Rockford has lived on the edge this season

Thu, Nov 5, 2009    to del.icio.us

Despite Rockford's 10-0 record, this season likely hasn't been kind to the nerves of head coach Ralph Munger.

The defending Division 1 state champions have won five games this fall after trailing or being tied at halftime, including last Friday's first-round playoff game against East Kentwood.

Rockford also had to work some second-half magic against its Week 5 opponent, Grand Haven, breaking a scoreless game at the half with two second-half touchdowns.

"Our whole season has been like that for us," Munger said Wednesday evening. "When you lose 41 seniors from last season, and most of them who were starters, it's going to be a challenge. We anticipated that coming in and we knew it was going to be a battle."

So how have the Rams managed to complete a perfect regular season, their first since 2001?

"Most of it has been good fortune," Munger said. "But we feel we prepare our kids hard and prepare them well, just like everyone else at this point. We haven't necessarily played great this season, but good enough. Our coaching staff feels we haven't played our best game yet. We hope that it comes on Friday."

———

Grand Haven junior wide receiver Alec Smith wasn't much of a factor during the first meeting against Rockford, as the Bucs completed just 6-of-14 passes for 29 yards. He's become more of a big-play threat recently, pushing his season stats to 18 catches for 573 yards and eight touchdowns.

"Any receiver of his talents, obviously poses a potential threat," Munger said. "He's a big, strong young man with outstanding speed. Certainly he's one of the players we have to keep an eye on at all times."

———

Grand Haven's first trek to Ted Carlson Stadium in Rockford drew close to 12,000 fans. With so much at stake in meeting No. 2, that figure is expected to be a few thousand higher.

"The atmosphere was electric during the first game, and I expect another great atmosphere Friday," Munger said. "But I don't put too much stock into (home field advantage). They prepare on a surface very similar to ours, so it's not that big of a factor."