By BUTCH HARMON
After starting the season hitting a few bumps in the road, the Rockford Rams are finding their groove at just the right time.
Rockford has won six games in a row since opening the season with losses against Lowell and Muskegon in two of the first three games. Rockford posted its second and third-highest offensive outputs of the season in the final two weeks. Rockford defeated Grandville 49-7 in week eight and came back to defeat Grand Haven 45-7 in the season finale.
The Rams will be looking to continue those offensive fireworks when they host Traverse City West in the opening round of district action Friday evening in Rockford.
Traverse City West is no stranger to the Rams having played Rockford five times in the past 10 years. Rockford defeated West 35-14 in 2010.
Rockford has been playing solid defense this season as they are allowing a shade under 10 points per game. Junior linebackers Brent Showers and Randy Garvin lead the Rockford defense.
Rockford’s offense has shown improvement down the stretch as it put up 49 and 45 points in its final two games.
Quarterback Kyle Short threw two touchdown passes in the regular-season finale against Grand Haven
Traverse City West is a young team that has turned in some strong efforts. The West offense is averaging 32.9 points per game. Donny Cizek is a versatile quarterback with an accurate arm. Tyler Johnson has good size and excellent speed at wide receiver while senior Griffin Forrester is the top running threat.
Junior Connor Hayes (6-4, 270) is one of the premier junior linemen in the state and is already one of the most heavily recruited junior linemen in the state.
The Titan defense allows 20.3 points per game and is paced by senior middle linebacker Derrick Diver (6-3, 220).