EBEN — The Rapid River Rockets cashed in on an opportunity to bounce back here Saturday, posting a 52-18 eight-player football triumph over the Superior Central Cougars.

Rapid River improved to 2-1 in the Great Lakes Eight East Division after dropping a 63-0 decision to Rudyard Sept. 2.

“This was a good rebound from last week,” said Rockets’ coach Jack Smith. “Last week was a complete collapse of fundamental football. We told the kids if all eight players do their job, good things will happen. Everybody played and did a good job.”

The Rockets took a 32-12 lead on junior Blake Lundquist’s 15-yard pass to classmate Texas Cambron 26.7 seconds before halftime.

Rapid River made it 40-12 on senior Taj Cavanaugh’s 14-yard run around left end two minutes into the third stanza.

Lundquist added a five-yard touchdown pass to senior Carter Johnson, and Cavanaugh scored on a one-yard run up the middle, also in the third.

The Cougars (0-3) marched 78 yards on six plays during their opening drive, taking a 6-0 lead on senior Lucas Swetich’s 19-yard run around left end.

A two-yard pass from Lundquist to Johnson gave Rapid River an 8-6 lead with 4:12 left in the opening frame.

Lundquist connected with Johnson for another score on a 32-yard aerial along the right sideline, giving the Rockets a 16-6 cushion just eight seconds into the second stanza.

The Rockets hiked their advantage to 24-6 on junior Evan Horwitz’s seven-yard run off left tackle at 2:42.

“That’s been the case in every game,” said Cougars’ coach Josh Trader. “We knew what they were going to do, but it doesn’t matter what they do. We have to play disciplined football.”

The Cougars trimmed their deficit to 24-12 on senior Wyatt Kulik’s 56-yard burst through the middle 18 seconds later.

“They came out quick,” said Smith. “Number 15 (Kulik), he’s fast. Overall, we had a great game. Ethan (Harrison) is becoming a good football player, and Texas had a solid game. Our defense held strong. We still need to work on tackling, although the guys are getting into the right position.”

Rapid River outgained the Cougars 337-218 in total offense. The Rockets gained 213 yards through the air. Lundquist hit 14-of-21 passes and four TDs. Johnson caught seven for 77 and three scores. Cambron had four receptions for 60 and a TD.

Cavanaugh rushed 18 times for 86 yards and two TDs, and sophomore Eddie Forslund had six carries for 35 in a reserve role.

“Eddie moved from guard to back-up fullback,” said Smith. “He just needs more confidence. We told the kids they have to believe in themselves.”

The Cougars gained all their yards on the ground. Kulik carried 17 times for 175 yards and two scores.

“We’ve got to be able to tackle on defense and block on offense,” said Trader. “We have the ability. The kids do it in practice. They have to develop some mental toughness.”

Both teams resume Friday with the Rockets hosting Munising and the Cougars traveling to Brimley.