The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Rockets want to win state title ‘for Bobby’
Players were asked how badly they want to win one for their coach — and none of them could hide their grins.
panic.
The Rockets never panics, which is a reflection of Dougherty’s coaching. Dougherty, in his 18th season, always has a calm demeanor — and puts things in perspective whether he wins or loses.
But don’t get it twisted — he hates losing, especially to De Sales.
Dougherty had dinner with de Sales coach Domenic Romanelli more than 10 days ago. At that time, he said, “Hopefully we see you in Columbus in two weeks.” That time has come, and he wants nothing more than to beat a team that has been a thorn in his side.
“We’re very, very happy for the opportunity and I’ll text him to tell him we’re ready to come kick his butt,” Dougherty said. “And I’m sure his dad will make sure I know better.”
Senior Noah Beck scored the go-ahead goal for the Rockets in the Aurora victory, which he called the biggest goal of his life. On Saturday, he hopes to capture the biggest win of his life — and Dougherty’s.
“We’ve all been playing together since we’ve been very little,” Beck said. “We just have that connection. It would mean the world if we can win one for him.”
But for Dougherty, he’s playing for someone, too. Day in and day out, his father, Robert, has been there beside him every step of the way. He’s there at every practice, game and has seen the highs and lows his son has gone through.
When Dougherty steps onto the field on Saturday, winning one for his father will be on his mind.
“It’s a team sport, it’s never about myself,” Dougherty said.
“What I want for more than anything is for my old man, he lives and dies this. He comes out every night for practice, props his chair up, and does that every game and practice. I’d love for him to see one, which would be great. I want the boys to be a part of it.
“I think the entire program that I’ve been working with for 20 years would love that, just getting over the hump and finish it off with one team smiling, which would be cool.”
If the Rockets are that team smiling at the end, know there’s plenty of motive for that.