Down, not quite out: Rockets must win out for chance at playoffs

Any encouragement the Rock Falls football team gained from its performance in last week’s hard-fought loss to IVC was lost Friday night, when Mendota routed the Rockets 55-8 in an NCIC Lincoln game at Mendota.

“I don’t really have much to say,” Rock Falls coach Jay Mammosser said. “You name it, they did it better than us.”

After a 2-1 start, the Rockets (2-4, 0-3) have lost three in a row. They must win their final three games to become playoff eligible.

“We have three more opportunities to get those five wins,” Mammosser said. “That’s what we’ve been focused on all season, and that’s not going to change.”

The Trojans dominated from the start, scoring on long run after long run. With 7 minutes still remaining in the first half, Mendota (5-1, 2-1) led 34-0.

“I thought the kids were ready to play, I really did,” Mammosser said. “We had a pretty good week of practice, and then that happened. It’s really tough to describe.”

Brennan Coward scored the Rockets’ touchdown, hauling in a Dylan Koeppen pass from about 10 yards out. Tyler Barnes ran in the two-point conversion.

Key performers: Brennan Coward, RF, 10-yard TD reception; Dylan Koeppen, RF, 10-yard TD pass; Tyler Barnes, RF, 2-point conversion run

Why the Trojans won: Mendota scored five touchdowns in the first 17 minutes and controlled the clock from there.