PICKFORD — Rapid River stayed right with the U.P.’s No. 2-ranked Pickford Panthers for a half.

But the Panthers showed they are highly ranked for a reason and pulled away for a 54-28 win over the Rockets in a Great Lakes 8 East Division football game Friday night.

“Nobody thought we could win this game,” Rapid River coach Steve Ostrenga said. “We talked about that with our team. We went toe to toe, and hit some things against them.

“We’re not looking for moral victories, but I have to say our guys played well, Ostrenga said. “The only thing I ask of our guys is to give a great effort. They gave me a great effort, so that is all I can ask.”

Bryce Lundquist threw two touchdown passes to Tyler Sundling, while Mason Kudlick and Griffin Flath also ran for TDs for the Rockets (3-5 overall, 1-4 GL East).

The game was tied 8-8 after one quarter, and Pickford led 30-22 at halftime.

Pickford quarterback Jimmy Storey ran for 223 yards and four touchdowns, while Isaac Brown also ran for 198 yards and three TDs for the Panthers.

The Panthers (7-1 overall, 5-0 GL East) clinched at least a share of the Great Lakes East title.

“Rapid River came out and played tough,” Pickford coach Josh Rader said. “They’re well-coached and they came out and hit us with some big plays. We were on our heels a little bit in the first half, and we took some punches. But I liked the way our guys bounced back, and we were able to overcome some early mistakes.”

Lundquist finished 8-of-23 passing for 238 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. Sundling caught three passes for 137 yards, while Flath led the Rockets ground game with 107 yards.

Pickford out-gained Rapid River 640 to 355 in total offense.

The Panthers compiled 518 rushing yards, and Storey was also 10-of-16 passing for 122 yards.

“Pickford is big and physical on the offensive line,” Ostrenga said. “We needed to run the ball a little better, and control the ball a little more to keep it away from them. We also missed on some passing plays that were open, and we needed to keep making plays to keep pace with them.

“I do feel our whole team has improved,” Ostrenga said. “Again, the effort is there, and that was what we were looking for.”

Rapid River closes the regular season at home against Superior Central next Friday, while Pickford visits Brimley.