The Reeths-Puffer football team has earned a berth in the state playoffs for the first time since 2013.
After a scoreless first half on Friday, the Rockets took control and rolled to a 35-0 victory over Lansing Everett on the road to complete the regular season with a 6-3 record.
R-P will now wait for Sunday night’s MHSAA playoff matchup television show to find out who its first-round opponent will be next week.
“We’re excited,” said first-year R-P head coach Cody Kater, whose team broke a two-game losing streak. “It’s a great time to be a Rocket. Last night the soccer team won a district title, and now we’ve made the playoffs. The postseason is what it’s all about!”
R-P quarterback Brady Ross takes in the snap from center. Photo/Joe Lane
Neither team got on the scoreboard in the first two quarters on Friday, leaving more than a few Rocket fans chewing their nails, knowing what was at stake.
“With the environment and the early start, our boys had a tough opening to the game,” Kater said. “But we were able to respond in the second half, and that’s what we’re most proud of.”
The Rockets got rolling in the third quarter.
Quarterback Brady Ross threw a pair of touchdown passes to Tayte Vanderleest, covering 35 and 25 yards, respectively. Bryce Ross converted a two-point attempt after the second TD to put the Rockets up 14-0.
Brody Johnson broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left in the third quarter to extend the Reeths-Puffer lead.
R-P's Tyviea Williams runs back a defensive touchdown. Photo/Joe Lane
Tyviea Williams had a 55-yard strip-and-score in the fourth quarter for R-P, then Johnson added a 15-yard scoring run to cap things off.
“Do better,” Kater deadpanned, when asked what he told his team at halftime. “Offensively we didn’t do a great job in the first half, so we decided to take some shots and capitalize on some of their weaknesses.”
Brady Ross completed 8 of 11 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns for the Rockets. Johnson rushed 17 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns while Vanderleest had five catches for 91 yards and two TDs.
Caiden Bolduc had a huge night defensively for Reeths-Puffer, registering nine solo tackles and 14 assists. Williams added four solo tackles and 14 assists while Bryce Ross had four tackles and an interception.