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Rockets soar past Engadine

By Adam Hinch 2 min read

ENGADINE -- It was a David vs Goliath matchup on the gridiron in Engadine here Friday night as the Rapid River Rockets outgained the Engadine Eagles 362 to 61 in total yards en route to a 36-0 victory.

I think this was the best game we have had running the ball since I have been back here coaching," Joe Smith said. "We ran the ball well behind a very improved offensive line that really led the charge."

The Rockets got on the board with 4:53 to go in the first quarter as Joseph Thorbahn took it 61 yards for a touchdown. The Rockets converted on the two-point try to take an 8-0 lead.

The Rockets found paydirt again with 11:11 to go in the first half as Thorbahn ran it in from 10 yards out and with the two-point conversion extended the lead to 16-0.

"We started off a little slow," Thorbahn said. "After we got the first score everything kind of loosened up and we were able to control the game."

With 3:10 to go in the first half senior Lane Olson connected with Thorbahn on a five-yard TD pass to extend the Rockets lead to 22-0.

"Lane did a good job of throwing some nice ball and getting the team hyped up," Thorbahn said. "Our defense was solid, forcing turnovers and giving us short fields to work with."

The Broncos took a 28-0 lead into the halftime break as Olson connected with junior Brennan Kee on a 11 yard TD pass with :14 to play in the first half.

"We didn't have any scrimmages this season," Olson said. "I think that led to a little slow start but we were able to get things going after the first drive where we came up empty."

The Rockets added another score with 8:24 to play in the third quarter as Thorbahn caught a four-yard pass from Olson. The Rockets were successful on the two point try to take a 36-0 lead.

"It's always good to start the season with a win," Smith said. "It was an all-around effort the defense was strong. We have three sophomores on the defense and two juniors so the future is bright for Rapid River Football."

Joseph Thorbahn led the way for the Rockets as he carried the ball 17 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rockets will be back in action Thursday as they travel to St. Ignace.

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