Rockies looking for grit in final reg. season contest

PLYMOUTH - It was another week of emotions as Plymouth’s Rockies took it to the limit, but surrendered two scores in a short span in the fourth quarter to suffer a tough 28-14 loss to Goshen last Friday.

The game came down to just a couple of plays.

“It really does,” said Plymouth head coach John Barron. “There are times when we watch our kids at practice, I watch them in the weight room, I watch them compete, and think these guys look nothing like a team that doesn’t have any success in the win column.

“We’ve talked about it before that we are a team that when something bad happens it magnifies itself.”

A change in the offense had some hiccups early, but gained some momentum as last week’s game went on.

“We wanted to put the ball in Devante’s (Garcia) hands,” said Barron. “We’ve been trying to find some offenses that could keep him involved as much as possible. We were turning the ball over too much. Devante has to be involved if we are going to have any success.”

It allowed the coaches to involve Lennon Creighbaum in more aspects of the game without the concern of injury.

“We are actually getting more out of Lennon and his talents than we were at quarterback,” said Barron. “We are able to start him at safety and get him involved in the offense and special teams.”

Another bright spot was another good showing from a defensive unit that has been beleaguered over the season.

“Joey (Garcia) was all over the place. His pursuit of the football was relentless,” said Barron. “I think Chris Johnson played a really solid game. He was lined up against an all-conference guy last year.”

They will need all of that and more Friday when traveling to rival Northwood’s Jim Andrews Field.

“They have a rich tradition,” said Barron. “They

“I would like to see us get more gritty. That’s easier said than done. It’s a great opportunity for us.” Plymouth coach John Barron

get dialed in. It’s ingrained in them to make a playoff run. Their perimeter game is really good. They will run more screens than any team we play, out of the backfield or the tunnel screens inside, bubble screens outside. They always have a stable of running backs and their defense is smothering.” They are also one of only two teams in the Northern Lakes Conference that still play on natural grass. Adjusting to the difference, the Rockies have spent their week of practice on the “old” practice field behind their turf facility.

“It’s a different feel. You have to get used to it,” said Barron. “We are going to be up there this week and next week. New Prairie has natural grass as well so it’s really good to have the facilities we have.

“I would like to see us get more gritty. That’s easier said than done. It’s a great opportunity for us to compete against a really good football team.”