Regional Playoffs: Rockford Rams 16. Grand Ledge Comets 36

Rockford unable to bounce back from another injury, loses to Grand Ledge in regional finals

By Mike Kohon | MLive.com on November 13, 2015

A season that saw Rockford repeatedly recover from setbacks came to an end after the Rams suffered yet another setback Friday. After an injury forced junior running back Nick Isley from the Rams’ Division 1 regional final early in the fourth quarter at Grand Ledge, the Comets scored four unanswered touchdowns to win 36-16.

Isley scored two first-half touchdowns and was a catalyst for Rockford’s offense up to that point, making a difficult target for the Comets (12-0) to bring down -- repeatedly dragging would-be tacklers for extra yardage.

The Rams’ fourth-quarter drive stalled after Isley left the game, and the offense could not regain the traction it held onto so firmly up to that point.

“It’s always a loss when you lose any player,” Rockford coach Ralph Munger said.

The season was an unusual one for Rockford (8-4), which lost three regular-season games for the first time since 2002. Nonetheless, the Rams earned a share of the OK Red Conference title and beat two of those conference opponents a second time on their way to their ninth regional final since 2004.

Senior Tyler Bradfield led Rockford in its final few games after sophomore quarterback Jason Whittaker was injured. Bradfield converted from wide receiver and was a worthy replacement under center. Bradfield helped orchestra an outstanding first half for the Rams, taking advantage of Grand Ledge miscues and good field position as Rockford jumped out to a 14-3 halftime lead.

However, the Comets found ways to put pressure on the Bradfield in the second half, leading to three late interceptions, all of which Grand Ledge converted into touchdowns.

“(Bradfield) was put into some pretty tough circumstances when we lost (Whittaker) a couple weeks ago, when all of a sudden he’s your quarterback and you lose your No. 1 receiver,” Munger said, “and you lose your No. 1 quarterback who can get the ball to your No. 1 receiver.” The last two years, Rockford lost in the district finals. Before that, the team advanced to the state semifinals three consecutive years.

Munger credited his team’s ability to lead from within for its success throughout the season, despite the adversity.

"I told them, 'Hey, the journey has been very good,'" Munger said. "We're proud of their efforts."