The Reeths-Puffer Rockets defeated the Spring Lake Lakers 26-14 at home in an exciting high school football matchup.
Muskegon – After two tough games to start the season and an offense struggling to move the ball, the Rockets were able to hold off the Lakers and secure their first win. The Rockets struck early in the first quarter when Bryce Muskovin powered into the end zone on a two-yard rush with just 1:10 left. However, the PAT was blocked, leaving Reeths-Puffer up 6-0 at the end of the first. Both teams’ defenses dominated the remainder of the first half, resulting in no additional scoring by halftime.
In the third quarter, Rockets quarterback Mason Darke extended the lead with a 4th and 2 keeper for a touchdown at the 4:44 mark. With the extra point good, Reeths-Puffer led 13-0. Then after the Rockets defense forced Spring Lake off the field, Darke connected with wide receiver Luke Johnson on a 72-yard touchdown pass with 2:43 remaining in the third quarter, though the Rockets missed the PAT, leaving the score at 19-0.
Spring Lake began to rally in the fourth quarter. Running back Oliver Smies scored on a 5-yard run, and with a successful PAT, the Lakers closed the gap to 19-7 with 8:07 left in the game. Quarterback Reid Grimmer later added another score for the Lakers with a 1-yard keeper at 2:25, bringing Spring Lake within five points, 19-14, after another good PAT. However, Muskovin dashed Spring Lake’s comeback hopes with a 48-yard touchdown run at 2:08, sealing the victory for the Rockets.
Photos by Tanya & Jeff Burel / CatchMark
“Defensively we gave up another big play on the ground, but other than that we’re playing pretty well” Coach Kater said after the game. “We talked with our kids about not getting disciplined. We’re not getting that for four quarters. We’re not understanding when there is blood in the water and we’re not finishing plays off. We’re not pointing fingers at the kids, we gotta look at this thing all the way internally but at some point in time we would all like to see our program on Friday night play with a chip on your shoulder and execute on a little bit more clean.”
The Rockets improve to 1-2 on the season and will face Union at home next week, while the Lakers (1-2) will look to bounce back from the tough loss as they travel to Grand Rapids Catholic Friday night.
