By Karen Cirino-Barone
After a scoreless first quarter, quarterback Matt Glynn, threw two impressive touchdown passes for the Rocks. The first was a 15-yard throw to senior Michael Kienke. Junior Matt Cooney kicked for the extra point and the Rocks were on the board.
Then, in the third quarter, Glynn again connected, this time with senior Michael Ostrosky, for a 4-yard touchdown. Cooney effortlessly converted for the extra point and in a show of skill and intense determination, the Rocks lead at the half, 14-0.
In a game that highlighted their defensive skills and noted their ability to adapt their plan offensively, East Rockaway was well on their way to upset second-seeded Mineola.
"If we score four touchdowns each game, I'll be happy," said Mineola Mustang's Head Coach Dan Guido, in a pre-game interview. Guido also talked about East Rockaway's respectable coaching staff.
The fourth quarter however was when things came apart for the Rocks and Mineola found the game that had eluded them up to that point. With 7:21 left in the fourth quarter, Rich Medlock completed to his brother, Dan Medlock, for a 12-yard touchdown. In what may have been the deciding factor in this game, Guido called for a 2-point conversion play. Successful in his run, Dan Medlock moved the score to 14-8. Mineola was hungry to turn things around and East Rockaway's defense was their target.
Unbelievably, again on a fourth down and with only 3:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, Rich Medlock threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jerelle Harrison. With the score now tied at 14-14, Dan Medlock again ran the 2-point conversion for the win. The game ended with East Rockaway moving the ball admirably, but without enough time to capitalize.
"One play can make a difference," said East Rockaway Head Coach Russell Pajer. "Mineola made their breaks happen."
Senior Chris Castellano had eight carries for 53 yards rushing, nine tackles and one sack. Senior Michael Kienke had three carries for 53 yards including the second quarter touchdown. Also noteworthy, junior James Duffy, on defense, racked up six tackles and a fumble recovery. Both Michael Russo and Ostrosky had eight tackles and a quarterback sack each. In fact, East Rockaway sacked Mineola quarterback Rich Medlock five times.
"We had the intensity and did a pretty good job covering them the whole game," said Glynn, who threw 9 for 16 with 120 yards and two touchdowns. "We just misread their receivers, but we will fix it before Cold Spring Harbor this weekend."
