GRAND RAPIDS — Coming off a hard-fought loss to Muskegon last week, the Reeths-Puffer football team was eager to get back in the win column on Friday night.
The Rockets wasted little time doing so, racing out to a big first quarter lead and coasting to a 48-7 win over Grand Rapids Union on the road.
The game was a far cry from the last two matchups between R-P and Union, which both went down to the wire before a winner was determined.
Perhaps this year's outcome is a reflection of how the Rockets have grown as a team, both in skill and confidence.
R-P quarterback Antrel Jones, who had a hand in five touchdowns. Photo/Tyler Lirones
“We’ve been preparing the last three weeks pretty well, the best since we’ve been here as a staff,” said second-year R-P head coach Cody Kater. “We’re excited about that. We’re starting to limit distractions. We’re starting to understand what it takes to create a sustainable program and team.”
Reeths-Puffer’s defense was suffocating early on, while the offense showed off its quick-strike ability to build separation. Kater liked what he saw on both sides of the ball.
“The defense has been working its butt off," Kater said. “I think a lot of people have confidence in (standout running back) Brody Johnson right now. Our O-line is getting better and (quarterback) Antrel Jones was able to do the things he’s able to do and has been showing in practice.”
The R-P offense played with a lot of poise from the get-go, and once the scoring started, the Rockets were looking to pile on.
R-P's Antrel Jones (5) and Jezsiah Sims (9) celebrate. Photo/Tyler Lirones
“One thing we do well is swimming for blood,” said Jones, who accounted for five touchdowns in the game. “Once we smell it in the water, it’s a thing we go get.”
With three games left in the regular season, the Rockets are focused on continuing to build their momentum and work toward a second straight playoff berth.
“We’re starting to grow and we’re starting to get better,” Kater said. “That’s the most important thing. We’re just worried about day in and day out, trying to find a way to get better and build this brand.”
Reeths-Puffer took control early with four first quarter touchdowns.
Brody Johnson ran in scores of 18 and 40 yards and caught a 15-yard TD pass from Jones. Jones also ran in a five-yard score in the opening quarter.
The R-P defensive line gets ready for a play. Photo/Tyler Lirones
The Rockets added a score in the second quarter on a 26-yard pass from Jones to Travis Ambrose to make it 35-0.
Reeths-Puffer stopped the Red Hawks inside the R-P five-yard line on the final play of the first half to preserve a 35-0 lead at the break.
The Rockets added two touchdowns in the third quarter on a 13-yard pass from Jones to Bryce Ross and a 43-yard run by Jones.
Union scored its lone touchdown with 8:58 left in the fourth quarter.
R-P's Brody Johnson runs the ball while Kameron Coleman (4) blocks. Photo/Tyler Lirones
Jones finished the night 8-for-9 passing for 122 yards and three TDs while rushing for 70 yards and two scores. Brody Johnson ran for a team-high 123 yards with two TDs on 12 carries and led R-P receivers with three catches for 36 yards and a score.
Ambrose and Ross both had two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown.
The Rockets, now 4-2 on the season and 2-2 in the O-K Green, return home next week to face Wyoming (0-6) in their annual Homecoming game.
