plunge, with the first of his two rushing touchdowns. This would be the beginning of what would end up as 27, unanswered, second half points for the Rams. The Rocks never threatened in the second half.
The new playoff format has East Rockaway (4-3, Conference IV) in the mix for the first time since 2000. They will be matched up this Saturday afternoon with defending Nassau County Conference IV champion Roosevelt hosting at 2 p.m. -- a team that has played in the Long Island Championship game four times over the past seven years.
