Game Preview: Rockford @ East Kentwood
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Rockford and East Kentwood square off in a week five matchup that has high stakes regarding the OK Red title race. Rockford sits at 4-0 and 2-0 in the Red, while East Kentwood comes in at 3-1 and 2-0 in…
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Continue ReadingRockford and East Kentwood square off in a week five matchup that has high stakes regarding the OK Red title race. Rockford sits at 4-0 and 2-0 in the Red, while East Kentwood comes in at 3-1 and 2-0 in the Red. The Rams won last year’s matchup 48-0 and have a narrow 28-26 all-time series lead over the longtime league rivals. Below I’ll get into the keys to the game, players to watch, and my prediction.
Keys To The Game
East Kentwood’s D-Line Needs To Bring Consistent Pressure
Rockford has one of the most explosive passing attacks in the state led by senior quarterback Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI . Mac has thrown 13 passing touchdowns with six different receivers getting in on the action. A big reason why Mac has been so successful this season is the time he’s had in the pocket. If East Kentwood can get consistent pressure without blitzing, that’ll allow the Falcon’s defensive backfield to match up with Rockford’s wideouts and force Mac into some uncomfortable situations. If pressure isn’t applied, expect Mac to pick apart the Falcon secondary as he has for the first month of the season.
Rockford Must Contain Stellan Bowman Stellan Bowman 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI
A big reason why Rockford found themselves down 27-7 at the end of the third quarter was due to the success that Mona Shores had in the run game up to that point. The Sailors were consistently finding success with their backs and wore down the Rockford defensive line. Not since week one has Rockford faced a running back with the skillset to churn out consistent yards. That will change tomorrow night when Rockford faces the task of slowing down East Kentwood’s Stellan Bowman Stellan Bowman 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI . Bowman has eight rushing touchdowns on the year, which is tied with Caledonia’s Brock Townsend for the league lead. If Rockford struggles to contain Bowman, East Kentwood could have the edge it needs to stay unbeaten.
Defensive/Special Teams Impact Plays
It’s been a relatively quiet first month for both team defenses and special teams. Neither unit has recorded a touchdown and only one field goal has been recorded from both teams combined. I’m expecting that to change sooner than later and the defensive/special teams unit that makes an impact could heavily sway the outcome in their favor. Think back to last year’s Caledonia-Rockford matchup. It was a game that came down to the wire and was ultimately decided when a Rockford defensive lineman stripped a Cal ball carrier deep in Cal territory.
Players To Watch
Stellan Bowman Stellan Bowman 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI , RB/LB, East Kentwood 24”
J’Kari Couch, WR, East Kentwood
Razah Townsend Razah Townsend 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL East Kentwood | 2023 State MI , WR, East Kentwood
Braylon Cox, LB, East Kentwood
Ryan Ahern, WR, Rockford 23”
Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI , QB, Rockford 23”
Alex McLean Alex McLean 5'7" | 165 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 State MI , WR, Rockford 23”
Prediction: East Kentwood 21, Rockford 20