Connor Flynn makes a great save for the Rams.
Rockford varsity boys lacrosse is underway, and the Rams have faced two opponents thus far, putting them at 2-0 for the season.
The Rams hosted the Vikings of Haslett on Saturday, March 24 for the opener. The first game of the season started out with an exciting come-from-behind overtime win of 6-5.
The Rams opened the first quarter of the game moving a bit tentatively. Haslett scored the first two goals of the game on man-downs, with Rockford in the penalty box. The Rams soon answered on their own man-up, as Mitch Newton scored a pretty goal with an assist from Joe Belliel. The Vikings scored again late in the period to the end the first quarter with a 3-1 lead.
Haslett falls to the Rams in the season opener March 24.
The Rams got rolling right away in the second period when Newton scored again, this time unassisted. The Rams then tied the game with a nice underhand shot by Jesse Siegel, assisted by Blake McDonald. The two teams left the field tied 3-3 at the half.
Haslett roared back into the second half with two quick unanswered goals, leading the game at 5-3. With just 7.4 seconds left in the third, Kane Wolfer scored off a rebound shot, leaving the Vikings with a one-goal lead.
Rockford controls the game against Catholic Central on Tuesday, March 27.
The fourth quarter was a tug of war, as both teams buckled down their defenses and had opposing goalies making great saves. With just 1:18 left in regulation, Kento Nakano fired a laser shot top of restraining line, tying the game and sending the Rams’ opener into overtime.
In overtime, the Rams controlled ball movement. Nakano scored the game-winning goal with just 1:38 left. Nakano was assisted by Newton for the goal.
Connor Flynn registered nine saves in goal and Ryan Hartnagel led the defense with two caused turnovers and five ground balls.
Tuesday, March 27 turned cold and cloudy as the Rams hosted Catholic Central for a night of lacrosse. The Rams steamrolled to a 13-1 victory. All facets of offense and defense were on display, as Rockford controlled the game from the offset.
Eight Ram players scored and assisted throughout the match. Newton led the scorers with four goals and two assists. Belliel followed with three goals and an assist. Nakano contributed two goals and two assists. Karson Konkle offered a goal and two assists. Siegel added a goal and an assist. Jared Seifert and Blake Erhart both put in a goal, and Jake Lewis had one assist. Both goalies made awesome saves, with Flynn saving eight and Tyler Wolpert three.
The Rams will host three home matches: April 10 against East Grand Rapids, April 12 versus Holt, and April 13 Brother Rice. Junior varsity opens the evening with a game at 5:30 p.m. Varsity will follow at 7 p.m.
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