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  • HS Baseball 4/18: Manistique 13, Superior Central 2, Gm 2
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Friday April 19, 2024
Rapid River Prepares For State Semifinal Challenge

RAPID RIVER---Last week, the Rapid River Rockets avenged a regular season loss to the Cedarville Trojans by upsetting the Trojans in the regional championship game.

This weekend, the Rockets are out for revenge again as they host the Bellaire Eagles in the Division Nine State Semifinal game in Rapid River. The Rockets blew a 16-6 lead against Bellaire in the regular season finale, losing 28-16. So revenge is another factor.

So is making a return trip to the Superior Dome for the state championship game. The Rockets made it to the big game last season, losing to Carsonville-Port Sanillac. This year the opponent would be either Deckerville or Portland St. Patrick, who meet in Saturday's other semifinal. But Rapid River is focused right now on Bellaire.

"They beat us up here, and they handled us pretty well in the second and third quarters," Rapid River Coach Steve Ostrenga said at Friday's practice. "It's going to be a tight ball game. It's going to come down to who wants it more, and who makes mistakes."

"It's very exciting to be back there (in the semifinals)," Rapid River quarterback Jake Pearson said. "They're a pretty tough team. Quick. I feel that we're a little bit bigger than them, but I think it'll be a tough game."

Pearson got hurt in the last meeting between the teams, after the Rockets had built a 16-6 lead and were driving for another potential score. Pearson returned on a bad ankle, but couldn't get back on the scoreboard. He says that he's healthy for Saturday's rematch.

Bellaire, from the northwestern part of th Lower Peninsula, opened its season with an 0-2 record with losses to Mid Peninsula and Superior Central. But the team has rolled since then, with only a close loss to Cedarville stopping their winning streak.

 


Practice Clip #2

The Rockets held their final practice Friday afternoon, after the student body cheered the players on during a pep assembly. The boys then enjoyed a home-cooked meal.

"It's an opportunity," Ostrenga said. "It's an honor. We're not sure what to expect each week. In playoff football, you've got to prepare the best you can for 'this' game."

Game time is 2:00 on Saturday. It will be broadcast live on WCHT-AM (600) and here on-line at www.rrnsports.com. Pre-game show starts at 1:45.
 

Rapid River assistant coach Tyler Kuehl has the boys' attention during Friday's practice.








Choose team:
Date Time Opponent Score Record
8/24
7:00 PM
at Ewen-Trout Creek Panthers
52 - 0 (W)
1-0
8/30
7:00 PM
at Posen Vikings
54 - 14 (W)
2-0
9/6
4:00 PM
at Stockbridge, Wis.
2 F - 0 (W)
3-0
9/14
7:00 PM
Brimley Bays
42 - 6 (W)
4-0
9/21
7:00 PM
Engadine Eagles
60 - 40 (W)
5-0
9/28
7:00 PM
Cedarville Trojans
12 - 72 (L)
5-1
10/6
3:00 PM
at Superior Central Cougars
30 - 27 (W)
6-1
10/12
7:00 PM
at Mid Peninsula Wolverines
60 - 36 (W)
7-1
10/19
7:00 PM
Bellaire Eagles
16 - 28 (L)
7-2
10/26
7:00 PM
Superior Central Cougars
44 - 34 (W)
8-2
11/2
7:00 PM
at Cedarville Trojans
22 - 14 (W)
9-2
11/10
2:00 PM
Bellaire Eagles
16 - 20 (L)
9-3



Pearson, Rockets Come Up Short In State Semifinal
Sunday November 11, 2012
BELIEVE IT!!! Rockets Upset #1 Cedarville, 22-14
Monday November 5, 2012
Pearson, Metter Lead Rockets To Playoff Victory
Saturday October 27, 2012
Rockets Start Strong But Bellaire Pulls Upset, 28-16
Friday October 19, 2012
Rapid River Soars Past Engadine To Go To 5-0
Friday September 21, 2012