The Reeths-Puffer boys soccer team is hoping that the lessons learned from playing a lot of great opponents this season will pay off at tournament time.
The Rockets traveled to Byron Center on Thursday to play the state-ranked Bulldogs and came out on the short end of a 3-0 score in an O-K Green conference matchup.
The loss left the Rockets with a 7-7-1 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the conference standings.
Byron Center scored the first goal of the game within the first two minutes and led 1-0 at halftime.
The Bulldogs added two more goals in the second half and walked away with the shutout win.
Photo/John Willoughby
Byron Center had a 10-5 advantage in shots on goal and an 11-7 edge in corner kicks.
R-P had several good scoring opportunities, including two in the first half from Nick Clemens, but could not get the ball in the net.
The Rockets are now turning their focus to the upcoming Division 2 district tournament, even though several regular season games are remaining, according to R-P Coach Kody Harrell.
The district seedings and pairings are due out on Sunday, and Harrell wants to prepare his team to have a successful run against a strong field of opponents that includes undefeated and No. 1 ranked Fruitport.
“We are trying to kind of use the schedule we play, regardless of results, to prepare for what hopefully will be a district finals match,” Harrell said. “We could try to make this about the strength of our schedule and use it as an excuse, but this program has never been built on excuses. 
Photo/John Willoughby
“We want to use these experiences to improve on all the little details that matter so much, the little things that are killing us right now.
“The boys are realizing that it’s supposed to be difficult. To achieve at a high level, it’s supposed to be difficult."
The Rockets will return to action on Tuesday at Jenison, then will return home on Thursday to face Muskegon.
The Causeway Cup game against Mona Shores, which was postponed on Tuesday due to the heavy rain in the area, has been rescheduled for Monday, Oct. 7 at Reeths-Puffer.