Devin Brooks returned the second-half kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to spark Rockford's 16-14 victory over visiting Brighton Thursday in an opening night thriller that wasn't decided until the closing seconds.

Seth Powell scored on a 26-yard run in the fourth quarter for the Rams. Drew Campanelli kicked a 20-yard field goal in the first period for the Rams, but Brighton missed a potential game-winning field goal with 1.5 seconds left.

"Both teams played their hearts out and it showed," Rockford coach Ralph Munger said. "We just made plays that we had to. It was a rough opening game and it lacked polished, but I am still pleased with the effort that our kids gave because Brighton is a tough team."

Campanelli's field goal provided the only first-half points as each team had three turnovers. Brooks' return set the tone for the second half that saw the two teams exchange touchdowns.

Sean O'Rourke led Rockford's rushing attack with with 44 yards on eight carries. The Rams were held to 95 yards on the ground, but quarterback Spencer Klukowski hit 14 of 21 passes for 184 yards. Brooks had two receptions for 52 yards.

Brighton quarterback Adam Powell threw 11-yard touchdown passes to Chad Baliko and Chris Elsey. He finished with eight completions in 18 attempts for 112 yards.

Jeff English led Rockford's defense with 10 tackles.