Rockvale football optimistic about future after inaugural contest

During a pregame speech to his football team prior to Friday's contest at La Vergne, Rockvale coach Rick Rice told his squad that wins or losses are not a concern to him during the team's inaugural season.

Following the Rockets' 44-20 loss to the Wolverines, Rockvale sophomore Jierre Query spoke to the team during the postgame huddle and said, "We lost (on the scoreboard), but we won tonight."

That was the attitude of those around the Rockets' program. It was a winning situation either way, with history being made. Playing a competitive game against a Class 6A program made it even better.

"The kids understand the process, and Jierre knew what I was talking about," said Rice, a coaching veteran of more than 30 years in Tennessee. "It's kind of neat, though, when you think you might be outmatched, then look up and say, 'Wow, we might have a chance.'

"I thought we had a legitimate shot of winning at halftime and even through the third quarter."

Rockvale, which entered TSSAA play in the state's highest classification and will play in Region 3-6A, had no spring practice and had to come together as a team quickly.

The Rockets jumped out to leads of 13-0 and 20-13 before the Wolverines' depth, size and experience took over.

But that didn't dampen the spirits of the Rocket players, who were upbeat.

"I thought we did well," said freshman running back LaMarcus Nelson, who scored all three Rockvale touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and had 101 yards on 25 carries. "We came out as a team and gave a great effort. We scored 20 points. We're still good."

The future could be very bright for Rockvale behind Nelson and older brother LaMarious, a sophomore quarterback.

"They're just athletes ... they're kids that can make plays," Rice said. "It's a lot of stuff you don't have to teach or coach. It just comes naturally. They're also good defensively. The future looks good for those kids."

The duo practice a lot outside of the team gatherings to help better their connection with the offense.

"I ask Coach if I can take a football home so me and my brother can practice," said Lamarious Nelson, who hit LaMarcus on a 15-yard scoring strike on the first drive of the game. "I take a wristband home so I can look at plays and see what I need to work on."

LaMarious Nelson admitted he had "butterflies" prior to the game. Once it started, however, he and his teammates seemed right at home. It was far from perfect, but it was a good start for the new program. And it gives them something on which to build.

"The next three years we should have a lot of connections," said LaMarious Nelson, of the team that is made up of mostly sophomores and freshmen. "As brothers, (LaMarcus) and I can go home and work on things. Eventually we'll all bond as a team and all be brothers."

La Vergne quarterback Lavandrea Webb had two rushing TDs and two passing scores.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

Want to stay informed on the latest high school sports news? A Daily News Journal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local preps sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites.