Not ready for victory parades just yet, but good start is better than poor seasons of past
For years, Rob Maffia paid his dues as a dutiful assistant coach, then was finally given the chance to become the head football coach at Dickinson High School three years ago. It was the pinnacle of his coaching career, the opportunity to finally take over his own program at a school where his uncle, Roddy, was the long-time athletic director. It was the chance of a lifetime.
However, things didn’t exactly start out smoothly for Maffia. The Rams were 1-9 during Maffia’s first year and only improved to a robust 2-7 a year ago.
"It was extremely frustrating," Maffia said. "The first year, we lost a lot of close games late in the fourth quarter. We really could have had a few more wins. Last year, it was frustrating, because I don’t think the effort was there. So, yes, the first two years were very frustrating."
But Maffia believes he sent a message to the players who were returning. Instead of applying to play an NJSIAA consolation round game a year ago, to extend the season to a full 10 games when other teams are participating in the first round of the state playoffs, Maffia chose to keep his team at home.
"I didn’t think we deserved to play the extra game," Maffia said. "I think the kids got the message, because a week later, they told me to open up the weight room, to get ready for this year. I was going to give them a month off, but they wanted to come back right away. To me, that was the first positive sign."
Since that time last December, Maffia has enjoyed a host of positive signs: an upbeat attitude, a relentless practice regimen, and a willingness to learn, listen and achieve.
"I think they were all anxious to get back out there, play their first game," Maffia said. They were all waiting."
Maffia was fortunate to have a host of players who had experience. Many of the returning seniors had played a lot of varsity football in each of Maffia’s first two disastrous seasons. These kids took their lumps, but learned a little bit every step of the way. They showed the determination and grit necessary to never let those losing ways return again.
It began with a resounding 44-6 victory over Lincoln to start the season and continued with a 28-0 victory over Ferris last week.
Two weeks, two wins. Not bad for a program that won all of three games in the last two years combined. Talk about making major strides.
Maffia credits the work of the Rams’ defense, which has allowed just 180 total yards and six points after two games.
"The defense is a different monster this year," Maffia said.
Maffia has been especially pleased with the play of his linebacking corps, namely senior Will King, a three-year starter, senior Coley Speaks and junior Daniel Cooper.
"They’ve been the heart and soul of our defense," Maffia said.
Maffia also credited the work of the defensive line, namely seniors Peranell Reynolds and Luis Morales and junior Xavier Walker.
Offensively, the Rams have been led by a balanced rushing attack, featuring senior standout Craig Morrison, but also highlighting the talents of Cooper and King.
"Craig’s our hammer and he’s the one who gets us going," Maffia said. "Cooper just runs over people and King is a little mixture of speed and strength. We have a good mix back there."
Halfback Angel Rivera is also another legitimate weapon for quarterback Richie Lopez to spot.
"The team’s work ethic and experience has definitely helped," Maffia said. "These kids have been through a lot."
Maffia has a special place for senior lineman Jason Lopez, who is a 6-foot-5, 340-pound mountain of strength.
"The kid hasn’t missed a practice in three years," Maffia said. "He’s our hardest worker and is out there every single day. I think he’s going to be a steal at the next level."
Lopez shows a lot of quickness for his size. He even asked a reporter at a recent practice whether he thought he was quick enough. When the reporter nodded affirmatively, Lopez just smiled.
"I’m trying, sir," Lopez said.
He sure is.
The Rams know that the road gets a little tougher this weekend. They face St. Peter’s Prep, also 2-0, but the No. 4-ranked team in the entire state, the same Marauders who have started off 2002 with wins against Hudson County’s other top two programs, North Bergen and Hoboken.
"They know what playing Prep is all about," Maffia said. "They know that Dickinson hasn’t defeated Prep since 1995. It’s a gigantic challenge, but I think the kids are ready for it."
Imagine that. Being optimistic while facing the premier team in the county. Yes, things have certainly changed, albeit for the better, at the school on the hill.
"It’s definitely been more pleasurable so far this year than it was the first two years," Maffia said. "The kids have enjoyed some success. There’s a much better feeling around here this year and a much better feeling this week going into the game."
Meaning that the Rams won’t defeat themselves before the opening kickoff. With that idea alone, there has been one gigantic victory at Dickinson, far beyond any total that is recognized on a scoreboard. The winning feeling and attitude has returned. The first battle has already been won.