‘I feel very, very good about our chances’: Rockford Ravens on brink of playoff return after 12 years

The Rockford Ravens men’s rugby is one win away from advancing to the playoffs after 12 years.

“We are very confident; I feel very, very good about our chances. The guys have put their heart and soul out here on the pitch. It’s been a great honor for me to be their coach,” said head coach Paul Jentz.

It was their last practice until the game, which takes place on their home field at Lyron Park. 

“It’s a little bit of pressure, and I think we’re ready,” shared team captain Steven Campion.

The team is undefeated. Jentz led the Ravens during the last playoff appearance in 2013. This time, he said he expects a different outcome.

“The difference between 2013 and this year, we had a lot of really big guys now we’ve got a lot of smaller faster guys this year so it’s been a pretty good flip defense really is the key to victory in any rugby game if you can tackle and you can keep possession that really is the key to any victory,” explained Jentz.

Win or lose, Compian said he and his team are all in.

“It’s such a fun sport in that regard. Regardless of what happens, I know our guys have been here putting in the work this year, and I’m proud of them for that,” said Compian.

The men’s kickoff will start at 11:00 A.M Saturday at Lyron Park. The team will have one more chance to make the playoffs next weekend.