R
Rockford rules in the trenches against Grand Ledge
By Jeff Chaney / The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND LEDGE -- Like many running backs, Rockford's
Aaron Kwekel gave all the credit to his offensive line.
They earned
his praise -- and a district championship -- as the Rams' big
guys up front pushed around the Grand Ledge defense and crushed
the host Comets 56-14.
Rockford advances to the regional round, where it will host
Hartland, a 34-23 winner against Howell.
"It was a great game, and some great blocking," said
Kwekel, who scored three of Rockford's eight touchdowns. "We
knew coming in we could run the ball, but knew we had to work
to get that. The line worked hard tonight, and the holes were
there."
Rockford coach Ralph Munger also was impressed with the play
of his line on both sides of the ball, especially on offense.
"The kids played physical up front, it was amazing," Munger
said. "That was the most physical game we have played all
year. But at this point of the season, you have to run the ball.
It's the Midwest, and you don't know if you'll get a beautiful
night like this, or the night that is sure to come."
Senior defensive back Brogan Bibler gave Rockford early momentum
when he intercepted a Nick Kissane pass on Grand Ledge's first
possession deep in its own territory, and returned it 8 yards
for a score.
"That pick was awesome," Munger said. "It's important
to start like that on the road."
From there the holes opened up, and the scoring was fast and
furious for the Rams, with most of the damage coming on the ground.
Rockford threw the ball only twice in the first 24 minutes of
the game and racked up 280 first-half yards.
Kwekel had 84 of those yards with three scores, Jordan Morren
107 first-half yards and a score, and Ryan Cochran 82 had yards.
At the half, Rockford led 42-14.
The second half was more of the same, only with a running clock
as the Rams compiled 129 yards.
Cochran led the rushing in the second half with 64 yards and
a score.
The special teams also came up big for Rockford, highlighted
by a blocked punt with a 44-yard return for a touchdown by defensive
lineman C.J. Scholl.
"It was awesome out there," Munger said. "We
played hard, the kids ran hard and took care of the ball.
"Heck, there were times when I was on the sidelines and
wondering if I just called that play, with how the fakes were
played out and how the play was run. It was awesome out there."
