During a football season it’s said that the most import week of the season is week two. The point of a season that shows how much you’ve improved and if you make the right adjustments.
That saying is especially true for the South Haven Rams season. How much will the Rams improve and adjust under second year head coach Troy Ayotte.
Coming into last year the Rams went 2-7 and had four straight 1-8 seasons before that. In his first season Ayotte had to put the football team back on the map. While 3-6 may not be noteworthy, it’s the best Rams record in the previous five seasons.
The Rams will once again look to quarterback Devon Smiley. “Devo” learned under fire as the starter in his sophomore year, taking a few lumps along the way. Now a senior, Smiley is back and has a few more weapons at his disposal in his final season.
The Rams are hoping for a full season from running back Daymion Archuleta. When he was able to play last season, he was almost impossible to stop. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in the five games he played. He had over 300 yards rushing in the Rams win over Sturgis a year ago.
Sturgis also happens to be the team the Rams will open the season against at Radcliffe Field. A season opening victory hasn’t happened in South Haven since beating Dowagiac 70-20 in the opener of the 2007 season.
The Rams will continue to run their full house offense, with Smiley expected to take most of the snaps, but not every snap will be intended for him. The Rams will continue to be a heavy rushing team, but Smiley can and will throw the ball when needed or when opponents least expect it.
One issue that the Rams have to overcome from a season ago is the numerous dropped passes and wayward snaps. The Rams also have to replace most of their offensive line from last year.
The Rams will continue to play from a 4-3 defensive alignment.
The program has seen an increase in the number of players coming out for the team. Coach Ayotte said that the Rams will be fielding a freshman, JV, and a varsity team. It’s the first time in a decade that South Haven has had all three levels.
