Reeths-Puffer got in the win column for the first time this year
Friday, playing a well-rounded game on both sides of the ball and making
clutch plays at the end to beat Spring Lake, 35-28.
"The part
we're excited about is that we played four quarters," R-P coach Cody
Kater said. "We have a young, inexperienced team and we started nine
sophomores. We watched those guys kind of grow up in front of us against
a good program, good coaching staff, and a good scheme. They adapted
throughout the game and made plays when it counted."
Receiver
JaMichael Williams made the biggest offensive play of the game, grabbing
a five-yard touchdown catch in traffic for what proved to be the
winning score. Earlier in the game, the sophomore wideout had a 95-yard
catch-and-run score.
The first half was huge for the Rockets
(1-2), who got in the end zone four times in that span. Mason Darke had a
long touchdown catch early, and Cal Millis got in the end zone on the
ground and on a reception. Braylon Swain, of course, was on the other
end of those three first-half scoring tosses, delivering an impressive
performance.
The defense had to help the Rockets hang on from
there, and they did enough to win, making two huge stops in the fourth
quarter. Kater said the offense finally having consistent success also
helped the defense stay fresh throughout the game.
"It was
great to finally give our defense a chance and a break, and get some
time of possession and some momentum on our side," Kater said. "We also
understand we've got to play well on both sides and help each other out
and play a complete game.
"We only have two guys playing the
same position as last year (on offense). We tried to find our groove a
bit and it was nice to see them make plays at the end."
The
win is a needed boost of confidence for a team that hasn't had as many
of them as it'd like the last year-plus. A matchup with Union, which the
Rockets beat handily last year, could offer a new chance at one of
those next week, though R-P will surely be focused on executing another
strong game plan like the one it saw Friday.
"This last week
at Caledonia, that was the first game, besides Muskegon last year, where
we really struggled in many different ways and didn't compete at the
level we talk about," Kater said. "Tonight it was nice to see the kids
be able to respond to their opportunities. They were able to respond in a
four-quarter game."
