RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River Rockets shook off a slow start en route to a 55-6 eight-player football triumph over the Carney-Nadeau Wolves.

C-N scored first on a 21-yard screen pass by Peyton Imhoff.

The Rockets then took an 8-6 lead on a two-yard run by Blake Lundquist late in the first quarter and made it 14-6 on a 10-yard run by Taj Cavanaugh early in the second stanza of this Great Lakes Eight West Division contest.

Lundquist added another two-yard touchdown run and completed a 21-yard TD pass to Carter Johnson for a 28-6 halftime cushion.

“The guys are working hard and continuing to improve,” said Rockets’ coach Steve Ostrenga. “We struggled in our first three drives. We had three turnovers in the first half, and they forced couple of those. Carney also had a pretty formidable passing game. We’re working on coverage.”

Ethan Harrison scored on 35 and one-yard runs in the second half. Brad Taylor had an 86-yard dash, and Evan Horwitz scored from 34 yards.

The Rockets rushed for 343 yards, and Lunquist converted 6-of-15 passes for 127 yards and a TD. Cavanaugh ran 12 times for 113, and Taylor added 106 on eight carries.

“Our offensive linemen Mason Lippold (center) and Joey and Damyn Smith (guards) and ends Connor Kee and Carter Johnson did a nice job. We had a nice night rushing and passing. It’s good to see the guys keep working hard.”

Johnson caught five passes for 113 yards, and Kee had the remaining reception.

Horwitz and Johnson had pass interceptions. Joey Smith had a QB sack and fumble recovery. Taylor also recovered a fumble.

“We pressured their quarterback pretty heavily,” said Ostrenga. “Our captains are doing a nice job teaching the younger kids, and they’re learning to tackle better and make better reads.

“Our defensive line coaches Joe Smith and Jim Flath called a good game, and Dave Lundquist and Jack Smith called a good offensive game. Our kids are learning how to execute, and if it doesn’t go right, they’re learning which is all you can ask for.”

The Rockets (2-2) visit top-ranked North Central Friday. The Wolves (0-4) travel to Ontonagon Friday.