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Rockville sophomore running back Crusoe Gongbay felt the magnitude of Friday night's season-opener against Montgomery 2A/1A Division foe Northwood.

It was his first-ever varsity football game, and approximately 1,000 screaming spectators in Rockville had their eyes on him. Gongbay squinted away the glare of the lights peering down onto the Rams' stadium field, awaiting the kickoff from Gladiators sophomore kicker Tristan Pomeroy.

But something happened to Gongbay just before the referee's whistle blew to start the game. A calm came over him. The result was that the 6-foot, 175-pounder returned the opening kick 65 yards, setting up senior Matthew Yin's 12-yard touchdown run on the Rams' first offensive play, and establishing the tone for Rockville's 40-18 win.

Friday's victory was Rockville's third straight over Northwood and was just the start to 2008 the Rams were looking for. This season, they seek their second consecutive playoff appearance after last year's Class 2A West Region semifinal, their first postseason berth in a decade.

"This was my first big game and I was a little nervous, but once I got in there and the offensive line was blocking well, I just forgot about it," Gongbay said. "It was really important for us to get off to a good start. The O-line started shutting [Northwood] down. As a sophomore coming in I want to make sure I do a good job and help the team get back to playoffs."

Gongbay showed no signs of nerves or lack of varsity experience at any time during Friday's contest. He was quite poised as he weaved his way through Northwood's defense. The quick-footed rookie picked up 180 yards, the top total in the county this weekend, and three touchdowns on 16 carries.

As impressive as Gongbay's display was, it was only part of the equation in Rockville's sparkling opening-night performance. And that's the team's biggest strength.

The Rams aren't always the biggest or most talented guys on the field all the time. But they've accepted the importance of team cohesion and have become a formidable unit; Gongbay's numbers on the ground had a lot to do with a great line, led by senior Ronnie Heckman.

Senior quarterback Peter Nalle completed nine of 17 pass attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown (a 19-yard pass to junior Philip McTighe).

"We have a great rotation," third-year Rockville coach Mark Maradei said. "Everyone is involved. This is a different team than the last couple years. This team is more committed to a cause. …

"They've been working together since last December, doing what they needed to do to gel and get together. The character issues we've had in the past are just not there this year. I'm real excited about this team."