Article written by Tim Saunders
tim_saunders41@hotmail.com
In August of 2001, I wrote an article for this site detailing what I believed to be the Top Ten Best Games that our Rams had played since I began watching them. This uninterrupted streak began in 1991, at old Ram Stadium in downtown Rockford, when Coach Harvey DeGood was leading the Rams. I have also witnessed each varsity home game since 1989, including every varsity contest at The Ted.
During this time I sat in the stands as a middle school student, and freshman & jayvee player. I then took the field occasionally as a defensive back during the '93, and '94 seasons. These two seasons, incidentally, are the only two in which a Coach Munger led team did not make the playoffs since his arrival here in 1992. Following my playing days, I spent the 1995 season covering the Rams for the North Kent Advance, and spent '96 back in the stands cheering on my brother Mike during his senior year.
In 1997 I made the jump to varsity assistant video coordinator. It's a fancy title, but I mainly stood on the sidelines and videotaped the games for the season ending highlight tapes. Let me tell you, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to view a game. Recently, I've assisted the varsity staff in editing scouting tapes on Friday nights after Ram games. It was a real thrill to stand on the sidelines of the Silverdome last November and record that incredible display of TEAM football.
With my background out of the way, I've been pleasantly surprised by the response that the original article has received. Many former players, parents, fans, and even opposing school personnel have emailed me with their own memories and suggestions. Others have cornered me at games to offer up the ideas and argue their case. It's been great to have so many people react to my list. Obviously it's not official, and it's merely my opinion, but it's one that I cheerfully offer for debate.
Since the Rams win in the Silverdome last fall, I've had more than a few players email to plead for the overtime playoff game victory against Grandville for inclusion on the list. After taking a look at the list, and seeing that 4 years have passed since the original list was created, I decided to take another look at the past 14 seasons that I have attended Rockford football games.
In creating this list, I took into account the intensity of the game, the opponent, the stakes (playoff or conference championship game,) and finally, importance to the football program as a whole.
I've also limited this list to games that I've observed. I fully realize that this excludes nearly 90 years of Rockford Football, and that many former Rams played in some exciting and meaningful games. This list isn't meant to belittle their accomplishments, or to say that Rockford Football began in 1992 when Coach Munger was hired. Rockford has a long, proud football history, and hopefully more of those days will come to light here on the website. Unfortunately, I'm not the person to do that. Hopefully someday we can encourage Coach Terry Konkle to create an authoritative list of his own. He is the guardian of Rockford Football history, and perhaps someday he'll be enticed to weigh in.
In the meantime, you're stuck with me.
Here's my 2005 list of the Top Ten Best Rockford Football Games I've attended.
Honorable Mention
Rockford at Brighton, 1999 Regional Final
What I said then (2001):
A late blooming Ram squad of '99 finally came together to shock Midland and Grand Haven on the road in the playoffs. The Rams won their fourth straight regional final on this day, dealing Brighton a physical pounding that may have no equal. The Rams found themselves down at halftime and came out in the second half determined to play on one more week. Playing in an unseasonably warm November afternoon, the Mike Lundberg-led defense unloaded on a talented Brighton spread-offense. The Rams made a mark on the east side of the state and won 40-20.
What I say now (2005):
I still think back to that second half as one of the most punishing displays of defense that I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I had to remove two games from the Top Ten to make room for two new additions. This was also the beginning of a great rivalry with Brighton, which has produced many memorable and close contests over the years.
East Kentwood at Rockford, 1995
What I said then (2001):
The '95 Rams had a lot to accomplish heading into their season. Consecutive losing seasons had brought down the Rams, yet the '95 Rams didn't flinch at their opportunity to turn the program around. With one of the most dominating defenses the Rams ever fielded, Rockford equaled a previous best for a conference mark by winning a close game over the Jon Anes led Falcons, 14-7. This win also marked the return of the Rams to the playoffs, propelling Rockford to a second ever playoff berth.
What I say now (2005):
This TEAM did a lot to help get things back on track for the program, and their efforts helped to pave the way for the seasons that followed. Again, two games needed to be trimmed from the list, and Kentwood games had already taken up three places in the Top Ten.
Other Honorable Mention Games:
2004 South Lyon 17-10: Razzle. Dazzle. Kaboom!
2004 Hudsonville 10-13: Orange jerseys on white pants?
2004 Grandville 35-38: Close game
2003 Grandville 7-14: Another close game
2003 Grandville 27-21 OT: Surprise, close game
2003 East Kentwood 14-20: 2 yards short, classic game
2003 Forrest Hills Northern 23-21: Tough win over neighbor school
2003 Brighton 16-14: A squeaker
2001 Muskegon 31-34 2OT: Shocking home playoff loss
2001 Virtually the Whole Season, especially East Kentwood
2000 Grand Ledge 27-30: Tough loss to eventual state champs
1999 Midland 19-14: Overcame early deficit to playoff victory
1998 Lake Orion 48-7: Sent us to the ÔDome for the first time
1998 East Lansing 20-18: Starburst, screen, and double pass key win
1997 Ann Arbor Huron 14-17: ÒTHEÓ devastating loss
1997 East Kentwood 14-12: Big win over classic conference rivals
1997 Jenison 35-23: 'You Got Rockford'
1996 East Kentwood 6-7: Defensive battle that EK wins on blocked FG
1996 Grandville 23-13: Only loss for state champion Bulldogs
1996 Muskegon 41-6: First ever playoff win, first home playoff game
1996 Catholic Central 21-14: Key defensive stop seals it
1995 Jenison 6-14: Snowy playoff loss at the Wildcats
1994 East Kentwood 7-3: Another EK gem decided in the last minute
1993 Grandville 28-38: First ever game at the Ted is a close loss to Bulldogs
1992 Grand Ledge 0-24: Battered Rams lose first ever playoff game
1992 Holland 25-26 OT: Heartbreaker final game at Ram Stadium
The Top Ten
10) Rockford at West Ottawa, 1992
What I said then (2001):
The Rams of '92 featured as powerful and tough a team as any of the past 10 years. While they didn't possess the athleticism and speed of the teams that followed them, they did something no other Rockford team prior had done: win the OK-Red tittle. Seniors Seth Yon, Jason Grutter, Chad Klaver, and Jason Schaub led Rockford through a tough conference season and into the playoffs. Tim Saur hauled in a key touchdown pass on a cold and windy night, and the Rams prevailed 18-8.
What I say now (2005):
You have to keep this game on the list. This was the first time that a Rockford team won the OK-RED conference, and this game clinched it. It's probably hard now to imagine a time when making the playoffs was a definite uncertainty, and a conference title was something that we'd never possessed. This was a magical season to be a Ram, and to cheer them on. This was a time when fans, players, and parents didn't look beyond the OK-RED because making the playoffs wasn't something that was really considered. Things are different now, but the freshness of the 1992 season is something that still lingers within me.
9) Rockford at Jenison, 1996
What I said then (2001):
Things did not look promising heading into this game. The Rams had eeked out a win the week before over class BB Catholic Central, and carried a four game losing steak to the Wildcats into the contest. Each team looked tentative with their first few possessions, and then the game broke wide open. J.R. Rhode blocked a Jenison punt in their end zone, recovered the ball for a touchdown, and the Rams never looked back. The Rams had a 42-0 halftime lead, en route to a 42-8 win. This win was the springboard for much greater things for this team.
What I say now (2005):
It's hard now to imagine the frustration that Jenison represented for the Rams in 1996. After dropping 4 consecutive games to the Wildcats, they were the definitive rival of the mid-90's. The following contests in 1997 and 1998 were also tightly contested, highly charged games with blockbuster attendance. The Wildcats will rise again (probably sooner than later), and this rivalry will again take center stage.
8) Rockford at Jenison, 1998
What I said then (2001):
The Jenison faithful printed t-shirts the week before the game that had the unbeaten Rams listed with a 6-1 record after facing the Wildcats. Rumor has it that those shirts are the brightest in Jenison since they've only been worn and washed once. Jenison had a chance to make their T-shirt prophecy a reality until a late fumble was recovered by senior Courtney Yon at the Ram 15 yard line. Rockford finished up unbeaten in conference play and captured their third straight OK-Red conference title. Rams win 7-6.
Rockford would match up with the Wildcats again in the first round of the playoffs, this time beating them 35-14.
What I say now (2005):
I still can't believe they actually printed those t-shirts.
7) Grand Ledge at Rockford 1997, Regional Final
What I said then (2001):
The '97 Rams were the first (and only) Rockford team to post a 9-0 regular season record, the first to go 7-0 in the OK-Red, and the first (and only) to be ranked in USA Today's football poll. There were a lot of great things that this team accomplished on and off the field. They have a lot to be proud of.
One of those things is capturing a second straight regional title. The Rams dismantled Lansing Eastern the previous week 49-7, scoring 42 on the Josh Thornhill led team before halftime. So shocking was this that Grand Ledge coach Pat O'Keefe claimed on Lansing TV that it was a fluke that would not be repeated against his Comets.
He was right.
The Rams scored 45 before halftime.
The greatest assembly of football talent that Rockford has ever fielded enjoyed a fitting home finale before 9000 snow covered fans.
Final score, 45-13.
What I say now (2005):
I can only hope that future Rams will have the chance to enjoy a snowy game at The Ted, and I wish I had emphasized how snowy that game really was. To play in the snow was an idea that Coach Munger repeatedly mentioned in his early days as coach, and you really don't understand how amazing a scene it is until you see parents racing to remove the snow in the hours before kickoff.
6) Rockford vs. Detroit Catholic Central, 1998 State Final
What I said then (2001):
I had a really hard time wondering where to place this game on my list. This state final appearance is the pinnacle of Rockford football. Not only that, but it was probably one of the best state final games I've ever seen, Rockford or otherwise. Even though it wasn't a Ram victory, this game is the high water mark for the football program.
It was a high water mark for the community as well. A sea of orange covered half of the Silverdome, impressing even Shamrock fans. I was purchasing a book a year later at GVSU's bookstore when the teller, noticing my Ram pullover, asked if I graduated from Rockford. Her brother played for Detroit Catholic Central, and she noted, 'None of us could believe how many fans you had and that they all wore orange. We were embarrassed that there weren't more of us there for our team. You guys must really love football.'
Dan Richards and Tony Savickas each had great games, as did the entire Rockford defense. It's no mean feat to hold the defending state champs in check on the ground, especially one that boasts as much talent as the Shamrocks did. High school football Internet-guru 'Searn' has this Detroit Catholic Central squad listed as the states all-time best at his web site. The Rams pushed them to the limit, and came up five minutes short. In fact, this was one of those games that they could still be playing, exchanging touchdowns and the lead. Unfortunately, time ran out on the Rams, 27-23.
What I say now (2005):
Hopefully some of you caught a replay of this game this summer on Fox Sports Detroit. It really was a classic, and the Rams came oh-so-close to pulling this one off. A great game, a great season.
5) East Kentwood at Rockford 2000, First Round Playoff
What I said then (2001):
Don't let their record, or (relatively) early playoff exit fool you; this team is among the best that Rockford has ever fielded. A field goal as time expired in the regional final against eventual state champion Grand Ledge was the difference between a 9-3 record and who knows what might have been.
East Kentwood must also wonder what might have been following the frantic finish to this first round playoff classic. The Rams spotted East Kentwood at 24-8 lead before realizing that the season ends with a loss. Jarad Smith's two touchdowns helped the Rams pull even with the Falcons.
Vance Nardin rumbled 70 yards to give the Falcons the lead with less than 5 minutes to play in the game. Kentwood ended up with the ball, and the game, seemingly in hand before a fumble with 1:25 to play gave the Rams life.
Converting on 4th down not just once but twice on the final drive, the Rams marched 70 yards with only one timeout in hand. Nate Teft scored his second touchdown of the game with just :09.5 seconds to play. The Rams win an electrifying playoff thriller, 32-30.
What I say now (2005):
This was such a great game, and a really, really sharp Ram squad of '00. In fact, time has only increased my admiration of this team. They were much closer to reaching the ÔDome than some may think.
4) Rockford at East Kentwood, 1998
What I said then (2001):
Why rank this game as high as I did? It's not a playoff game. It wasn't a league championship game, either. Plus, Kentwood's record wasn't that great.
Well, simply put, what Dan Richards did in this game is what every child who ever touches a football dreams of and practices in his backyard; throwing a game winning touchdown pass as time expires.
East Kentwood took the lead with :54 seconds to play, 26-21. Rockford had only one time out to spare, and 60 yards to go. The drive started with a 40-yard pass from Richards to Mike Oaks. Another completion to Andy Segard brought the Rams closer to the end zone, but only :08 seconds remained in the game. With 15 yards to go, Richards took the snap from under center and dropped back. Scanning the field, Richards had five receivers probing the Falcon secondary for an opening, and one Kentwood defensive lineman with a hand reaching out for a game ending sack.
Richards somehow managed to elude the defender, and began sprinting towards the line of scrimmage. More Kentwood down linemen were closing in and only two options remained; run for the end zone, or hope for a receiver to come open.
As it appeared to all that Richards would attempt to scamper into the end zone, he quickly fired the ball at Segard in the back of the end zone. Lying out along the grass, Segard slid across the field with the ball tucked safely away in both of his arms. Game over. Rockford wins, 27-26.
What I say now (2005):
Yes, this game was that great. Try to find a member of the '98 squad to see the highlight tape. You'll notice that there isn't much sideline footage. It's because I couldn't hold the camera still on account of nerves.
I leave this game this far up here to highlight just how closely and evenly matched the Rams and Falcons are. Look at the great games between the two schools since 1987; it's incredible how many have come down to the game's final play. We're fortunate to play them each year, and have them be such a classy rival school.
3) Rockford at Grandville, 2004 First Round Playoff
Only number 3?
Yes, this was a classic game, and defeating a mighty talented Bulldog squad on their own turf in the playoffs was the defining moment in the march to the ÔDome, butÉI think that you'll see why the next two were ranked higher.
Seniors Bryan Anderson, Sean, O'Rourke, Spencer Klukowski, Billy ÒMacÓ McDonald, and Zach VanSetters, along with a line anchored by Jeremiah Readle, led this team up and down the Grandville turf, making big plays exactly when the Rams needed them. It's hard to single out any one player without feeling the need to mention so many more. That's because these guys were a TEAM. They gave of themselves for the better of the whole. They share that with each of the groups listed on this list, and without question exemplify the best of the TEAM concept at Rockford. I really admire this group of young men for constantly believing in each other, and battling back from all forms of adversity.
I know that I'm short on game highlights, but we all were there. We know them by heart. Michigan State-bound Andrew Hawken was stopped on 4th and goal at the 1 yard line in overtime by the Ram defense. They how's and why's of their games almost don't matter. All that mattered to them was who was left standing at the end.
And in the end, they stand alone.
2) Bay City Central at Rockford, 1996 Regional Final
What I said then (2001):
This is the greatest game in the history of Rockford football.
When the season began, no one expected this team to do anything. They had graduated a very strong senior class and were woefully short on players with game experience. Some questioned whether there was any senior leadership to be found among them.
They barely beat class BB Catholic Central in their first game. Some were expecting a blow-out the next week at defending league champion Jenison. They were right, although few would have predicted Rockford to win 42-8. Fewer still would have believed that prediction.
As the season wore on, these Rams were faced with more of the same doubts. 'Are they for real?' After a dominating win against eventual class A state champion Grandville, the Rams still hadn't been totally accepted among fans, the media, or other teams as a legitimate playoff contender.
The '96 Rams equaled previous school records for regular season record, conference record, and won a conference title. Yet still there were doubters. Not so much about the team, but about Rockford. 'Are they for real?'
Following a frantic playoff selection Sunday, the Rams found that they would host their first playoff game ever against traditional power Muskegon. A new tradition would start for Rockford the next Saturday, as the team that everyone questioned answered back the only way they knew how: beating Muskegon 41-6 and winning the school's first playoff game.
Rockford now had the chance to play in the regional final against a crafty team from Bay City Central. This is what the playoffs were about. This was exciting and new. Who was Bay City? What was their mascot? What colors were they? Would their band be any good? Would they bring a lot of fans?
The most exciting thing that the '96 Rams brought us (in addition to this game) was the fun that the playoffs are. There's mystery in who the opponent is. There's finality in the games: win and you're in, lose and the season is over. Big crowds come out to the games. The Ted is rocking. The air is electric. Sometimes it snows. There is nothing like playoff time in November.
This particular playoff game was a classic. Mike Segard threw three touchdown passes for the Rams, but Bay City's quarterback proved that he could equal Segard. With a tricky play-action passing attack, the Wolves overcame a 14-0 deficit to take a 21-14 lead.
Jeff Wilson led the Rams back in the second half to keep the Rams in the game.
Actually, Wilson did more than lead the Rams back. He carried the Rams on his back. He rushed past, over and through anyone who stood between him and the end zone. With time running out in the fourth quarter, Wilson's two touchdowns brought the Rams back from the edge of defeat to tie the game at 28-28.
The Ram defense, one the best Rockford defenses in school history, surrendered yards to Bay City on their final drive, but no points. With a minute to go in the game, the Rams, paced by Dan and Tom Hosford, held firm with a goal line stand and forced Bay City to attempt a field goal for the win. Intense pressure from the Rams extra point block team caused a Wolf defender to inadvertently block his own teams kick.
The Rams took possession of the ball and quickly marched down the field behind runs by Segard and Hosford, but a field goal attempt of their own came up short as time expired. It was time for overtime.
Rockford struck quickly as Segard connected with a wide-open Pete Buurstra in the end zone on only their second play. The Rams looked cool and poised on offense, and seemed to have the game in hand, but a missed extra point looked as if the Ram's season could be doomed to an overtime loss.
Bay City took possession at the Ram 10, in the south end zone of the Ted. Their first play, a sweep to the outside, was met by Tom Hosford one yard deep in the Wolves backfield. Second down and 11 almost proved disastrous for Bay City. Senior defensive lineman Mike Saunders knocked the ball loose from the Wolves quarterback, but an alert Bay City lineman covered the ball before the Rams could claim it.
Third down and 11 was the crucial play of the series. Bay City had damaged Rockford's defense all day long with their play-action pass, and it was only natural to do what worked best when the game was on the line. The Ram's defense was prepared though, and the defensive secondary was ready.
The Wolves quarterback took the snap from under center, faked the hand-off to his running back, and rolled back to pass. An alert Rockford secondary held to their assigned coverage, and there were no open receivers for Bay City. Pressure from Rockford's interior line forced the Wolves quarterback away from his protection, and he scrambled back from the line of scrimmage.
Away from the play, Saunders was blocked and knocked to the ground by the Wolves offensive line. There is a reason that coaches teach their players not to give up on a play, and that reason is what Saunders did next.
Picking himself up off the ground, Saunders spied the Wolves quarterback and bolted after him. They met 18 yards later at the Rams 28, as the Bay City quarterback was hit and dropped for a game breaking sack.
With 4th and 28, the Wolves called timeout and lined up with three receivers to the right of their formation. It was presumably one of many Hail Mary's called in the moments before the snap.
Bay City's line held firm, and the Rams couldn't pressure the Wolves quarterback. The pass was delivered and seemed to hang in the air. One thing was certain as soon as it was thrown: it would reach the end zone.
As the pass arced down, a crowd of Rams and Wolves camped underneath. Rising above all others was the Ram who carried the team on his back in the fourth quarter. Wilson jumped up and calmly batted the ball down to the earth.
Game over, 34-28.
Like nothing that had ever come before, the Rams of '96 set the precedent and expectations of all Rockford teams that would follow them. They rallied a community around high school football and inspired a massive following and support that few schools enjoy in Michigan or in the Midwest. Five straight regional final appearances, four semi-finals, three conference championships, and one state finals appearance; all of these started with this group, and this game was their finest moment.
This was the greatest game in the history of Rockford football.
What I say now (2005):
This really was the greatest game in Rockford football history, with apologies to all former players. It may not have been the greatest achievement in Rockford football history, but it certainly elicited more pure, unrestrained joy than any before or since.
Can you imagine playing in a regional final at The Ted? This is as high as the stakes get playing at home in the state of Michigan. All following games are played at neutral sites, and this is the last chance our seniors get to play on this grass. This is for all the marbles, folks, as big as it can be for writing your own goodbye.
You also have to appreciate the time in which this game was played. Showing up for the game, the community was excited and hoped for the best, but no one really knew what to expect, or what came next. Now it's old hat. We've been there and back again, and we've seen it all. It's really hard to describe how exhilarating it was to take these new steps at the time.
Plus I'm biased.
I admit it.
My brother made the big play, and I'm damned proud of him for not only doing it, but for how he did it.
He didn't give up.
It's a lesson that this program teaches the young men that play it, and it's a lesson that serves all of them well beyond the brief moments they step on the field of play.
1) Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. Rockford, State Championship 2004
What else could it be?
This is what all of us have played for since football began; the chance to be the best.
It's true that this wasn't the most competitive game we've ever played, but it was sweet, and I relished every moment of it.
I've paid tribute to the TEAM that performed so well on the field in 2004, and I only hope that the TEAM of 2005 (and beyond) will remember and value the character that those young men played with. The community presence at the ÔDome, and along the playoff path, was tremendous, and shouldn't ever be taken for granted. Their support is an intimidating force for opposing teams to contend with.
The coaching staff also did every possible thing they could to make that TEAM the best they could be. Rockford is blessed with some of the most dedicated, and sharpest football minds in the state, and they devote so much of themselves to helping our young men grow as players over the course of a long season. They are also there to help with the life lessons that the game of football presents along the way. Their families endure their long hours of work with support and understanding, and that too goes a long way to the success of the Rams. Without their blessing and encouragement, it can be a long season.
It is obvious, though, that Rockford Football and it's success is due to the effort and will of one man, and one man alone; Coach Ralph Munger.
It's hard to restrain the praise and admiration I have for him in this list, because I don't want this list and said praise to appear self-serving for him and his program. I will, though, say this:
If you want to win, follow him.
If you want to learn to face life and deal with the ups and downs that come from living it, play football and follow him.
If you want to learn how to sacrifice your own wants for the betterment of the TEAM, and in that, the betterment of all, follow him.
Coach, I'm so pleased and proud that I could be there for all these great moments, and grateful for the lessons learned. I knew you would win this game, and never doubted it.
Thank you.
This season, for me, marks in some ways my highest acknowledgement of the TEAM concept so far in my life.
On June 11 I was married to Heather Crawford after many wonderful years dating. Later, on July 6, we arrived in Denver, Colorado where we've both begun a new chapter in our lives. Heather was offered a job that she couldn't refuse, the proverbial offer of a lifetime, and as a member of TEAM Saunders, I was first to support her to go for it. With that, though, meant giving up something that I truly loved and had given half of my life to supporting.
I really loved my time as a Rockford Ram, and I want to publicly thank and say goodbye to everyone involved over the years for making the time fly so quickly; the Saur Family, Rick Laven, Bruce and Char Turner, the Tim and Carole Erickson family, the David Lee family, the Konkles, Don Cadwell, Jill Walker, Dave Price, Al and Althea Korytkowski, Jim Gallery, Don Rinehart, Steve and Renee Dengler, the O'Rourke family, Pete Young, the VanderVeen family, Tom and Lauren Hosford, Adam Burkholder, Tom Baer, Steve Ledbetter, the Beimers family, the Scott Erbes family, Michael York, the Maroe family, the Haynes family, Coach DeGood, the VanSoest family, and Ray and Roxie VanderMulen. Thank you also to my parents, my brother, my sister, and Heather. There are many, many more people not mentioned, and I thank them as well for contributing so much to my life.
Most importantly, I want to thank Coach and Kathy Munger. You both made me better every moment I was around you.
If you can spare a cheer this season, send it in the direction of the Eaglecrest Raptors (think birds, not dinos) of Aurora, Colorado. I'll be continuing my work as a video coordinator with them this season, and they are in a similar position as the Rams of the early Ô90's. They have a lot of great moments in their future, and I'm excited at the possibility that there are more Òglory daysÓ to come.
In the meantime, this is the Golden Age of Rockford Football.
Enjoy it.
GO RAPTORS!!
GO RAMS!!!
É..by Tim Saunders