Rockford – In a thrilling contest Friday night at Carlson-Munger Stadium, Muskegon’s Big Reds showed determination but couldn’t complete a late-game rally, falling to Rockford 28-21 in non-conference action.
Rockford Strikes First
Rockford struck first, wasting no time as running back Isaac Poot sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown on just the second play of the game, putting the Rams up 7-0. Muskegon’s defense then held firm, giving its offense the chance to answer back in the second quarter. Quarterback James Young connected with Danelle Lawrence on a 21-yard touchdown pass, tying the game 7-7 and shifting momentum back toward the Big Reds.
As halftime approached, Rockford capitalized on a crucial fourth-and-9 opportunity. Quarterback Brayden Daniels fired a pinpoint pass down the seam to Dylan Gross, giving the Rams a 14-7 advantage heading into the break.
In the third quarter, Daniels took control, throwing two more touchdown passes—one to Kade Frieden and another to Jax Eichbauer—extending Rockford’s lead to 28-7. Despite the deficit, Muskegon refused to back down.
Muskegon’s Grit
With time running out in the fourth quarter, Muskegon found a spark when Arquez Petty broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run, cutting Rockford’s lead to 28-13. The Big Reds followed that up with a perfectly executed onside kick by Darekeo Speech, recovered by Lyn Wilson III, setting up a chance for Muskegon to close the gap.
James Young then led the Big Reds on a dramatic drive. Under heavy pressure, Young scrambled across the field, reversing direction multiple times before launching a pass across his body into the end zone. Petty snagged the 15-yard touchdown, bringing Muskegon within seven points. Speech bulldozed his way in for a two-point conversion, making it 28-21 with just 30 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the momentum shift, Rockford’s Madden Warner secured the final onside kick attempt, ending Muskegon’s comeback bid.
The Game by the Numbers
Rockford’s offense was driven by Daniels, who finished the game with 210 yards through the air and three touchdowns, completing passes to ten different receivers. His ability to spread the ball around kept Muskegon’s defense guessing throughout the game.
Muskegon’s offense, led by Young, had moments of brilliance. Young completed 11-of-25 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 17 rushing yards. Petty spearheaded the Big Reds’ ground game, racking up 96 yards on five carries, while Keshawn Drummer added 68 yards on six attempts. Lawrence was the top receiver, hauling in five passes for 65 yards.
On defense, Speech led Muskegon with 12 tackles, while Wilson contributed nine. La’Rue Phillips, Michael Piggee Jr., and Amiere Chandler also had solid performances, each recording six tackles.
Up Next
The Big Reds now head into a bye week, giving them a chance to regroup before starting O-K Green Conference play against Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern on September 20th. Despite the loss, Muskegon remains optimistic, knowing that last season began in similar fashion before they went on to win 12 consecutive games and secure the Division 2 state championship. Muskegon will be looking to bounce back as they continue their journey through the season.
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