The Rockford boys water polo team hosted two conference foes last week, defeating each with an impressive display of team balance and depth. At the midway point of the season, the Rams’ record stands at 19-5 overall; 3-0 in the conference.
Junior Eric Chisholm shoots over a defender's outstretched arm. Photo by TRACY BROWN
Grandville came to town Monday, Sept. 20, hoping to defeat the Rams in conference play for the second straight year. The Bulldogs won a close game against Rockford last year, causing the two teams to split the conference crown. Rockford was ready for the Bulldogs this year, jumping to a 6-0 first-quarter lead, thanks to crisp ball movement and precise shooting. The Rams then battled Grandville goal-for-goal, cruising to 16-9 victory. Eight different Rockford players scored goals, led by senior Jeff Schmitt with four.
Wednesday night, Sept. 22, brought the West Ottawa Panthers to the Rockford pool. Again Rockford sped to an early lead and never looked back, finishing with an 18-8 victory. Ten different Rams scored goals; sophomore Nick Willison was the leader with three. Aggressive defense captured 29 steals, including five by junior Alex Savage.
In these two games, the Rams displayed an unselfish team-oriented approach to the game. Of the 34 goals scored, 25 were the result of assists.
“We are a much better team than we were just two weeks ago,” observed Coach Dave McWatters. “There are many more challenges to go, but the pieces are coming together. Our individual athletes are figuring out how to lift one another’s quality of play. In other words, we are figuring out the elusive art of great team play.”
Sophomore Nick Willison lobs a pass to an open teammate. Photo by TRACY BROWN
“We get along well together as a team,” said Jared Martella, one of the team’s senior leaders. “There are no divisions between the different grade levels. We play well together no matter who’s in the pool, and we work to keep a positive attitude in the locker room.”
Over the weekend, Rockford finished third at Zeeland’s Bird House Bash Invitational. Stout defense and balanced scoring produced big wins against Hudsonville (11-0), West Ottawa (13-0), and Zeeland (14-3). But Saturday morning the Rams lost a 6-5 overtime match to Birmingham Groves, the number four team in the state.
Throughout the week, opposing teams had to contend with Rockford’s deep and talented bench.
“Some teams depend on one or two stars,” noted Coach McWatters. “But that’s dangerous—if you lose one to sickness, injury or game ejection, your team is in trouble. With our depth, we can ‘plug those holes’ very rapidly. That should help us succeed as the year goes on.”
The Rams visit East Kentwood Wednesday night, Sept. 29, for a conference battle against the Falcons, currently ranked third in the state. They’ll then head to Birmingham Groves for a weekend tournament against top teams from Michigan and Ohio.
Junior Mac Finnie reaches to block the shot while goalie Pat Fase looks on. Photo by TRACY BROWN
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