The Reeths-Puffer football team is obviously starting to gain some confidence, because the Rockets are starting to win the types of games they lost in recent years.
Thursday night's contest was a good example. R-P played St. Johns to a 14-14 halftime tie, then the Rocket defense tightened up and the offense went to work, scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter and one in the fourth to claim an exciting 38-14 victory
The danger point for R-P came near the end of the first half when St. Johns went on a quick drive and scored a late touchdown, tying the game and stealing the momentum.
But the Rockets responded by making adjustments at halftime, then came out and dominated the second half.
“That was kind of the key to the victory – the defense led to the offense,” said R-P Coach Cody Kater. “The defense played lights out. The defensive line and linebacker play was really good.
“In both of our games we made adjustments at halftime, then ran the ball better and stopped the run better in the second half.”
R-P quarterback Brady Ross takes a snap in last week's game against Grand Haven.
Reeths-Puffer is now 2-0 for the first time since the beginning of the 2017 season.
“We are excited,” Kater said. “We don’t want to discredit this victory. It’s tough to score touchdowns and it’s tough to win, and we need to celebrate those things.
“It’s good to see all the hard work pay off for these kids. It’s been uncomfortable for them (preparing for the season), so to see them get the results is great."
Quarterback Brady Ross had a big night for the Rockets, rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns and completing 6 of 10 passes for 113 yards.
Running back Brody Johnson had 13 runs for 55 yards and scored two touchdowns. Bryce Ross caught two passes for 63 yards.
Linebacker Caiden Bolduc led the R-P defense with 11 solo tackles, followed by Sage Stiller (8), Tyviea Williams (6) and Tayte Vanderleest (5). Williams and Vanderleest each had an interception.
Kater said the two-hour bus ride home didn’t seem so long after the big win.
“It was a fun bus ride after a victory like that,” the coach said. “You want to see your guys have smiles on their faces.”