Muskegon starts slow in lopsided loss to state power Rockford

By Melvin Lane
LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON—Coach Shane Fairfield knows the end goal of the season for the Muskegon Big Reds is to hoist a state championship trophy and, on that journey, they’re going to face some adversity.

Unfortunately, the adversity may have started sooner than expected as he saw his team fall behind 27-0 to the Rockford Rams at half at Hackley Stadium. Muskegon shutout the Rams the second half but the Big Reds lone second half score wasn’t enough. The Big Reds fell to the powerful Rams, 27-7.

“You want to be tested, want to find out who you are,” Fairfield said. “This is a little humbling. It makes you realize that you have to put in the work no matter how much experience and talent you have. The work still has to be in the preparation and execution, so hats off to Rockford. They played a great game”.

Photo/Tim Reilly

It didn’t take long for Rockford to take control of the game as they forced Muskegon into a three-and-out. Behind the arms and legs of senior quarterback Drake Irwin, the Rams marched down the field as Irwin ran in for a 4-yard touchdown. After a Luke Ahrens interception, Irwin used his legs again for a 20-yard touchdown run for the Rams.

Costly mistakes doomed Muskegon on its next possession and their drive stalled in Rams’ territory. Irwin found Camden Kruisenga on third and 24 for a reception that resulted in a 70-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Zavier Carew ran in from a yard out with 6:47 left in the half would be the Rams final score. But, the hole was just too deep for the Big Reds.

“I thought our veteran coaching staff did a great job preparing these kids,” Rams coach Brent Cummings said. “We have nothing but respect for the level of program we have for Muskegon. We knew we had to be dialed in. We take things day-by-day and preach giving your best effort. It’s not easy to do, but we have senior leadership who were backups last year and it showed”.

Photo/Craig Smith

Coming out of halftime, the Big Reds defense stepped up to the challenge and forced turnover, but the offense couldn’t capitalize. The Big Reds lone score came from a 3-yard touchdown run from Jakob Price with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

The Rams’ defense limited the explosive plays from Muskegon’s trio of M’Khi Guy, Price and Destin Piggee. The Big Reds were limited to 173 total yards. Guy led the Big Reds with 91 rushing yards. Darekeo Speech led the Big Reds with 8.5 tackles and Lyn Wilson III had a solid outing in the secondary with 3 tackles.

Rockford countered with 268 total yards of total offense. Irwin threw for 158 yards and a score and added two rushing touchdowns. Ryan Ahern led the rushing attack with 80 yards. Zavier Carew led the Rams with five tackles, followed by Christian Herrema with 4.5.

“The biggest growth you can have from a team from week 1 to 2,” Fairfield said. “We finally have game film, can adjust to the speed of the game and get used to these type environments. I think once we settled, we did a good job. We just missed opportunities, but I don’t think we did enough to win”

Muskegon will look to regroup against another tough opponent in Warren De la Salle at 7 p.m. Friday Hackley Stadium.