The Rockford Rams began their playoff journey with a home game on Saturday against the West Ottawa Panthers. From the beginning, Rockford played a nearly flawless game. They performed on both sides of the football, and as a result, they won this game 41-7.
Zak Ahern scored both touchdowns in the first quarter, and he used his legs on both plays. Midway through the quarter, he rushed for a sixty-three yard touchdown. Three minutes later, Ahern rushed for a thirteen-yard touchdown. This gave Rockford a 14-0 edge.
In the second quarter, Rockford rushed for two more touchdowns. Ethan Nash ran the first touchdown in from four yards out. Later in the quarter, he rushed for a fifteen yard touchdown. Rockford led 28-0 as the teams went to halftime.
Rockford scored thirteen points in the final half of play. Gabe Spees started the scoring with a sixty-three yard touchdown. Chris Corey added a twenty-one yard touchdown later in the half. Sandwiched in between those two scores was the lone touchdown for West Ottawa. Jake Zimmer and Blake Bosma paired up for a score.
Rockford will advance to the next round of the playoffs. In the district semifinals, they will host the Hudsonville Eagles. Hudsonville advanced to this game by taking down East Kentwood on Saturday.
