Mona Shores vs. Rockford Standout Performances
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One of the most anticipated games of the season did not disappoint, as Rockford came back to win this one 31-27. Even though the Rams came out victorious, there were many players on both teams that played impressively. Here are…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most anticipated games of the season did not disappoint, as Rockford came back to win this one 31-27. Even though the Rams came out victorious, there were many players on both teams that played impressively. Here are 8 players that impressed me!
Named Rockford’s Defensive Player of the Game, Austin Harvey Austin Harvey 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI was a key part of the Ram’s gutsy win.
Harvey was responsible for many of the games biggest defensive plays, including a pass breakup leading to a game-defining INT, 2 blocked XPs, 6 tackles, and 2 more PBUs.
Against a Mona Shores team full of gifted athletes, Harvey matched athleticism while adding a high IQ, allowing him to react quickly. Without Harvey’s performance, Rockford has a much harder time winning this game.
Highlights
Looking back at the film, Sam Wahlberg Sam Wahlberg 5’10” | 225 lbs | OL Mona Shores | 2023 MI had a good game under center.
There are many videos I took where Wahlberg is playing through the whistle, and sometimes manhandling the defensive line. I love this guy’s technique and violent play.
Highlights
10-17, 249 Yards, 3TDs.
Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5’11” | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI looked uncomfortable in the first half, but one he started to heat up at the end of the 3rd quarter, there was no stopping him.
I saw a fire in his eyes towards the end of the game. He orchestrated a monumental comeback after 40 mins of nothing going their way. From being down 27-7 having just thrown an INT, to rallying the troops with big time throws to win the game. I love his game. I adore the leadership. If he can start every game as hot as he was at the end of the Shores game, look out.
Highlights
Brandon Bankard
Brandon Bankard
I was impressed by the physicality of Brandon Bankard, and he makes for an amazing Short yardage/Goalline back.
Bankard posted 36 yards rushing on 7 carries, with 2TDs.
Mona Shores is lucky to have the depth to have a running back room with Farnum and a bruiser like Bankard.
Thompson was a clutch performer, totaling 3 receptions for 95 yards and 2TDs.
An extremely hard worker this past offseason, Brody Thompson Brody Thompson 6’1″ | 195 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 MI has transformed his body and became an explosive, extremely fit athlete. He was able to perform at this best for a full 60 minutes, while consistently blocking well, running clean routes, and catching a few difficult balls while getting that YAC. I’m excited to see what he can do moving forward!
I was impressed with both of the Farnum brothers, but KeWaun showed me more than I expected of him.
His statline is great, but nothing spectacular with 21 yds rushing on 7 carries, 1Td, and 3rec for 44 yards.
What’s not shown on the statline his the consistnet effort, and the times where he got open down the field, but the ball didn’t come to him. There were multiple instances where Farnum beat his man but simply didn’t have the opportunity to make a big gain out of it.
Highlights
Totaling 8 tackles and a game-changing interception, Rick Beison Rick Beison 6’1″ | 215 lbs | LB Rockford | 2023 MI led the Rockford front 7 and was a efficient and necessary reinforcement in the run game. As a captain, you know Beison is going to give it his all 150% of the time, and he did just that. He’s a player that finishes his tackles and reacts quickly to plays. If he didn’t react with lightning speed with Austin Harvey Austin Harvey 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI tipped a pass, he wouldn’t have come close to an interception.
Highlights
Trent Rosenthal
Trent Rosenthal
Rosenthal brought the hammer on a few plays, while also coming down with a huge INT at the goalline. I was extremely impressed with his focus on the INT, and the general physicality he played with. Just look at these two highlights!