NORTON SHORES – The Reeths-Puffer boys soccer team has high hopes for an O-K Green Conference title in 2023.
The Rockets took a first big step in that direction on Tuesday with a huge 4-0 road victory over rival Mona Shores, the defending conference champion.
“I feel really good,” said R-P head coach Kody Harrell about the win. “They had us on the ropes in the second half a little bit, but we expected that. It’s Puffer versus Shores. They have some good players and a great coach. We knew they’d give us a run for the money no matter the score.”
The win gave Reeths-Puffer a 6-1 overall record, its fifth straight victory and possession of the Causeway Cup, which goes to the winner of the annual R-P-Mona Shores game.
R-P's Cohen Beck (12) battles for possession of the ball. Photo/Joe Lane
Just 8:06 into the game, junior Nick Clemens found the net to give Reeths-Puffer a 1-0 lead.
That held until the 35:29 mark of the first half when senior standout Liam Smith, who is quickly closing in on the school career scoring record, netted a goal to extend the Rocket lead to 2-0.
With 44 seconds left in the first half, Clemens scored his second goal to give Reeths-Puffer a 3-0 lead at the break.
“It feels awesome,” said Clemens about netting two goals to open the conference season. “Especially to do it against our biggest rival. I love it. It was important to get the win tonight and it’s huge to get our first conference win here.”
R-P's Liam Smith celebrates a goal. Photo/Joe Lane
The two-goal performance wasn’t a surprise to Coach Harrell.
“Just like Liam, he’s been on varsity since his freshman season,” said Harrell about Clemens, who now has four goals on the year. “So he’s confident in his abilities. We’ve talked about the opportunities he’ll get with the field being open because of Liam (drawing heavy coverage).”
In the second half, senior Kyler Brainard found the back of the net with just 1:35 remaining to give the Rockets the 4-0 win.
Reeths-Puffer outshot Mona Shores 11-2 on the night.
R-P's Ian Wright (8) tries to get past a Mona Shores defender. Photo/Joe Lane
The shutout victory is the sixth time this season that Reeths-Puffer has held an opponent scoreless.
Senior goalie Gage Hopkins recorded the shutout.
“All six wins have been shutouts,” Harrell said, praising his team’s goaltending and defense. “I couldn’t be happier about how organized we’ve been in the back. That’s what good teams do when they win. To have it together back there so early in the year is something to really be excited about.”
Reeths-Puffer will host Holland on Tuesday Sept. 5 in another conference matchup.
