TCNJ quarterback Dave Jachera earns NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week

As The College of New Jersey looks to the future in the hopes of regaining the traditions of the past, the first building block of the new foundation was cemented in on Saturday night.

The Lions, after a dismal first half, showed as much promise, if not more, than it has all season as they rallied from a 17-0 deficit before falling 17-14 against archrival Rowan in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game.

TCNJ (0-6, 0-5 NJAC) played one of the toughest early schedules in the nation and have shown it survived and learned with the battle scars to prove it.

The second half against the Profs was one of TCNJ best halves as it shook off the mistakes that led to the 17-point deficit and played an inspired and effective second half.

“We have to build on the positives from Saturday night,’’ said second year coach Casey Goff. “We had probably our best week of practice this season. That translated to a good performance. We need to keep building. Learning from the mistakes but focus on the positives.’’

There were plenty of positives all over the field for the Lions in the second half.

• Freshman Dave Jachera, who was making his first start at quarterback, threw for two touchdowns, including one where is escaped two tackles before finding Vinny Guckin.

• The defense held Rowan to just 54 yards of offense in the final 30 minutes.

• TCNJ was 5-for-10 on third down conversions in the second half. They came into the game having converted only 17% on the season.

• The 16 first downs were the most since the second game of the season.

• After nearly 100 yards in penalties in the first half the Lions had only 15 in the second half.

“The game showed that we’re growing up,’’ said Goff. “That’s the first time this season that we answered adversity.’’

One of the big reasons for the Lions’ success was the play of Jachera.

There were moments when he looked like a freshman, but there were more when he showed signs of a gritty veterans. His performance earned him the NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week honor.

“He made some big mistakes, but also some really intelligent quick reads,’’ Goff said of Jachera. “Couple that with the ridiculous pure athletic plays he made, and you have a reason to be excited.’’

It was one of those games, make that a half, that quite possibly the Lions will look back on as one of the big reasons they are starting to peek around the corner.

But, there’s still a way to go.

“We have to clean up the things we can control,’’ Goff said. “Penalties, decision making, effort at all times and we need to improve in Special Teams, especially our punt team. Too many costly mistakes in the facet.’’

TCNJ is still a work in progress. The most important word among that group is progress, because it is making progress.