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Rockford Runs the Table to Win Michigan

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Rockford Runs the Table to Win Michigan

Rockford in stripes. Scott Christophel photo.

Led by an outstanding game from flyhalf Jack O'Malley and some breakaway tries from Jack Lamancusa, Rockford HS won the Rugby Michigan Boys HS state championship this month, beating Traverse City Alliance 56-25 in the championship game.

Rockford completed an undefeated season with the win, and in the final ran out to a 28-5 lead thanks to tries from Dolan Harmsen, Gabe Spees, Calvin Schwandt, and RJ Todd. O'Malley helped set those tries up, including one thanks to a chip kick he popped over the Traverse City defense, and O'Malley also converted all four tries.

Traverse City inched closer with two penalty goals to make it 28-11 at halftime, but in the second half Lamancusa torched Traverse City with three tries in quick succession. His speed and elusiveness, combined with O'Malley's accuracy on the conversions, quickly made it 49-11 and essentially put the final away for Rockford. 

Traverse City did score twice to come closer, but Schwandt notched his second and O'Malley completed a perfect day with the boot.

This was a huge season for Rockford as they put together enough numbers to run a second side in the Michigan league. That 2nd side did not participate in the playoffs, but it set Rockford up for a solid future.

Rockford HS 2022 Results:

Rockford 41-10 Fort Wayne
Rockford 26-0 Kentwood Falcons
Rockford 29-17 Traverse City
Rockford 47-10 Grandville
Rockford 94-7 West Ottawa
Rockford 50-10 Portage
Rockford 43-17 Grandville (Quarterfinals)
Rockford 47-7 Grand Rapids Catholic (Semifinals)
Rockford 56-25 Traverse City (Final)