SLIPPERY ROCK — Frank Conlon spent the first half of the football season standing on the sideline when the Slippery Rock High offense was on the field.

It was an uncomfortable place for the junior running back to be.

“I thought I wasn't part of the team,” he said.

Conlon had a mere four carries through the first four weeks of the season.

But a season-ending knee injury to senior running back Jeff Croll sent the backfield into flux and gave Conlon his shot.

He's certainly made the most of it.

“My attitude was when Jeff got hurt, I needed to step it up for the team, to be a leader for the team,” Conlon said. “My coaches at practice really told me I needed to be ready.”

Conlon worked his way into the running back rotation and in the last three games has seized it completely with 389 yards on 32 carries in wins over Franklin, Oil City and DuBois.

After gaining just 37 yards in the first four weeks, Conlon now has 612 yards on 65 carries and five touchdowns this season.

“Obviously, you could see the speed in practice,” said Slippery Rock coach Brendan Hathaway. “I think we have him where's he's comfortable and he's running downhill and fast.”

Conlon has showed off his speed numerous times this season, which has contributed to his gaudy 9.4 yards-per-carry average.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound back scored on a 94-yard touchdown run against DuBois last week. He's also scored touchdowns on runs of 45 and 55 yards.

And Conlon has returned kickoffs 85 and 93 yards for touchdowns as well.

“Your attitude affects the outcome, that's how I look at it,” Conlon said. “In practice, I go hard every single play. That really helps when you get into a game.”

The person who helped him develop that practice attitude? Jeff Croll.

The two have become close with Croll serving as Conlon's biggest cheerleader.

“He just worked so hard in the weight room and in practice,” Conlon said of Croll. “He never missed a practice. Ever. He wants us to win. He wants it more than anyone.

“He cheers for me,” Conlon added. “When I come off the field, he comes over to me and says, 'Thank you.'”

Conlon is also quick to thank his offensive line, which has been dominant this season in opening up running lanes for quarterback Ryan Currie and the plethora of backs in the Rockets' option offense.

“I wouldn't have gained a yard if it wasn't for our line,” Conlon said. “(Offensive lineman) Forrest (Christmann) is always telling me to just run. He says, 'I'll block, you run.' It's pretty funny.”

Conlon is hoping his big rushing nights carry over into the District 10 Class AAA playoffs and beyond.

The Rockets (9-1) have a first-round bye and will open up the postseason either Nov. 16 or 17.

“It's been exciting,” Conlon said. “I wish I would have started off the season like this. But, as a junior, that sets the tone for next year, hopefully.”

Slippery Rock junior fullback Frank Conlon has emerged as a dangerous threat in the backfield for the Rockets after getting very few carries early in the season. Following is a game-by-game look at Conlon’s production this season.<B>Opponent Att-yds </B>Brashear 4-37Meadville 0-0Central Tech 0-0Bradford 0-0Erie East 9-75Warren 9-43Grove City 10-68Franklin 4-122Oil City 20-126DuBois 9-141Total 65-612