In the final game of the Reading Rockets 2022 Season and their last with their Senior Quarterback, James Murphy, the Rockets fell to the Spartans 30-22 on Thanksgiving Day.
The first quarter ended with no score this time around after multiple attempts by both teams came up short. The second quarter had Stoneham scoring the fist touchdown of the game and successful 2 point conversion for an 8-0 lead. The Rockets countered back with a score and 2 pointer of their own to notch the game at 8-8. Stoneham then took the lead on another score and conversion but Reading once again countered. Towards the end of the half, Stoneham was poised to score another touchdown but fumbled close to the goal line and Reading took over with a little over a minute remaining. Their time was cut short though as the clock ran down when they were in scoring range and went into half time tied 16-16.
Stoneham scored in the 3rd to take a 24-16 lead into the 4th quarter. Reading once again scored a touchdown but failed on the 2pt conversion for a 24-22 Stoneham lead. Stoneham went down the field for another touchdown with minutes remaining but Reading stopped their 2 pt conversion for a 30-22 lead and the chance to tie it with their final possession. Unfortunately, Reading was stopped in the red zone on a 4th down incomplete pass and they never got the chance to make it a game for the ages.
The Reading Rockets finished 9-2 on the Season and say goodbye to their Quarterback, James Murphy, who committed to Brown earlier in the year. They also said goodbye to 21 other seniors who will be departing for college next year. It’s safe to say the Rockets football team will look far different next time they kickoff but chances are, their starting quarterback will still have the same last name.
