‘We saw the path’: Rocky River falls in Division III regional final, ending historic season
CLYDE, Ohio — Rocky River hung tough with Toledo Central Catholic in the first half on Friday, but the Fighting Irish, loaded with several Division I college commits, were too much for the Pirates to handle in a 57-28 defeat in the Division III, Region 10 finals.
Toledo Central Catholic advances on to the state semifinals against CVCA at a site yet to be announced.
For the first time in program history, the Pirates took the field in a regional final matchup led by a determined group of seniors who leave behind a winning legacy.
“Unbelievable. (The) memories that they’ve made they’ll never forget, and that’s what it’s all about,” Rocky River head coach Josh Wells said of his 17 seniors. “These guys did a really great job and did stuff that’s never been done. Tied the most wins in school history. Really happy for them.”
Wells prepared his team all week for a dogfight against an opponent that is loaded with size and skill at every position. Even with that knowledge, the Pirates took one on the chin to open the game as the Irish took the opening kickoff back for six.
But that’s not how the Pirates were going to go down. The Pirates held their ground after taking the opening blow in driving rain, and four plays later, there was a new ballgame tied up at 7-7 thanks to a quick score from Ryan Taylor to Tristen Hughes.
The Irish answered back to regain the lead, but Wells kept his team calm and together in a high-scoring first quarter. Hughes, a Syracuse commit, once again rose up for his team by finishing off a nice drive with a short score to tie things at 14-14.
Unfortunately for the Pirates, as the rain fell and the ball got harder to handle for an offense that relies heavily on the pass, the game started to slip away early in the second quarter.
Despite finding success early on, the Pirates just could not keep up with the Irish as the rain intensified while the clock ticked away.
The Pirates trailed 42-20 at the half.
“Back and forth early on in the game, once we were not able to score, they piled on us a little with the run game,” Wells said. “Proud of our kids’ effort, that’s a hell of a football team over there.”
Both squads met at midfield as the regional championship and runner-up trophies were handed out as the rain fell, but the Pirates kept their heads held high as both teams congratulated one another on the game.
Senior quarterback Ryan Taylor wore a smile at times as he hugged his fellow seniors, creating a new standard at Rocky River with this very class.
“They play with their heart. We had some ups and downs, a lot of mistakes were made today, but hopefully the younger classes coming up will see that and keep on going to our school, keep on getting better, and put in the hard work during practices,” Taylor said. “I want them to break records. I want them to do good. I want them to beat TCC or any team that goes up against them, but learn to have fun while doing it.”
One of the players who came into Rocky River as a new face this year and helped to elevate the seniors he played for was Hughes. He spent his junior year being a guy who felt accepted by the new location where he could thrive and make those around him better.
“Coming in, the seniors were really big on improving,” Hughes said. “They were very respectful, they got me into the team and made sure I was a part of everything. I just really appreciated the seniors how they were leading this year. Even the ones who weren’t captains were still leaders.”
While this senior class will be celebrated at Rocky River, the reins have been handed off to guys like Hughes. Following in the footsteps of the seniors before them, Hughes said he saw all the groundwork they put in, and he sees the path to winning as a Pirate.
“I’m entirely hungry for next year,” Hughes said. “We saw the path, we had the path, we’re going to come back next year and accomplish it.”
Hughes made a point of saying how much this class deserves to be celebrated, even on a dark night where the run had to come to an end. To him, the loss does not define this team.
“I’m very proud of these guys,” Hughes said. “We made it to the regional finals, it’s a great accomplishment, being the first time ever in Rocky River history. I’m just really proud of my team and how far we got this year.”
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