LAST SEASON: The Rockets had a decent season, posting an overall 12-8-1 record. They were 6-4 in the O-K Green conference and finished third out of six teams in the standings. It was really a tale of two seasons, because R-P started out 4-1 and had a 6-2-1 record after nine games, then hit a rough patch, with six losses in seven games at one point. They finished the regular season with an impressive win over rival Mona Shores to capture the Causeway Cup. In the postseason they advanced to the Division 2 district finals before falling to Fruitport.|
RETURNING TO THE LINEUP: R-P should be a pretty experienced and skilled team, with eight starters, or players who saw a lot of field time, returning to the lineup, including several with a knack for scoring. Perhaps the top returner is senior forward Owen Ritsema, who had a breakout season with 12 goals and 13 assists as a junior and has the potential to put up even bigger numbers this season. Ritsema is a fourth-year varsity player and is considered a strong leader on the team. Also returning are senior forward Zac Sampson (7 goals, 7 assists last year), senior forward Carson McCollom (6 goals, 5 assists last year), senior midfielder Cohen Beck (6 goals, 6 assists last year), junior midfielder London Carpenter, sophomore centerback Andrew Eilers, senior centerback Kaden Vanderlaan and senior defender Blake Kiel.|
OTHER RETURNERS WHO WILL PLAY KEY ROLES: Senior goalkeeper Liam Copenhaver will take over as the starter in net after playing behind standout Gavin Wright last season. Other reserves from last year who will play bigger roles are senior midfielder Braydon Ross and senior defender/midfielder Trent Plummer.
SOME PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Junior Tre Foster is new to the the soccer program. He has plenty of speed and the ability to contribute offensively or defensively. Junior midfielder Landon Nash, sophomore midfielder Evan McHugh and sophomore forward Chase Hoeft are first-year varsity players who are expected to make significant contributions.
BALANCE OF THE ROSTER: Seniors John Chilomo, Zach Kuerth, Kaleb Fowler; juniors Caden Macomber, Owen Schrumpf, Adryan Jackson, Leyton Gargus; sophomore Matthew Hansen.
ROSTER BREAKDOWN: 12 seniors, 7 juniors, 4 sophomores.
FIRST GAME: The Rockets will open the season on Friday and Saturday, playing five shortened games in two days at the Boyne Mountain Invitational. Their first home game will be Friday, Aug. 22 against East Grand Rapids.
COACH QUOTE: "I am extremely proud of the summer our boys have had. They're all getting better, quicker, stronger and faster and their soccer skill continues to improve. The pace of play and decision-making has been quality. This has the potential to be the deepest team that I've had in my six seasons as head coach. We're excited to compete as a team and we’re really looking forward to competing for a special run this year.” – Kody Harrell