Flat Rock Rams 2022 Team Preview

By Chris Schultz

The Flat Rock Rams have gone just 9-25 since they finished 7-3 and made the playoffs in 2017, but the Rams have high expectations in 2022 although, as always, a tough Huron League schedule provides a challenge.

Coaching Staff: Buck Reaume, Jeff Zipfel, Joel Stapleton, Jeff Booms, Blake Browe, John Clair, Michael Blosser, Seth Kamin, Michael Zwolinski, Travis Brown

Offense (Returning Starters 6): If the Rams are to improve on last season’s 2-7 record, the offense will have to be better in 2022. The Rams averaged a paltry 10 ppg and were shut out 3 times. Joey Godfrey returns at running back for the Rams. The rugged senior led the Rams in rushing and TD’s in 2021. Senior, Cory Lannon returns at WR and will team with fellow senior Aaron Salazar, to give the Rams a solid receiving corp. Salazar missed most of last season due to injury and was the Ram’s week 1 QB in 2021. Senior center Jason Jones will anchor a Ram’s line that must replace 4 starters. Sophomore Graham Junge returns at QB after starting the last few games in 2021.

Defense (Returning Starters 7): The Rams return a wealth of experience on defense and should be better in 2022. The LB’s should be the strength of the team as they return Godfrey, along with senior Drew Given and junior Rocco Breslin. Senior Noah Hetman returns on the defensive line while DB’s Lannon, Brian Booms (junior) and Jaycob Pieprzyk (junior) return in the secondary.

Coach’s Outlook: We had one of our best summers since I have been here.  Our attendance was outstanding and the kids got after it and really pushed each other.  We have some experience in a lot of important positions, but we will need some guys to step up and fill some spots we lost to graduation.  The kids are excited for this season and we look forward to competing each and every week. Every week in the Huron League is a battle from top to bottom.  Each team in the league brings something different to the table that makes them unique. Being able to adjust to each matchup is key.  What happened the previous week doesn’t mean a whole lot heading into the following week.  At Flat Rock, we will take each week, one week at a time.

FNV Outlook:  The Rams should be much improved in 2022, but whether that results in an improved record this season remains to be seen. Opening on the road in each of the first 3 weeks is tough, but those games are winnable. Weeks 4, 5 and 6 will be brutal as the Rams face Riverview, Milan and SMCC in consecutive weeks. With that said, look for Junge to emerge as a star at QB in 2022 and don’t be surprised if the Rams somehow slip into the playoffs.