FINALS: DIVISION 1

**Ryan Cochran scores from 6 yards out**
**Ryan Darby pulls down Kim Bruce**
**Joe Stefanski chases down Branden Oakes**

Rockford held back Lake Orion to take a 17-7 win at Eastern Michigan in week 1, in that game Lake Orion had their chances but Rockford made just a few more plays. The story was pretty much the same as the two teams met again in the division 1 final. Rockford again made a few more plays, particularly in the second quarter, to head back west with a 26-14 win.

The game came unraveled in the second quarter, after trailing 7-6, Rockford took over the lead, 13-7, off of a 47 yard TD pass from Tim McGee to Nick Stokes. On the ensuing possesion Lake Orion's punt was blocked by Rockford's Alex Rojas, giving the Rams the ball on the six yard line. Ryan Cochran then scored to give Rockford a 20-7 halftime lead.

Lake Orion threatened in the third quarter by taking the second half kickoff and marching deep inside the redzone but only to have Gabe Speirs intercept a Sean Charette pass and return it 38 yards to the 45 yard line. However on the very next play Rockford fumbled the ball right back to the Dragons as Kane Hayes came up with the ball. This time the Dragons took advantage and Branden Oakes scored from 3 yards out to cut the lead to 20-14.

Lake Orion looked set to take over the lead but after a 25 yard gain Jeff Heath fumbled the ball and Rockford recovered near midfield. A McGee pass to Jordan Morren put the Rams in the redzone and Ryan Darby's 5 yard run capped the drive and extended the lead to 26-14.

A failed attempt on 4th-and-3 on the 41 yard line by Lake Orion pretty much sealed the win for Rockford as the Rams ran out the remainder 4:00 minutes to win their third state crown in the last 5 years.

BREAKDOWN

Rockford- the Rams won this game on special teams with the big blocked punt right before halftime. The second half was pretty much even as neither defense gave up much but in the end turnovers gave Rockford the win.

Lake Orion- the Dragon defense doesn’t have much weight but they are disciplined and did a fantastic job of plugging gaps, they didn't give up much except for the long touchdown pass.

Game MVP- Joe Stefanski, Rockford- no Ram really stood out, this was a total team effort. The defense overall got the job done and Stefanski was the main man from his middle LB position. The 6-3/225 junior is a work horse.

Tim McGee, Rockford- very composed and always makes the smart decision. He’s only asked to manage the game and he knows his limits.

Ryan Darby, Rockford- junior back, showed some great cut back abilities ans should carry the load next year. Also added an INT on defense.

Brogan Bibler, Rockford- I just love the attitude and arrogance of this senior safety, and while his playing days are probably over, you gotta love the swagger and energy he brought to the Ram defense.