By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — There’s a lot on the line for Plymouth’s Rockies as they end the season on Friday at home against NorthWood.
Just as in 2005, the Rockies put their unbeaten season and sole possession of the Northern Lakes Conference title on the line against a team that has traditionally had Plymouth’s number.
“I’ve been here for 18 years and 16 of those years they’ve beaten us,” said Plymouth head coach John Barron. “This game means a lot to us. Our kids want to win this game very badly.”

Coming off a big night on the road a week ago at Goshen, the team isn’t worried about a letdown.
“If there was ever a time when you’re primed for a letdown it was last week,” said Barron. “To get off the bus and play the way we did at Goshen was great. I’m still inspired by the way our kids prepare themselves for Friday, and a lot of that has to go to our staff. They work hard on fundamentals all week and that’s why we play well.”
The Rockies also put the ball in the air a little more a week ago, something that wasn’t really in the game plan.
“I have to give Mike (Kershner) and Paul (Patrick) credit for the way they communicate,” said Barron. “We noticed when we put (Cody) Bucher out wide they put a linebacker on him so we put (Houston) Hodges out there to see if they’d do the same thing. They were playing two safeties and we felt like we’d be able to get the ball to our tight end.
“(Quarterback) Gordy (Hollway) can throw the ball, and if we go anywhere in the tournament there’s probably going to come a time when he’s going to have to put it in the air.”
This week’s opponent isn’t afraid to put it in the air, but mostly they put it in the end zone.
“They’ve averaged 51 points a game the last four weeks, so that’s something that gets your attention,” said Barron. “(NorthWood head coach) Rich (Dodson) hasn’t won 80 percent of his games for nothing. Their offense is scary good. They show you a lot of formations and they’re very good at running the option.
“We’re going to run the football,” he added. “At this point we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and we just want to keep things rolling.”