Defensive back Jimmy Fay likes what he has seen of Burlington Central’s attempt to construct its program on a solid bedrock.
Every foundation needs a cornerstone, and the Rockets have it on defense. They also have a cornerstone that literally is stone — a boulder that one day might be known as Melvin’s Rock.
“It’s our new tradition,” said Fay, a 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior.
The tradition started by Rockets coach Brian Melvin is patterned after one at Clemson.
Clemson has Howard’s Rock, a small rock on a pedestal. Following a bus ride around campus, players rub it for luck on game day when entering the stadium. Melvin has the Rockets riding a bus to the gate before home games prior to coming downhill to the field past their rock.
“We just had a 3,500-pound boulder brought in and put over by the gate,” Melvin said. “The kids spray paint it. The rock signifies that we play for each other, for the community and our school.”
Burlington’s tradition for strong defense continued in the season opener despite the Rockets dropping a 20-0 decision to Byron at home.
More Top Picks Best Luggage
The Rockets remain solid on that side of the ball, led by Fay and defensive linemen Brad Lopez and Vince O’Neal.
“Our offense rallies around our defense,” said Fay, who also plays running back. “Once our defense gets going, our offense will step up. I think we’ll be making interceptions and turnovers.”
In the opener, a bad punt snap and an interception in Rocket territory put the defense in a tough spot.
“Our defense is the strength of our team,” Melvin said. “They had a few bad habits we’ve corrected. I feel like our line is really strong. We’re able to rotate guys in to keep them fresh.”
Consider the opponent, Melvin wasn’t fretting over the defeat.
“Byron is a team that went deep in the playoffs the last two years,” Melvin said.
Burlington’s next step will be igniting the offense going forward under new coordinator Chuck Abate and quarterback Cameron Kaldenberger.
The Rockets face another tradition this Friday with a rivalry game at Hampshire. Burlington will be seeking its first win under Melvin.
“It wasn’t easy having three different coaches in three years, but I feel like we’ve all bought into what these coaches want us to do,” Fay said.
Elgin’s Slash: At the very least, Elgin found a change-of-pace quarterback in junior Trevon Morris during Saturday’s heartbreaking 26-22 loss to East Aurora.
Morris rushed for 76 yards and threw for 46. His speed opened the way for Dae’Vion Arthur to rush for 70 yards and Shareick Morris to run for 67.
Trevon Morris started the last two seasons as the sophomore team’s quarterback, but started at receiver/running back for the varsity against East Aurora.
“Going into camp he was our third quarterback,” Elgin coach Anthony Mason said.
The question going forward is whether Morris becomes the starter or remains a backup.
“We’ve got to polish him up on the playbook so he can be more versatile,” Mason said. “He executed the calls we did give him very well.”
Legging it out: Known as a quality passer last year, Westminster Christian quarterback Tannor Park missed his team’s playoff game after suffering a broken leg on a last-second play during the regular-season finale.
In Friday’s 49-12 win at Mooseheart, Park not only reminded everyone what he can do with his arm, but displayed a healthy leg. Park, a senior, rushed for 80 yards in addition to passing for 130.
“Tannor was really good, but after an offseason he’s much bigger, stronger and faster,” Westminster coach John Davis said. “Really, we’ve got all our core back with Tannor, Scotty Graziano as a receiver and Xavier Brown at running back.”
Twitter: @genechamberlai2