REGIONALS: Hartland vs. Rockford

**Vonn Jones cradles in a 2-point conversion pass**
**Matt Poches turns up field after a catch**
**Alex Rojas takes a misdirection run play**

**Rockford's Josh Osbun sacks Chris Cagle**

Rockford- Rockford put an end to Hartland's dream season Saturday afternoon as the host Rams used a 5 star performance from their defense to clamp down on Hartland's explosive offense en route to a 24-8 win.

Hartland started the game by picking up 3 first downs but a dropped pass on 3rd-and-3 forced Hartland to punt the ball away. Rockford went right to their power run game and Jordan Morren raced 45 yards for the game's first score with 7:48 to go in the first quarter to give the Rams a 7-0 lead.

Hartland had their chances in the first half as the Eagles forced three Rockford turnovers, unfortunately the Eagles failed to capitalize on any of them. Twice Hartland went for it on 4th-and 3's but failed to convert. Rockford was able to tack on a 20 yard field goal to make the halftime score 10-0.

After forcing a three and out to start the third quarter, Hartland put together their best drive of the game. The Eagles moved down near the redzone but a fumble ended any hope of scoring. Rockford took advantage of the fumble recovery and marched down field 80 yards on all run plays. Once the Rams got near the goal line they ran a play-action to score on a 5 yard pass to Morren from Tim McGee to take a 17-0 lead. Morren added his third touchdown with 9:15 left in the fourth quarter, running in from 2 yards out, to take a commanding 24-0 lead.

Hartland showed their heart by never giving up. The Eagles were able to get on the board off of Matt Kenwell's 4 yard run. Vonn Jones catch added on the 2-point conversion making the final 24-8.

BREAKDOWN

Rockford- the Rams lost their starting running back early in the game but never skipped a beat showing how deep their roster goes. Defensively the Rams had a great game plan as they double teamed Hartland's weapons forcing other players to make plays. The Rams were able to get pressure on Cagle by only rushing four and dropping everyone else back in pass coverage.

Hartland- it's been a heck of a ride for the Eagles this season as they proved many doubters wrong. They showed the state that not only do they have some pretty good football players but as a team they can compete with anyone. Hartland had their shots but just couldn't get into the endzone against Rockford.

GAME MVP: Jordan Morren, Rockford- the halfback turned into the feature back after Aaron Kwekel went down. Morren gets credit for all 3 Ram TDs as he finished with 111 on 15 rushes.

Chris Cagle, Hartland- I think Cagle was sacked only twice but he was on the run all day which shows his ability to move around the pocket to buy time. Cagle had a great season as he has proven that he in one of Michigan's top throwers. It will be near impossible for Hartland to replace what Cagle has given them this year.

Matt Poches, Hartland- Rockford's head coach said afterward that his game plan was to take away Poches, and that states allot for the value of a sophomore. Rockford shadowed Poches with a 6-3 corner and kept a safety within 10 yards on every down.

Vonn Jones, Hartland- Jones also received plenty of attention from the Rockford secondary but was still able to collect 5 catches. Jones had Hartland's biggest play of the day when he went up over two Ram defenders to make a catch to keep a drive alive.

Joe Stefanski, Rockford- the junior linebacker did a solid job of covering ground against the spread offense. He's a phenomenal tackler in the open field as well as pass coverage.

Alex Rojas, Rockford- the Ram split back mostly gets the ball on misdirection plays but those are the perfect situations for the little, but speedy, back to make plays in. he ran for 78 yards and seemed to have picked up a first down on every carry.