DETROIT — Lake Orion High football welcomed its second chance to take on Rockford High, this time in the Division 1 state championship Nov. 29 at Ford Field.
        
“We thought it was fitting we had an opportunity to come in and play them. To be the best, you have to beat the best,” said Lake Orion coach Chris Bell, whose Dragons fell to the Rams by 10 points in week one.

But like the first meeting, a few plays here and there kept the Dragons from getting their revenge, and Rockford came away with a 26-14 victory.

The Dragons had three turnovers and a blocked punt that led to 20 points for Rockford.

“Obviously, turnovers and the kicking game are huge in big games, and I think Rockford won those two battles,” Bell said.

The Rams opened the scoring when senior running back Jordan Morren scored on a 1-yard run with 2:24 left in the first, but senior John Chanthakhot blocked the extra point.

Lake Orion took the lead on their next possession when freshman quarterback Sean Charette scampered in for a 1-yard score. Senior kicker Jeff Heath made it 7-6 with 10:23 left in the second.

The Rams responded in force in the final two minutes of the half, as senior quarterback Tim McGee hit senior receiver Nick Stokes for a 47-yard touchdown and then the defense blocked a punt and gave the Rams the ball back deep in their zone. On the next play, senior running back Ryan Cochran punched it in from 6 yards out with 43 seconds left in the half.

Lake Orion struck in the third quarter, as senior running back Branden Oakes took a toss left for a 2-yard score with 1:18 left in the frame to give the Dragons some momentum.

But the Rams sealed the game when junior running back Ryan Darby scored from 4 yards out with 6:26 left in the contest.

The Dragons end their season 12-2 overall, while Rockford finished 13-1.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.