RHS 40, EK 36

RHS40, EK 36

With time running out in the game, East Kentwood quarterback Vincent Mayfield dropped back in the pocket and looked in the Rockford end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

But the senior quarterback had to take off running to avoid a hard-charging Rams' rush before letting the ball go.

The ball sailed into the end zone, but straight into the hands of Rockford senior defensive back Ryan Shellen, who stepped across the goal line and fell on the ball to seal a 40-36 O-K Red Conference win for the Rams over the visiting Falcons in front of an estimated 9,000 fans at Ted Carlson Memorial Stadium Friday night.

"The last play was crazy -- people were flying everywhere," Shellen said of his game-clinching interception. "It was a great game by both teams.

"It didn't matter how we won tonight, just as long as we won," he added. "Our defense had been playing pretty good this season, but tonight we did need some help from our offense."

It was unfitting that a defensive play would end a contest that placed a premium on great offensive plays and players. The teams combined for 838 yards and 76 total points.

The Rockford defense, which had been giving up an average of fewer than two touchdowns per game before Friday, yielded 506 yards to the Falcons, including an East Kentwood school-record 313 yards rushing to junior fullback Donovan Terres. He also had three touchdowns.

That didn't matter much afterward to an excited Rockford coach Ralph Munger, whose team has won five of its six games by four points or fewer.

"Our major emphasis tonight was we had to play offense," Munger said. "It doesn't matter if it is 7-0, 6-3 or 1-0, it doesn't matter, the bottom line is some way you have to find a way to get more than they do.

"They obviously have an outstanding offense, but guess what, so does Rockford," he added. "We have a lot of weapons, we have a lot of tools and our kids really came to play tonight without a question. Defensively, they answered when they had to."

The Rams' offense kept up with the Falcons, going for 332 yards. Rockford's main weapon was senior running back Baron Grutter, who rushed the ball 18 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

"If you hang around long enough, I guess you can really be satisfied giving up 36 points," Munger said. "I am so happy, so pleased and we are so fortunate. These kids played together collectively as a team. I have been extremely frustrated with my offense, but guess what, they answered the bell tonight.

"This was huge. There are wins, and there are victories, and this was a victory."

It was a bittersweet performance by his team for East Kentwood coach John Shillito. On one hand he was pleased with the Falcons' offensive output, but on the other, it was not a good night for his defense.

"We have to step up defensively and make some plays," Shillito said. "They are a very good offensive team, and they have a great scheme. I thought there were three or four key plays in the game that they made, but it was a great game."

By Jeff Chaney (Grand Rapids Press)

WAY TO GO RAMS!! WHAT A WIN!!

THE RAMS HOST THE BULLDOGS OF GRANDVILLE FOR THE HOMECOMING GAME NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT!