Two Schools One Team and One Goal

The chants of “Let Them Play” have paid off.

Port Jefferson football players will have the opportunity to take the field this season after the State Education Commissioner ruled that the Port Jefferson and Rocky Point high school football programs can join forces. Even better for the players, the newly combined team will remain eligible for postseason play.

The decision comes after Port Jefferson faced a shortage of players and was unable to field a varsity football team on its own. School officials requested permission to combine with Rocky Point, but the request was initially challenged because it came after the deadline.

There was also concern that allowing the merger could force Rocky Point to become ineligible for the playoffs. Port Jefferson had threatened legal action in an effort to keep its players on the field.

That legal battle will no longer be necessary.

The State Education Commissioner has now ruled that the two schools can move forward with a combined football program, including participation in the postseason.

There is also a little local history behind the unusual pairing. Before Rocky Point had a high school of its own, Rocky Point students at the high school level were sent to Port Jefferson. With the two communities now joining together on the football field, it is a case of history coming full circle.

Rocky Point Athletics welcomed the Royals with a message on social media:

“Rocky Point Athletics proudly welcomes the Port Jefferson Royals Football Team to the Rocky Point football family!”

The message continued:

“Two Schools. One Team. Same Goal.

Let’s get to work!”

For the players, families and supporters of both communities, the ruling means the focus can finally shift away from eligibility questions and back to football.

The combined team can now prepare for the season knowing that the postseason remains within reach, giving Port Jefferson players the opportunity they had been fighting for all along — a chance to take the field, compete and represent their community.

And perhaps fittingly, they will be doing it alongside a community that once looked to Port Jefferson for its high school education.