Reeths-Puffer isn't quite starting from scratch in 2026, but the Rockets will enter the season as inexperienced as they've been in a while. That doesn't mean, though, that R-P has to use that most dreaded phrase of a 'rebuilding year.'
"I think Reeths-Puffer soccer has always been in the mix for things and has been one of the stronger soccer programs in the area, well before me being the coach," R-P coach Kody Harrell said. "There's always some kids that step up, even some you didn't expect. I think it's the same thing this year...We have a good junior class and good talent. There may not be 'that guy,' but when you talk about competitive scenarios, that might end up being a good thing."
R-P graduated a bunch of impressive seniors last year, and only two seniors this year are in line for extensive minutes - star London Carpenter and midfield stalwart Landon Nash.
Carpenter, the last in the impressive line of Carpenter brothers to suit up for the Rockets, has taken offseason steps forward both on and off the field, and he looks to be the centerpiece of their offense. Harrell said Carpenter's club team reached the quarterfinals of a national tournament this summer, and he just recently returned from that run.
"He's taken a step in leadership this summer," Harrell said. "You definitely want to see that out of your older and more skillful guys...He'll play college soccer somewhere. He'll definitely be the most talented player."
Nash, meanwhile, "has paid his dues and worked his way up" in the program, Harrell said, and is poised to be a key leader in the midfield. His mindset will be helpful in leading that position group. On defense, junior Andrew Eilers, who's been on the varsity since his freshman year, has great skill - Harrell said he made the Midwestern regional team in his age group in the U.S. Olympic developmental program - and is a poised, reliable player.
Also in the midfield will be junior Evan McHugh, who's also a track star and who like Carpenter is the latest in a line of star Rocket brothers. Harrell said McHugh will have an argument as best athlete on the field regardless of the opponent in a given game, and he could move around the lineup depending on matchups.
"He'll generate goals and stop goals for us," Harrell said. "We're really excited for the steps he's been taking."
Among the rising players to watch are junior Landon Damm and sophomore Jax Sieplinga. Damm, like many other juniors on the roster, spent the past two seasons at the JV level and has shown he's ready to move to the varsity level. His improvements in skill and footwork have been noticeable. Sieplinga, a very good lacrosse player who was on the Rockets' varsity team last spring, brings height and athleticism to the center back spot alongside Eilers and will be a handful for opponents to deal with physically.
On the back end, R-P's new keeper is Evan McCollum, a sophomore with only one game of experience - but what a game it was. McCollum was pressed into duty in last season's district final against Cedar Springs when now-graduated Liam Copenhaver was injured, and he was remarkably impressive. Only a well-placed shot from a star senior striker denied McCollum a shutout debut in goal.
McCollum brings impressive athleticism, good communication skills and a devotion to the game that Harrell said gives him the makings of being an all-state keeper as he develops.
"He's completely committed to the sport and the position," Harrell said. "He treats it like a craft. He does a lot of work on his own and you're seeing it. He's got great feet and hands and is quick at getting up on rebounds. He's extremely good at communicating for a sophomore, too. That's part of the skill set for a really good goalie. He's a sophomore that doesn't mind telling a senior what to do, which at that position is great."
R-P's spot in the O-K Green Conference gives it one of the state's most challenging league schedules, including 2024 state runner-up Byron Center and Caledonia. Mona Shores is the big rivalry game in conference, and local rivals Fruitport and Spring Lake also get the blood pumping. Battles with Cedar Springs and Ludington will give the Rockets a good idea of where they stand for the district tournament, as Harrell considers those two R-P's most likely foils.
"What will make this season fun is that it's a young, unselfish group with good soccer IQ," Harrell said."It will just be a matter of who rises to the occasion. I'm excited to see who those guys end up being. It will be fun to see how much better we look Oct. 10 versus Aug. 10."
