Year three under Cody Kater has concluded. A season where the Rockets finish near the bottom of the OK-Green with a record of (2-7, 1-4). After sniffing the playoffs, in the previous two seasons, they were tasked with making up for a lot of lost production.
New faces needed to step up in the wake of a big graduating class the season prior.
Seniors and veterans on the squad, Ethan Muskovin, and Lukas Johnson stepped up in roles in which the Rockets desperately needed them too.
Junior, Mason Darke, took on the task of being the signal-caller this season. Darke came over from Montague last season. Back in week one (Rocket Debut) Darke rushed for 81 yards while also going 8-12 for 79 yards.
The Rockets opened its season facing the defending division three state champions, Forest Hills Central. They ended up falling to them 21-10 after a fumble and an interception stalled the offense out.
Fast forward to their first win of the season coming against Spring Lake 26-14. The Rockets shut out the Lakers in the first three quarters. Sophomore Bryce Muskovin gave the fans a preview of the rest of the season for him, exploding for 188 yards and finding the endzone twice.
Heading into week 6, Puffer was sitting a game under .500 at (2-3). Needing a win at home against state contender Byron Center. The Rockets held their own for most of the game with them leading heading into the fourth. Unfortunately, RP gave up 21 points unanswered and dropped to (2-4).
After beating Grand Rapids Union in week 4, RP would go on to lose out including losses to rivals Mona Shores and Muskegon.
FINAL SEASON RESULTS
Week 1 – Forest Hills Central defeated Reeths Puffer 21-10.
Week 2 – Caledonia defeated Reeths Puffer 35-7.
Week 3 – Reeths Puffer defeated Spring Lake 26-14.
Even with the 2-win season, Reeths Puffer football holds something many teams don’t have, potential.
With starters on the offensive side of the ball returning such as Dark, Muskovin and Connor McManus, RP should be primed to contend for a playoff berth.
Myles Welch joined CatchMark in February 2024 as a CatchMark SportsNet Intern. He would like to become a sports broadcaster or analyst. He currently attends Whitehall High School and will graduate in 2025.