Aiden Jacques had a goal and an assist, including the game-winner, on Sunday, March 16, in the AHAI High School State Hockey Championship (JV Combined), played at the United Center, leading Rockford to the championship, 3-2, over Plainfield.

Jacques gave Rockford a 3-1 edge at 12:48 of the second period, assisted by Brody Alexander and Brayden Smith.

The Predators could only muster one more, a second period tally by Joseph Monaco, assisted by Caleb Bus and Dante Gentile.

The score was 3-2 after two and that’s how it ended.

“I couldn’t be prouder of a group, getting high school hockey back in Rockford,” this season, said Rockford JV head coach Don Walker. “This is probably the furthest thing many thought would happen last September. But the team came together, played hard, played together and did what it had to do.”

Rockford finished 13-4-5 in the 10-team IHSHL North-Central Division (Champions League) and were the No. 3 seed in the state tournament.

“The team played a good game today. We just wouldn’t be denied,” Walker said.

The Lightning scored twice in a one-minute span of the first period to build a 2-0 lead. The Predators answered with a goal from Braxton Weimer, assisted by Nathaniel Adzia and Zachary Preisler, at 4:30 of the opening period.

“This win should bode well for Rockford (varsity) going forward. We’re excited,” for the future, Walker said.

Jacques scored 11 goals and added 20 assists during the regular season. No point was more memorable than the powerplay goal he netted on March 16.

“He has phenomenal hands and always seems to make the plays,” Walker said. “He got a rebound, made a quick move and got the puck wide, then put it in.”

Reagan Rawson faced 23 shots from the Predators. “Rawson was phenomenal in goal. He made some great saves when needed,” Walker added.

“Everyone played well; it was a total team effort,” Walker said.