East Rockaway Rocks

EAST ROCKAWAY

Rocks strive to continue playoff trend

By BRIAN KACHARABA

East Rockaway won’t have to wait long to exact revenge on the team that knocked it out of the Conference IV playoffs in heartbreaking fashion last fall. Following a 4-4 regular season, the Rocks were about nine minutes away from eliminating third-seeded Clarke on the Rams’ home fi eld before yielding 14 fourth-quarter points en route to a 20-12 defeat. But as luck would have it, the teams will meet at Clarke again in the season opener on Sept. 10. And that’s just fi ne with Rocks head coach Russ Pajer. “Let’s go right away and see how good we are,” he said. The Rocks have made the playoffs in fi ve of the last six fall seasons and Pajer thinks this year’s group should continue that trend thanks to some returning key players at the skill positions and their depth. “The kids think this could be a good year for us,” he said. “They’re really excited. We’ve got a bunch of key guys coming back. We have depth at some positions. We have to fi ll some big shoes on defense, but I think we’re in a good spot and we should be real competitive.” Senior Tyler Hyland returns at quarterback and has plenty of experience with the team’s offensive scheme since he began learning it as a seventh grader with the JV squad. He will not throw a lot as the Rocks use a triple back, two tight end set, but that doesn’t lessen his importance on the fi eld. “[I expect him] to grow, be able to make some big throws when we need it and control the offense,” Pajer said. “Our quarterback has to be a leader, has to be tough, has to be able to put his nose in there and do a couple of different things. I expect him this year to take that next step.” The running back position has had plenty of turnover in recent years and this fall is no different after Aiden Green (7 touchdowns) and Joe Bruzzo (5) graduated. But All-County senior John Giannotti is back after co-leading the team in rushing scores with Green, including two against Cold Spring Harbor on Oct. 29. Sophomore Anthony Grimaldi, who ran for over 200 yards and four TDs in a JV game against Seaford last season, should also see plenty of action. “Running back will be pretty solid,” Pajer said. “John is going to be our No. 1, but we got three or four other guys who could help us in there.” Senior Chase Vertucci is expected to see action at tight end and fullback this season and will help bookend an offensive line with returning tackles Chris Becker and Anthony Polizzi. Senior Dom Jordan established himself at guard last fall and junior George Wayar, John Serino, a transfer from Valley Stream South last year, and fellow senior Kieran Panzella will be in the mix for the interior positions. Senior Jack Sweetman may also see time at tight end and both lines. Becker and Vertucci will anchor the defensive line along with Colin Sharkey. Pajer believes that Vertucci has the potential to wreak havoc in 2022. “Chase is going to be a phenomenal defensive end,” Pajer said. “He might be one of the top defensive ends in the conference. He’s strong, he’s thick, he’s fast. When he puts his mind to it, he’s hard to control.” Grimaldi, Hyland, and Frank Passanisi start atop the depth chart at linebacker and Devin Hickam and Lucas Cortazar are the early favorites at cornerback with Giannotti moving to free safety. Thomas Guarino booted a 25-yard fi eld goal against North Shore last season and could provide some clutch kicks.

safety. Thomas Guarino booted a 25-yard fi eld goal against North Shore last season and could provide some clutch kicks.

John Giannotti

COLIN SHARKEY CHRIS BECKER

Schedule

September 10 @ Clarke 2:00 p.m. 16 Carle Place 6:00 p.m. 24 @ Island Trees 2:00 p.m. October 1 Seaford 6:00 p.m. 8 @ Mineola 2:00 p.m. 14 @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m. 21 Oyster Bay 7:00 p.m. 28 North Shore 6:00 p.m.