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Rockets take third shot at state crown

Dennis Grall photo Rapid River Coach Steve Ostrenga on sidelines in last Friday's home game against Cedarville.

ESCANABA — A state title will be on the line when Rapid River tangles with Onekama Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in the eight-player Division 2 championship game.

The Rockets have made a habit out of winning thrilling playoff games thus far. Last Friday they knocked off Cedarville 36-30 behind clutch plays from Tyler Sundling, Brent Lundquist and Nate Olson. The previous two weeks weren’t any easier, as they clipped Engadine 20-18 in the semifinal and then knocked off 2017 state champion Forest Park 40-34 in the regional final.

This will be the Rockets third trip to the eight-player state championship, losing in 2011 and 2013.

“We’re extremely blessed and excited to be here,” Rockets’ coach Steve Ostrenga said. “There’s been a lot of excitement in the community and i can’t thank them and the fans enough for their support.”

A new challenge awaits from Onekama, as the stakes reach their highest point with a state title up for grabs.

The Portagers have had a little easier road to this point, destroying their playoff competition by a combined score of 102-20. Last Saturday they defeated Portland St. Patrick 28-14.

“They are very physical,” Ostrenga said. “They run a lot of different formations on offense to try and keep you off balance.”

The strength of the Portagers is on defense, and Ostrenga has taken note.

“They’ve only given up 86 points all year,” he said. “They’re here (state title game) for a reason.”

The Rockets have been led by the heroics of Sundling and Olson in recent weeks.

Sundling scored four touchdowns in the win over Forest Park, then had the game-sealing interception at the Rockets’ own four-yard line a week ago against Cedarville. Olson threw the game winning touchdown pass against Forest Park on a fourth-down play and then caught the game-winning 67-yard TD pass from Lundquist on third down against Cedarville.

“It’s a great feeling to have made it to this point,” Ostrenga said. “When you work hard, sometimes good things happen. That’s what we’ve been trying to do.”

Asked about the environment of playing in a dome for the state title, Ostrenga said it’s more of a mental challenge than physical.

“It’s a whole new big venue for us,” he said. “We have to get used to playing indoors and on turf — the playing surface is going to be different. But the main thing is the mental aspect of it. You have to remember the field is still the same size, and we just have to keep doing the things that got us here. Play your game the best you can and the rest will take care of itself.”

Ostrenga went on to say the keys for this game are going to be similar to what they have been in recent weeks.

“I think the biggest key for us will be tackling,” he said. “They have guys that will break tackles and make you miss in space. The other thing is recognizing their different formations. We need to be in the right spots at the right time.”

Onekama will be making its first trip to the state title game, as this is the first season it has been able to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

“This is a new adventure for us,” Portagers’ coach John Neph said. “This is the first time we have made it this far and we’ve been playing football here since 1967.”

The Portagers are led by tailback Ben Acton, their offensive and defensive leader. He was a big factor in last week’s win over Portland St. Patrick.

Acton is part of a three-headed monster in the backfield that includes Aaron Powers and Taylor Bennett. Quarterback Luke Mauntler is also used in the ground game and has had success when the Portagers throw.

“We’re fairly balanced,” Neph said. “We run a spread-option, but we like to mix it up based on what the defense is doing.”

Neph was complimentary of the Rockets, stating this match-up will be the biggest challenge the Portagers have had.

“They (Rockets) are a complete, strong football team,” he said. “They are very athletic and have really good skill players. The coaches do a great job of getting their players the ball in spots where they can get on the edge and have success. Their line plays well, and defensively they fly around to the football.”

Asked about keys to the game, Neph thinks there are two key factors.

“Their (Rockets) ability to throw the ball deep really concerns me,” he said. “We’re gonna have to be ready for that. The other thing is line play. We’ve improved a lot on the line throughout the year but they (Rockets) do an excellent job there as well.”

An opportunity to play for a state title is a big deal, and Neph elaborated on what it means to the program, the players, and the fans.

“An opportunity to play for a state title means everyone is on the same page,” Neph said.

“The kids put in the time and the hard work. Whatever the result might be, I hope these kids carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to be state champs.

“I also want to thank the fans and the community for all of their support to make this possible.”

This game will follow the Division 1 title game between Pickford and Morrice at 11 a.m.

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