Rams vs. the Traverse City West Titans

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Rockford Rams 20, Traverse City West Titans 14 Overtime

Rockford 20, Traverse City West 14 (OT): Rams win close shave against Titans
By Jon Rzepecki | jrzepcki@mlive.com on October 31, 2014 10:27 p.m

ROCKFORD -- The first half of Friday's Division 1 pre-district playoff game between Rockford and Traverse City West looked like history was about to repeat itself.

The determination of an aerial attack in the face of high winds and cooler temperatures, however, impressed Rockford coach Ralph Munger as his Rams held on to defeat Traverse City West 20-14 in overtime. It was the Rams' narrowest margin of victory over West in eight playoff matchups -- the closest was a 28-16 win in 2007.

Rockford ran the ball 61 times for over 300 yards without attempting a pass, while West senior quarterback Jeff Turnquist was 17 of 34 for 227 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

KEY TO THE GAME
Traverse City coach Tim Wooer opted to roll out Zack McGuire on a fake field-goal attempt after three incomplete passes by Turnquist to the end zone. McGuire evaded a blitzing Tyler Bradfield, but lost footing on a juke at the 1-yard line.

ROCKFORD HIGHLIGHTS

- Ethan LaCourt scored on two 1-yard rushes in each of the first two quarters, capping off drives of 47 and 74 yards.

- Jake Sendzik ran into the end zone on 2nd-and-goal from the 3 in overtime to send Rockford into the next round.

- Bradfield blocked West's extra-point attempt in the third quarter off the right side. It was the main reason Wooer made the call to go for the fake in overtime. Bradfield also broke up two passes to McGuire in the end zone that would have given West the overtime advantage.

- Defensive pressure forced three quarterback sacks and forced Turnquist to intentionally ground the ball in the fourth quarter.

TRAVERSE CITY WEST HIGHLIGHTS

- McGuire caught 10 passes for 172 yards. He caught a 44-yard NFL-style touchdown in the third quarter as he tapped both feet in the back right of the end zone against heavy coverage.

- Turnquist completed 12 of 22 passes for 148 yards in the second half alone, 124 going to McGuire and most against Rockford's man coverage.

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Rockford ran the ball 61 times for over 300 yards without attempting a pass, while West senior quarterback Jeff Turnquist was 17 of 34 for 227 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

KEY TO THE GAME Traverse City coach Tim Wooer opted to roll out Zack McGuire on a fake field-goal attempt after three incomplete passes by Turnquist to the end zone. McGuire evaded a blitzing Tyler Bradfield, but lost footing on a juke at the 1-yard line.

ROCKFORD HIGHLIGHTS

- Ethan LaCourt scored on two 1-yard rushes in each of the first two quarters, capping off drives of 47 and 74 yards.

- Jake Sendzik ran into the end zone on 2nd-and-goal from the 3 in overtime to send Rockford into the next round.

- Bradfield blocked West's extra-point attempt in the third quarter off the right side. It was the main reason Wooer made the call to go for the fake in overtime. Bradfield also broke up two passes to McGuire in the end zone that would have given West the overtime advantage.

- Defensive pressure forced three quarterback sacks and forced Turnquist to intentionally ground the ball in the fourth quarter.

TRAVERSE CITY WEST HIGHLIGHTS

- McGuire caught 10 passes for 172 yards. He caught a 44-yard NFL-style touchdown in the third quarter as he tapped both feet in the back right of the end zone against heavy coverage.

- Turnquist completed 12 of 22 passes for 148 yards in the second half alone, 124 going to McGuire and most against Rockford's man coverage.

KEY TO THE GAME
Traverse City coach Tim Wooer opted to roll out Zack McGuire on a fake field-goal attempt after three incomplete passes by Turnquist to the end zone. McGuire evaded a blitzing Tyler Bradfield, but lost footing on a juke at the 1-yard line.