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Davison, having won the coin toss, elected to receive the opening kickoff. Steve Mette’s kick would go through the end zone, forcing Davison to start their first drive on their own 20 yard line. Four plays later, Davison would be forced to punt the ball to the Rams, who would start their first drive just inside Davison’s territory, at the 46 yard line. The Cardinals’ defense would limit Rockford to 16 yards on their first possession, forcing a 46 yard field goal attempt by Steve Mette. Mette split the uprights, giving the Rams an early 3-0 lead.

The Rams second possession started from their own 20, after a Davison punt went into the end zone. On the first of play of the possession, Rockford quarterback Mark LaPrairie, hit wide receiver Neil VanderLaan with a perfect pass down the left sideline. 75 yards later, VanderLaan was standing alone in the end zone.

Davison, trailing by ten, retaliated with a  30 yard field goal to complete their following drive.

Rockford countered with a 40 yard field goal by Mette after Davison turned the ball over on their own 17, giving the Rams a 13-3 lead midway through the second quarter. Again, the Rockford defense shut Davison down, forcing them to punt. The Rams’ final possession of the first half ended with a 12 yard LaPrairie pass to Zach Schmuck, putting Rockford ahead by 17 with just over three minutes remaining in the half.

Davison’s final drive saw quarterback Jake Thompson connect with Jacob Jacobs, for an 80 yard gain, placing the ball inside the Rockford five. Four plays later, Brandon Cooper plunged into the end zone with seconds left in the half, making the score 20-10.

Rockford’s final score of the evening came when Nate Sanders broke off tackle for seven yards into over the goal line, making the final score 27-10.

Following the game, coach Ralph Munger said, “This was a tough ball game. We played like it was our first game. We need to be more consistent. Once we get that, we will be a better team.” 

“We got manhandled [on the line] tonight. The offensive line needs to be more physical.”

Munger went on to say, “Defensively, we made things happen.”

The Rams were dealt a blow in the second quarter, when running back Nick Smythe suffered a potentially season ending injury. Munger commented, “I feel just awful about Nick. This could be a big loss for us as a team.”

Rockford had 103 yards on the ground, with Nate Sanders leading all rushers with 60 yards on nine carries. Mark LaPrairie went 12 for 22, with 158 yards in the air. LaPrairie also had two touchdown passes.

On September 2nd, the Rams will travel down I-96 for a rare Thursday night game against Holt.

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Rockford Boy Scout troop celebrates 100th

Rockford Boy Scout Troop 264 celebrated its 100th birthday with a three-day Scout Exhibition at the Rockford Community Cabin August 26 to 28.

The Exhibition was planned and executed by the Scouts themselves under the leadership of John Reedy and Michael Julien with guidance from Assistant Scoutmaster Jennie Betz and Troop Committee Chair Beth Reedy.

Each day began and ended with a flag ceremony. A model campsite was set up featuring tents, an ax yard and first aid station. Scouts demonstrated the safe use and care of axes and hatchets and various first aid techniques. An archway was constructed with poles lashed together and the Scouts demonstrated knot tying and even built a bridge over Rum Creek using only poles, planks and rope.

 

Inside the Community Cabin, were a display of Scout memorabilia and a history of the Troop from its founding as Troop 1 by Merritt Lamb in 1910 to the present. Saturday, the Scouts built a bonfire which they used to retire American flags according to the flag code.

A Court of Honor was held to present the Scouts with merit badges and rank advancements they had earned. A total of 188 merit badges were earned by 41 different Scouts and 27 of the Scouts earned rank advancements. Gerald R. Ford Council Scout Executive Michael Sulgrove addressed the assembly on the importance of Scouting and congratulated the Troop on being the first in the Council to complete 100 years of service.

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Samples, music, games this Saturday

Second annual Heirloom Tomato Festival will have plenty to eat, see, do

“This is going to be one absolute blast of a festival,” said organizer Meredith Gremel of this Saturday’s second annual Heirloom Tomato Festival held at Reds on the River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Businesses throughout downtown are coordinating special pricing and giveaways to go with the ‘Show us your Tomatoes’ theme.

The Heirloom Tomato festival will feature music, events and food under at tent in Red’s parking lot, a marinara contest open to the public, a Little Miss Heirloom pageant for girls under 12 and a wide variety of tomato/harvest-themed fun.

“There aren’t a lot of towns like Rockford anymore,” said Gremel. She referred to the wide variety of shops, the lovely flowers at Peppler Park where hundreds go during the summer for photos, and all the music and festivals that take place here.

The tomato festival idea came from the abundance of the crop. She said Dave Ingraberg farms and Chef Glenn at Reds were commenting on how wonderful yet abundant the tomato is when grown the way nature intended. She said the two decided to have a festival centered on the tomato.

This year there will be heirloom tomato seeds for sale, MSU extension Master Gardeners offering advise, a Red’s sampler offered with ticket purchases, roasted corn, a beer tent and other traditional, harvest time family event. North Kent Service Center will offer a lemonade stand with proceeds to the facility and any left over tomatoes will be donated.

The Festival Line Up includes …

• 11 a.m. ‐ noon: Dublin Station (www.dublinstation.com/)
• Noon: Crowing Little Miss Heirloom Tomato Princess (girls 12 Under ‐ dress in tomato, heirloom, or harvest attire and win a gift certificate to Aunt Candy’s Toy Company!)
• 12:30 ‐ 2:30 p.m. ‐‐ The Bean Poles (www.myspace.com/bobobluescat)
• 1 p.m.: Marinara Sauce Contest Judging begins (contestants must drop off their sauce in sealed containers clearly labeled with name, address, phone, email, and recipe at 10 am to Reds kitchen. Prepare enough to serve 10 judges). Top three winners awarded Reds gift certificates.
• Heirloom Essay Contest winner announced — see www.reds‐live.com for details.
• 3 ‐ 4 p.m.: The Moonrays
• 10 a.m.—4 pm: Kids games and activities, Old Fashioned Lemonade Stand, Beer Tent, free samples, tomatoes and seeds for sale, Reds best heirloom dishes and freshly pulled mozzarella, roasted corn, grilled brats, cool t‐shirts for sale, and much more!

For more information, check out www.reds‐live.com, Reds Facebook Event page, or call Reds at 616.863.8181.

Gremel said the weather is supposed to be wonderful and there are even more things for people of all ages to experience. She urged those who visit to take the time to wander downtown shops and see what specials the merchants offer.

With all the family favorites, Miss Tomato Head decorating, facepainting, sack races and more along with the old-fashioned fun of a free outdoor event, this festival is sure to please.

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Coach Munger honored by Rockford super-fans

by CLIFF AND NANCY HILL

The Rockford High School football program continued the longstanding tradition of holding an annual “Hots & Brats” fundraising event last Friday evening. Held each year at the Ted Carlson Memorial Football Stadium the week prior to the start of football season, the event gathers current football team members along with their families and supporters from the greater Rockford Community.

After a late afternoon team practice scrimmage, all in attendance were invited to the concession area of the stadium where picnic seating waited for the serving up of the event’s annual fare – grilled hot dogs and brats with all the trimmings along with chips, soft drinks or water, and don’t forget the dessert.

“First and foremost, this annual event is meant to honor the kids who will participate in the 2010 football season,” said emcee Don Cadwell, adding, “It’s all about the kids, watching them grow and work together as a team to uphold the tradition of excellence we’ve all come to expect from the Rockford High School football program.”

Long-time Rockford Football Booster Rick Ettinger (class of 1979) tells us, “The annual event is sponsored by the wonderful peoples and businesses of the Rockford Community. School districts from all over the state of Michigan are jealous of the Rockford football program and the outstanding community participation and sponsorship that makes it possible each and every year.”

Coach Ralph Munger then took the mic and expressed his appreciation to parents, grandparents, and the entire Rockford community for their time, their help, and their donations that were freely given to the players, coaches, and staff of the Rockford football team. “Rockford couldn’t be a great team without the total package,” said Coach Munger. He then directed everyone’s attention to a large sponsorship banner that named 94 fine area merchants who had sponsored the evening’s festivities and encouraged everyone present to patronize the generous civic-minded businesses.

“Practices indicate we are currently a good team,” said Munger, “but good is not acceptable. We are working, not to be good but rather, to be great!” To work towards that end, Munger then announced the team motto for the 2010 season – “Stand and Deliver”.

Speaking of community support Lyle English and his mother, Rose Grindle, were called front and center. Lyle, a 1976 graduate of Rockford High School, and mom Rose are widely recognized as “Superfans” of all of the athletic teams in the Rockford School System. Lyle and Rose have attended most every Varsity athletic event, both home and away, for as long as anyone present could remember.

Lyle was on hand Friday evening to present Coach Munger with a stained glass panel to, “personally honor Coach Munger for the past 19 years of football coaching excellence.” Lyle had crafted a two-tone green 2’ x 3’ stained glass panel depicting the turf of the midfield section of the Ted Carlson Memorial Football Stadium, complete with yard line markings. Proudly displayed in the center was the orange and black iconic Rockford “R”. It was beautiful and Munger seemed genuinely moved.

Lyle is an accomplished stained glass craftsman and in recent years, on his own time and using his own funds, has created and presented stained glass “R” panels of appreciation to graduating senior lettermen who participated in football and basketball as well as girls softball. Not to be left out, were numerous coaches and even Rockford Schools’ Superintendent Michael Shibler, himself. When asked how many panels in number he has made, Lyle answered, “There were so many, I’ve honestly lost track.”

Lyle loves his hometown Rockford, his high school alma mater, and the athletic programs of the Rockford School system. To say that he and his mother, Rose, are “Superfans” would be an understatement.

Seek out Lyle and his mom and thank them for years of support. You’ll find them seated, before anyone else arrives, on the 50-yard line during the upcoming football season.

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Year of the Ram sales nearing conclusion

Businesses, groups need to move fast to make history 

The Rockford Public School goal was to have 40 unique ram statues to “unleash” at a downtown celebration during Harvest Festival . The nearly life-sized sculptures are created from melted PVC plastic and will not deteriorate, even if displayed outdoors. Jamie Hosford, Superintendent of Human Resources at RPS said the idea was one staff had thought about for years, and chose the 2010-2011 school year to be the “Year of the Ram.” The Corner Bar and the City of Rockford were among the first entities to jump on board the Year of the Ram with a sponsorship of $1,500 for theirs. Professional artists will paint the statues as directed by the purchaser at no additional charge.

Throughout the next year the rams will be displayed at the dam, at a Ram Pride parade through downtown Rockford, at football games and homecoming. “Our ram is going to do a lot of traveling,” said Rockford City Manager of the City’s red, white and blue ram bearing city, police and fire logos. “There is something special about this district. We believe in working hard,” Hosford told Rotarians at a recent meeting. He said the district had been toying with ideas for showing Ram Pride. They saw another town which did an art project with bulldogs that made a big statement.

“I hope this will bring people to downtown Rockford,” Hosford said of the Year of the Ram statues. Each organization can paint their own Ram or have an artist work according to direction or allow them to come up with an original design. Some limitations, such as using professional sign paint and avoiding obscene or political statements, are placed on design. Possibilities are endless and Hosford believes it is a smart marketing opportunity as well as a way to support Rockford Public Schools and the City of Rockford, which are working jointly on Year of the Ram.

Opportunities to show off the Ram will be many as well. Hosford said he is working on a Ram Scavenger Hunt where people will be directed to find all the rams and perhaps win prizes. The rams will attend festivals and events. When not participating in events, the rams will be a unique way for a business, club or individual to show proof of community pride. They could grace waiting areas, look out of windows or stand in green areas. To find out more about purchasing a ram or sponsorship or ram-sharing opportunities, visit the RPS website. Those who decide to make the investment will be following in the footsteps of other business community leaders. The following have already made their Year of the Ram investment: Action Tax Service, American Cancer Society, American Gas and Oil, Brieden & Miller Orthodontics, City of Rockford, Corner Bar, DARE, Douglas Photography, Independent Bank, Pizza Hut, Rockford Abmulance, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Floor Covering, Silver Lake Country Club, United Bank, VanDyken Mechanical, Wolverine World Wide and Rockford Public Schools.

Hosford said he has commitments from others who have not yet purchased their rams, and he believes this will be a community art project that will make an impression for years to come. “I am confident that we will have 40 RAMS for the art project.”

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