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Rockford scores twice in fourth quarter to beat fiesty Jenison
Cris Greer | The Grand Rapids Press
JENISON -- For most of the game, the No. 1 football team in
Division 1 had its hands full with Jenison's defense Friday.
Averaging 36 points per game in its first three games, Rockford
found itself leading only 7-3 at halftime. But the Rams scored
twice in the final quarter to win 20-3 and remain undefeated
at 4-0.
"Give credit to coach Irv Sigler and his staff for doing
a great job. Jenison came out after that big upset win over Grandville
and carried it into this week," said Rockford coach Ralph
Munger, whose Rams won the Division 1 state championship last
season.
"Their kids really played with a vengeance; they played
spirited football. Rockford's got to try and get back to that
next week."
The Wildcats scored first on a 38-yard field goal by Jesse Fulkerson
with 5:40 left in the first quarter to take a 3-0 lead, which
held until just before halftime.
In the second quarter, Jenison's Seth Diekevers recovered a
Rockford fumble, but the Wildcats couldn't score.
The Rams took advantage of good field position on a short punt
and scored their first touchdown soon after. Rockford's Joe Johnson
put his team in front for good on a 28-yard run with 3:17 left
in the first half.
A successful PAT by Paul Mudgett gave the Rams a 7-3 lead at
halftime.
"I'm really proud of the way our defensive kids played," said
Jenison coach Irv Sigler, whose team dropped to 2-2. "But
I told the guys we're at the point in our program now we have
to stop being content to be competitive."
"We're disappointed we didn't win, but it was not for lack
of effort or lack of performance."
The third quarter was highlighted by a 52-yard field goal attempt
by Rockford's Mudgett that barely dropped before the goal post.
Jenison got into Rams' territory on its next possession, but
quarterback Zechariah Keen was picked off by Zach Haugen to end
the drive, one of two interceptions.
Senior Ryan Darby put the game on ice with an 18-yard touchdown
run with 5:31 left in the contest. A missed extra point kick
gave the Rams a 13-3 lead.
Minutes before the end of the game, with Jenison trying to advance
the ball near its own end zone, Rockford's Matt Karamol caught
a tipped pass and scored from one yard out.
Rockford quarterback Taylor Masiewicz completed 8-of-13 passes
for 86 yards, while Keen was 2-for-8 for 19 yards.
Jenison's Tyler Hoezee rushed for 90 yards on 17 carries, while
Rockford's Darby had 55 yards on nine carries and Zach Schmuck
had 54 yards on 10 rushes.
