Pirates keep eyes on playoffs

Finnegan throws two TD passes, Popovich scores three times as Rocky River routs Normandy to remain in the postseason hunt

Rocky River knows it has little margin for error if it wants to make the postseason.

And the Pirates played like it in a resounding 50-6 win over Normandy at Byers Field on Oct. 12. After a sluggish first quarter from both teams, Pirates quarterback Michael Finnegan connected with senior Dameon Crawford on a 37-

yard touchdown down the left sideline. That marked the signal of what would be a dominant second quarter as Rocky River scored 43 points and racked up 263 first-half yards and nine first downs.

Rocky River improved to 5-3 overall.

“I don’t know if it’s because we’re playing on Thursday, but we started very slow. But in the second something clicked,” Rocky River coach Josh Wells said. “We established the run game early and got on a roll.”

The Pirates got contributions from a variety of players, a 74yard touchdown reception for

sophomore wide receiver Christain Dean to go up 220. Dean gained 60 of those yards after the catch. He finished with 90 yards in receptions.

Rocky River was led by senior running back Matthew Popovich, who lowered his shoulder for 93 yards and three touchdowns, including a 24-yard run with 2:32 left in the half to give the Pirates a 36-0 lead.

Rocky River knew Normandy (3-5) wouldn’t have an answer for Popovich.

“We ran zone and the offensive line created holes,” Popovich said.

“The wide receivers today came up big and it was awesome to see. Our first quarter the whole year has been killing us and it’s something we’ve been emphasizing.

“We need to try and start scoring 43 in the first, but the tempo just shifted for us and we made a couple big plays and from there it was a snowball effect for us.”

The Pirates’ defense did its part, too, forcing four turnovers and four threeand-outs. Right before the half, senior Cameron Blue picked off a pass and returned it 80 yards for a score to push the lead to 43-6 at halftime.

“The defense shifted the momentum for us,” Popovich added. “It gave us a short field to work with and it gets everyone pumped up.”

Finnegan finished with 165 passing yards on 6 of 11 completions and two touchdowns.

With so much at stake down the stretch of the season, the Pirates are embracing the pressure of playing in must-win games, and Wells has one simple message to his team.

“One week at a time,” Wells said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Matthew Popovich of Rocky River runs through the Normandy defense for a touchdown during the second quarter on Oct. 12.

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Rocky River’s Christain Dean is congratulated by teammates after a touchdown in the second quarter against Normandy on Oct. 12.