Playoff Preview: Rockford vs Saline

With the playoffs being put on pause for the next few weeks, let’s take this time to take a deeper look into some of the top games to watch. A big game to watch will be Rockford (7-0) vs Saline (8-1) as the game is filled with talent all over the field. Both teams feature top quarterbacks in Rockford’s [player_tooltip player_id="54861" first="Zak" last="Ahern"] and Saline’s [player_tooltip player_id="30149" first="Larry" last="Robinson II"]. <strong>Rockford Rams</strong> Kade Kostus | DL | 2022 <em>Kostus has been having a breakout season this year and has become a D1 prospect. He has the size and length to play on the edge and consistently makes plays against both the run and pass. He has picked up offers from Boston College, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Toledo and a few more.</em> [player_tooltip player_id="77289" first="Luke" last="McLean"] | DB | 2021 (Grand Valley State commit) <em>McLean has been a big riser this season. He is a great athlete that can make plays on either side of the ball, but I think he projects really well to defense where he can play anywhere in the secondary. He recently gave his commitment to Grand Valley State where he should develop into a starter for them, but he could contribute right away.</em> [player_tooltip player_id="54861" first="Zak" last="Ahern"] | QB | 2022 <em>Ahern is one of the better 2022 quarterbacks in the state. He has been key to Rockford's success this season and he has good size, arm strength and mobility. He holds no offers to this point, but that will change this offseason.</em> Cole Gleason | LB | 2021 <em>Gleason is a wrestling standout, but more schools need to take notice of what he is doing on the football field. He is a little short, but he is a physical hitter that shows good instincts and the ability to blitz. He holds offers from Aurora and Madonna, but he should pick up a few more offers by the end of the cycle.</em> Gabe Spees | RB | 2022 <em>Spees is a tough player that could play either running back or linebacker at the next level. As a running back, he is a powerful runner with good balance and the ability to break tackles with some consistency. He doesn't hold any offers yet, but that will certainly change either this offseason or during his senior year.</em> <strong>Saline Hornets</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="30149" first="Larry" last="Robinson II"] | QB | 2022 <em>Robinson is the top ranked quarterback in the state in the 2022 class and he has been impressive this season. He is a great athlete for the position and he shows good arm strength, good accuracy and elite mobility. He holds just one offer from Central Michigan so far, but a player of his caliber will be receiving more interest soon.</em> [player_tooltip player_id="30024" first="Kyler" last="Blake-Jones"] | OL | 2021 (<em>Grand Valley State commit</em>) <em>Blake-Jones is a standout player on both sides of the ball. He is the leader of a very talented offensive line and his athleticism and strength translate really well to the offensive side of the ball. He should become a starter at Grand Valley State early in his career.</em> [player_tooltip player_id="29871" first="Luke" last="Darmos"] | TE | 2021 <em>Darmos is an underrated playmaker and one of the go-to weapons on Saline's offense. He is a very good athlete with great hands an ball skills. He should develop into a very good tight end at the next level once he fills out his frame. Darmos holds offers from Lawrence Tech and Lake Erie, but he is a player deserving of more opportunities.</em> <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10125924">[player_tooltip player_id="30170" first="Giuseppe" last="Gottfried"]</a> | OL | 2022 <em>Gottfried has been having a breakout year this season and he could become a highly sought after prospect. He is an absolute mauler in the run game, but he also shows really good technique in pass protection too. He doesn't hold any offers yet, but they will change this offseason.</em> Eric Peoples | WR | 2021 <em>Peoples is a very underrated prospect that deserves more attention. He is a true possession target with good size and hands for the position. He holds two offers from Lawrence Tech and Olivet, but I think he could pick up a few more opportunities before this cycle ends.</em>