Roslyn Rules Homecoming 2015
BY JOE SCOTCHIE
In the past few years, Roslyn sports fans have been treated to performances by many top-notch athletes: George Beamon and Mark Gjonlekaj in boys’ basketball; Allison Schneider and Paula Spatz in girls’ basketball, Thomas Davis in football and basketball and the All-American track star, Emily Lipari. Another big star is well on his way to memorable senior year. Last Saturday, the Roslyn Bulldogs celebrated Homecoming 2015 with a convincing 24-8 win over Island Trees. And senior quarterback, Adrian Combs put on another brilliant performance, running for 131 yards on 18 carries, passing for 128 more yards, including three touchdowns, while also keying the Bulldog defense. Combs is the most exciting football player Roslyn has produced in years. If Combs isn’t the top quarterback in Conference IV ball, then he’s certainly a contender.
The game was played in a drizzle, resulting, at first, in dropped passes and a reliance, for both teams, on a running game. In the first quarter, Island Trees had field advantage, starting their drives around midfield and forcing Roslyn to start their offense deep in its own territory. But the Bulldogs’ secret weapon was Combs’ ability to generate offense almost entirely on his own, either through long runs from out of the pocket or through the aerial game. Early in the second quarter, Combs finally connected with his favorite target Aaron Winston for a 67-yard touchdown pass and the route was on. Later in the quarter, Combs connected with Winston again, this time for a 33-yard touchdown pass. The final touchdown came on a 25-yard pass from Combs to Joe Cinque. After all three touchdowns, Roslyn coach Mike Cochoran elected to go for a two-point conversion, rather than risking a point-after attempt in the rain. That bet paid off handsomely. The Bulldogs connected on all three two-point conversions, the first one on a run by Combs and the next two on, respectively, a pass from Combs to Prince Butler and another from Combs to Jackson Krush.
Meanwhile, the Roslyn defense pressured the Island Trees backfield to the point where the latter began to rely heavily on a running game that the Bulldog defense bottled up without much difficulty. All day long, Nat Epprecht was a force on defense, making plays in the open field and preventing Island Trees runners from breaking into daylight on end-run carries. Island Trees did stage a comeback in the third quarter, scoring on a touchdown pass and a two-point conversion, cutting the Roslyn lead to 24-8. On a couple of occasions, it appeared that Island Trees was on the move toward another score, one that would have put them within tying distance of Roslyn. But midway in the fourth quarter, Lucas Broncato made a key tackle on an Island Trees fourth down attempt, one that pretty much snuffed out any chance for a comeback by the visiting squad.
On offense, both of Winston’s receptions resulted in touchdowns. In addition, Cinque’s only reception was also for six points. The rainy day was tailor-made for a time-consuming running game and the Bulldogs had the perfect fullback in Marc Azouley who had 55 yards on eight carries. A long second quarter run by Azouley, one in which the fullback broke several tackles, set up the second touchdown pass from Combs to Winston.
In all, Cochoran had to be pleased with the homecoming win, especially after it came on the heels of a loss to Locust Valley.
This Saturday, Roslyn will entertain Seaford High School in a 2 p.m. game at the high school. Don’t miss out on the chance to see an exciting team led by one of the most exciting athletes Roslyn High School has produced in years.
