Mark Johnson | Daily Press Rapid River Rocket running back Azariah Hernandez (21) runs into the end zone for one of his two touchdowns in Friday’s 60-14 win over Carney-Nadeau. Also pictured is Rockets’ QB Brent Lundquist (5) and Wolves defensive back Gian Ebsolo (11).

By Mark Johnson

mjohnson@dailypress.net

RAPID RIVER — A quick strike offense in the first half enabled the Rapid River Rockets to cruise to an 60-14 home win over Carney-Nadeau here Friday.

Rapid River (2-1) scored three touchdowns on three possessions in the first quarter and added two more in the second stanza for a 38-6 halftime lead. The running clock began after Rapid River’s opening score of the third quarter for a 46-6 lead.

In the first half, the Rockets totaled 282 yards on only 20 plays from scrimmage.

Senior quarterback Brent Lundquist was 4-of-4 passing for 165 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rocket offense.

Lundquist had a 77-yard catch and run pass to Noah Gustafson for one score and 34 yards for another to Nate Olson in the first half.

Carney-Nadeau had 31 plays on offense in the first half for 133 yards but could score only once on a scrambling 38-yard run by junior QB/RB Brett LaFord.

Rapid River junior running back Azariah Hernandez (two rushing TDs and 80 yards rushing) picked up playing time with starting back Tyler Sundling playing only a few series.

Sundling played sparingly after suffering with a migraine headache before the game, according to Rapid River coach Steve Ostrenga.

“The other guys stepped up for us and played a lot tonight,” said Ostrenga.

“We played a lot of players and the JVs have only played one game and have been practicing six weeks now. It was good for them to get playing time.”

Carney-Nadeau (0-3) coach Jim Belec was impressed with Rapid River and also likes what he sees in his third-year program.

“We knew they (Rapid River) were going to be good. They are always well coached and are always good,” said Belec.

“We are a work in progress and we are getting better. LaFord plays his heart for us and Brett and Baumler (Max) are tough kids for us.”

LaFord rushed for a game-high 181 yards on 22 carries with scoring runs of 38 and 75 yards in the loss.

“Number 15 (LaFord) is a heckuva athlete,” said Ostrenga. “Give Carney-Nadeau all the credit and Coach Belec is doing a good job with them.”

The Rockets (2-1) visit Pickford Friday in a key early-season Great Lakes Eight showdown. The Wolves (0-3) visit Florence, Wis. Friday.

“We need to keep working and improving. We are still making mistakes but we are doing good things too. Our goal is to make the next step this week,” said Ostrenga.