'Rising' West Ottawa football 'back to square one' after loss to Rockford
Panthers can't capitalize on defensive stops in OK Red Conference loss at home.
Park Twp. - West Ottawa football coach Pat Collins expressed disappointment after his team suffered a loss to Rockford on Friday, Sept. 18. The Panthers, who had been winning two games in a row, fell 29-14, marking their 10th-straight defeat to the Rams. Collins praised his team's optimism, stating, "We’ve been rising up to this moment."
However, the loss dashed their momentum. The Panthers trailed 22-7 at halftime, but managed to force Rockford into three turnovers in the second half. Quarterback Abel Anaya connected with receiver JT Gill for a 35-yard touchdown play to cut the deficit to 22-14. Despite having two more scoring drives into the red zone, the Panthers were unable to convert.
Rockford senior Charlie Thornton acknowledged the Panthers' toughness in defense, stating it was "a gritty victory." Thornton also noted that the Rams' defense was crucial in forcing three-and-outs. Rockford scored again in the fourth quarter, with Jack Cummings scoring on an 8-yard run.
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