 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Brian Nowicki Last season the Toledo Rockets headed into an early November matchup with Northern Illinois on ESPN2 needing a victory to get into the MAC Championship game. Unfortunately for the Rockets, Northern Illinois earned their first victory at Toledo since 1972. Northern Illinois went on to the MAC Championship game instead of Toledo. This year the Rockets travelled to Dekalb, IL for an early November matchup with Northern Illinois on ESPN2. But this time no division title was on the line. This time is was for pride and to avenge last year's loss. The Rockets prevailed 17-13 with a goal line stand in the final minute of the game. This game meant something different to many of the players on the Rocket football team, but they all had the same goal and desire to win the game. "I think there was a bit of a revenge factor in this game, because they beat us in our place last year and we don't lose at home," said junior offensive tackle John Greco. He added, "beating them at their place was great because they have a great home atmosphere like us. It's fun to play there because their fans hate us and throw stuff and it makes it a great atmosphere."  While Greco looked at the revenge factor and the atmosphere created by Northern Illinois' fans, junior linebacker Steven Morrison had a different reason for this game meaning so much. "It was personally a very emotional game for me because our game against them (Northern Illinois) last year was the last game that my uncle got to see me play before he died," said Morrison. He added, "I had tears in my eyes before the game Tuesday and was literally crying. Nigel and a couple other guys came up to me and told me they were going to play this game for me. I looked up above for strength and I played my best."Morrison certainly did play a great game. He had six tackles, one forced fumble, and 2 sacks totaling a loss of 19 yards. It was an emotional game for many Rocket players. Some like John Greco live for playing in front of a loud crowd that wants you to lose. Some like Steven Morrison had personal reasons for winning this game. Others looked at it as a total revenge game, and even others looked at it as a step in the right direction for sending the seniors out on a high note.  Greg Hay's pass breakup on the final play of the game might have been the biggest play of the night, but let me present to you one of the most crucial plays of the game.........by offensive lineman John Greco. Toledo was ahead 10-7 with just over 11 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Toledo had a 4th and six at their 36 yard line and had to punt. Brett Kern booted the ball 45 yards, but NIU punt returner Greg Turner broke down the left sideline and past the coverage team. The only person between him and the next 55 yards to the end zone was 318 pound offensive lineman John Greco. Greco, who played on the defensive side of the ball early in his high school career, made the tackle with relative ease. "I was playing the safety position in case someone broke the coverage," said John Greco. He added, "I saw him break through and I said oh no. All I could think of was being on national television I can't let my friends and family see me get juked. He made a juke move to the left, but I stuck with him and let my defensive skills take over and made the tackle." Truly, a very important play in the game. NIU's offense went three downs and out and had to punt the ball back to Toledo right away. Another key element of this game was the fog. "It was tough getting the play call from the sideline," said QB Aaron Opelt. He added, "I could see alright on the field, but I really couldn't see the coaches on the sideline." Aaron wasn't the only player that had a difficult time with the fog. "I couldn't see the ball until it was almost already at the receiver," said junior cornerback Nigel Morris. He added, "when the ball was thrown to the other side I couldn't see it at all. That was pretty tough."Northern Illinois' last push for a comeback was ended when junior linebacker Greg Hay broke up a Phil Horvath pass in the end zone, but there was a lot of drama before that. Earlier in the drive, Northern Illinois converted on a 4th down and 21 to keep the drive alive. Then two defensive pass interference penalties on Toledo gave the Huskies a 1st and goal at the Toledo 2 yard line. Two pass interference penalties. Hmm. Well, the first play saw redshirt freshman cornerback Walter Atkins step in front of the receiver and go for the interception. The ball fell incomplete and there was some contact, but both players were going for the ball and if anything there should have been offensive pass interference. OK, so now the 2nd pass interference call. The pass was in the end zone, and again Walter Atkins was the defender. This time replays show that there was no contact between Atkins and the receiver, but he was flagged once again. I guess it was only fitting that Hay ended the game with a pass breakup and all Rocket fans held their breath for a second to make sure another phantom flag was not thrown. Let's see. Revenge, personal reasons, questionable pass interference calls, a 318 pound offensive lineman tackling a 186 pound punt returner, and a heavy fog. What else would you expect when Toledo and Northern Illinois battle it out on the football field? Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |