MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP – The Reeths-Puffer soccer team has 11 seniors, and while they are having a great season, there’s no telling how, when and where it will end.
So they took a moment to celebrate their careers and their great season so far by posting a very impressive 3-0 victory over Jenison on Tuesday, which was Senior Night at R-P’s Eric Marcil Field.
Reeths-Puffer head coach Kody Harrell loves the pageantry of Senior Night and said it was important to send the guys out with a win in their final scheduled home game.
The R-P defensive line blocks a shot in front of goalie Gage Hopkins. Photo/Joe Lane
“It’s huge,” Harrell said. “I think Senior Night always simulates a playoff atmosphere. In playoffs, you always lose and go home. So that desire to win on Senior Night is so big, it kind of feels like a win or go home situation. To feel that pressure and play under it is important.”
Two soon-to-be-departing Rockets with four years of varsity experience were headliners in the win.
Liam Smith, already R-P’s career scoring king, found the back of the net once against Jenison, bringing his season total to 29 goals. He is now two goals away from the school’s single-season record.
Goalkeeper Gage Hopkins stopped three shots and posted the 22rd shutout of his career, bringing him within one shutout of the all-time school record.
R-P's London Carpenter (10) moves the ball up the field. Photo/Joe Lane
Hopkins made it clear that he just enjoys the winning and isn’t worried about the record books.
“I just go to play with my boys,” he said. “It’s not about the record. I just want to win. So, if we give up one, then we give up one.”
The Rockets took the lead early and never looked back.
Just 8:29 into the game, Reeths-Puffer was awarded a penalty shot and Smith converted, giving R-P a 1-0 advantage.
R-P's Liam Smith passes the ball. Photo/Joe Lane
Just over 10 minutes later, junior Ian Wright followed suit and Reeths-Puffer led 2-0 at halftime.
The Rockets never gave Jenison a chance to recover in the second half, outshooting the visitors 10-0.
Junior Nick Clemens scored the final goal for R-P with 25:34 remaining in the contest.
The Rockets, now 12-3-1 on the season, will visit Coopersville on Thursday in another non-conference matchup.
