Lakiem Lockery

When the Scotch Plains football team visits the Irvington Blue Knights today there will more than enough incentive to go around for any member of the Raiders who remember the bitter taste of last years’ 18-9 defeat, which cost the team the Watchung Conference title and was their only regular season loss. But a player who wasn’t even on the field that day, senior running back Lakiem Lockery, may have more motivation than anyone else.

Lockery was born in Irvington and after moving to Scotch Plains at the age of two, moved back to Irvington and lived there until he was a seventh grader. Needless to say, there will be a number of familiar faces on the other side of the ball and in the stands that will wish Lockery good luck but will be hoping for a different result.

Lockery missed last years’ game with an injured ankle that forced halfback Kyle Baker to carry the ball 27 times, far more than normal. The Raiders were clearly not as effective on offensive without Lockery’s outside explosiveness, which re-emerged in a scintillating playoff performance at Sayreville when he gained 172 yards to pace an upset victory.

“It was frustrating to not be able to play against so many people I knew. I wanted to be out there helping us win,” recalled Lockery.
“It doesn’t matter how many yards I gain as long as we win.”

“Every team has to find its identity. We haven’t found ours yet, but its games like this that help you find out how good you are,” said Scotch Plains Coach Steve Ciccotelli.

“We have a lot of new people this year but there are also a lot of returning players that want to avenge the loss last year.”

With Baker and blocking fullback Travis Boff graduating, Lockery has taken on a larger role in the first two games. He relies on fullback Tony Curry to provide the blocks he needs to get outside and take advantage of his blazing speed. As any wise back will do, Lockery is quick to compliment the men in the trenches, Center Kevin Urban, tackles Marc Fabiano and Leroy Anglin and guards Justice Evans and Ted Acosta.

“Without those guys it’s hard to gain much yardage,” said Lockery.

Coach Steve Ciccotelli notes an improvement in Lockery this fall. “He’s running much tougher this year. He’s willing to take the punishment to get the tough yards inside,” said Ciccotelli.

Although his 77-yard scamper in the second period was the headline grabber another run later in the quarter may have been his most impressive. Lockery took a handoff to the right side and slithered through the smallest of holes bouncing off several Westfield tacklers before gaining 34 yards to set up the final touchdown.

Lockery smiled when recalling the run.” I don’t know how I kept going. I was just looking for running room ,” said Lockery.

Overall, Lockery wound up with a career high 196 yards in only 16 carries against Westfield. He realizes the increased role he plays on the team. and what’s at stake on Friday.

Despite his competitiveness and his desire to avenge last year, Lockery will renew acquaintances when the game ends. “It’s always good to go back home,” said Lockery. “I ‘ve been waiting for this game for a long time.”

He won’t be alone.