Rockford vs. Mona Shores Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game has been marked on my calendar since the schedule was released. Two of the most storied and successful teams on the West Side, The Rams and Sailors are set to square off Thursday night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will outline many of the game-changers on both teams, and will discuss how each team can come out of this one with a W. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Rockford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630fc4429f95c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["232200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='232200' first='Mac' last='VandenHout'] proved many people wrong last weekend when he torched EGR for 324 yards and 6 touchdowns.  So far, he's been filling the shoes of Zak Ahern extremely well, and he's seamlessly switched from WR to QB.rnrnBut the Mona Shores defense is much better than EGR. VandenHout needs to get the ball out quick, make smart decisions, and don't underestimate the speed and athleticism of this Mona Shores team. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Rockford will go as far as [player_tooltip player_id='232200' first='Mac' last='VandenHout'] takes them.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["286465"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The Rams need to get penetration and slow down the Sailor offense. This will be a challenge as they have a great offensive line, but this is where [player_tooltip player_id='286465' first='Breckin' last='Portoluri'] comes into playrnrnThe 6'1 250lb Defensive Lineman has worked his tail off all season. He wasn't overly impactful in last week's blowout (he didn't have to be), but he'll need to make an impact for Rockford to win this game. I'm going to be keeping a close eye on #49 tomorrow.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["394475"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Leading the defense as a Captain and MLB, [player_tooltip player_id='394475' first='Rick' last='Beison'] will play a key role in the Rams Defense. The Sailor offense is fast and the offensive line is strong, meaning Beison will need to play quick and fundamentally sound in order to make necessary stops. I haven't seen any film from him against EGR, so I'm extra excited to see him perform tomorrow to truly evaluate him.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Mona Shores</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630fcca69f95f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["243089"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Farnum had an incredibly impressive performance against Linclon (WI) last week with 11 carries, 130 yards, and 2 TDs. There were many instances last week where his hole was closed, and he danced his way to a huge gain, and other times where he shoots his hole and accelerates to open grass.rnrnWith a great offensive line blocking for him, Farnum should have a good game. I'm looking to see Farnum get a tad more decisive against Rockford, not to go backwards at all.rnrnNo matter what, Farnum will be a big part of this game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["243093"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"I assume KeWaun is going to be the one lining up alongside [player_tooltip player_id='232201' first='Alex' last='McLean'].rnrnAs long as that's the case, he'll be in for a battle. As versatile and athletic as KeWaun is, McLean is the all-time receptions leader at Rockford and is as shifty as anyone. We already know from week 1 that Mac and McLean have great chemistry, so we'll have to see if Farnum is able to disrupt that.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["243090"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Games are won and lost in the trenches, and Wahlberg is going to be leading the O-Line for the Sailors.rnrnHaving had a great offseason, I am confident that Sam is as prepared as he can be. At 5'11 235, he's a great size for a Center and has excellent leadership potential. For his size, his technique and overall ability is excellent. Let's see if Wahlberg and the rest of the O-Line can hold off the Rams front 7.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Deciding Factor: Big Plays</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whoever makes more big plays will win this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have amazing talent, especially at the DB/WR positions. The air attack will be critical for both teams and both QBs are going to have to be on point. This game is more likely to be a shootout than a defensive battle, and it may just come down to whoever wins the turnover battle or whoever had the ball last. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->