NORTON SHORES – The Reeths-Puffer football program is in a far better place than it was just a few years ago, and senior running back Brody Johnson had a lot to do with the turnaround.
He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three varsity seasons, helping the Rockets improve from three wins in 2021 to six in 2022, and a very nice 7-3 record this year in his senior season.
For Johnson, that means a big goal was accomplished.
“It’s a lot better,” Johnson said just moments after the Rockets ended their season on Friday night with a heartbreaking 29-20 loss to Mona Shores in the Division 2 playoffs. “That was my main goal - to help leave the program better than I found it, and I think I did that.
“I’ve been with these boys all my life and it’s been very special. I’m glad I could share it with all these guys, who are my brothers.”
Brody Johnson scores his final touchdown for Reeths-Puffer. Photo/Jeremy Clark
Of course all great football careers have their ups and downs, and Johson’s varsity experience ended with a bit of a roller-coaster ride on Friday.
It started on a really bad note when he was tackled in the end zone for a safety.
It improved when he had a short touchdown run in the first half, then a long run to set up another R-P score in the second half.
It ended when he injured his ankle in the fourth quarter and was not able to carry the ball again.
But the bad luck he had in his final game could not begin to tarnish what Johnson has accomplished throughout his career, particularly this season.
Who could forget the five touchdowns he scored in the Week 2 victory over Farmington? Who could forget the five touchdowns he scored in the win over Holland, including three TDs on four carries and 158 yards in the first quarter alone?
Johnson takes a handoff from QB Antrel Jones. Photo/Jeremy Clark
Who could forget the close game against Zeeland East, when Johnson plowed ahead for runs 35, 11, 15 and 14 yards on a huge drive in the pouring rain, setting up the winning touchdown?
There have been lots of games like that for Johnson over the past three years, and R-P head coach Cody Kater will certainly never forget.
“He’s going to have an outstanding college career wherever he goes because he’s an all-in type of kid,” Kater said about Johnson after Friday’s game. “He’s really good off the field, and on the field you can see what he does. He’s a special talent."
Johnson’s night started out on a very tough note in the first quarter, after the Rockets stopped Mona Shores on fourth down inside the R-P five-yard line and took possession at their own two.
On the first play from scrimmage, the ball was snapped directly to Johnson, and a Mona Shores defender reached him before he could get out of the end zone and dropped him for a two-point safety.
Reeths-Puffer had to kick off to the Sailors after the safety, and the home team scored a touchdown on that possession. Suddenly the Rockets, who had jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, trailed 9-7.
Johnson prepares to block during a pass play. Photo/Jeremy Clark
“I was really disappointed,” Johnson said about the tough play. “Mostly, I was disappointed in myself for letting the team down in that moment. The game is about moments, and they beat us in that moment.”
Johnson’s night improved as the game went on.
He had a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, capping a 68-yard drive and pulling the Rockets within two points of the Sailors at 15-13.
The scoring run gave Johnson at least one touchdown in all but one game this season. He finished the year with 25 touchdowns, including 23 on the ground, according to one unofficial tally.
Johnson had his highlight moment in the third quarter, after a Mona Shores fumble gave the Rockets the ball in their own end of the field.
He did what he does best, breaking loose for a 61-yard run that set up another R-P score and pulled R-P within two points again, 22-20.
Johnson after Friday's disappointing loss to Mona Shores. Photo/Jeremy Clark
“I’m really glad I was able to bounce back,” Johnson said about his last big run as a Rocket. “I was glad I could rebound and have that big play.”
R-P recovered another Mona Shores fumble a while later and seemed ready to make its move, but Johnson injured his left ankle on a play and had to come off the field and be treated by the R-P athletic trainers.
Without their star running back, the Rockets failed to move the ball and ended up punting back to the Sailors.
Mona Shores ended up scoring one more touchdown and securing the victory.
Johnson did get back in the game after the injury, but he limped and was in obvious pain and did not touch the ball again. He finished with 89 yards and one score on 11 carries.
Johnson as a junior, breaking away for a touchdown against Muskegon.
“Things happen,” he said about the injury. “It sucks and it still hurts. I’m pretty sure it’s just sprained, but, in the moment, I was worried about my ankle.”
Obviously the Rockets were disappointed that they couldn’t get past Mona Shores and keep their season alive. That was particularly true for Johnson and his 17 fellow seniors who had to end their careers with a loss against their archrival.
But overall, Johnson said he couldn’t be happier with the body of work that he and his teammates have put together all season.
“I’m really proud of this team,” he said. “It was a super special and a fun season. I’m glad we made some things happen here at Reeths-Puffer that haven’t happened in a long time.”
