Last week, Grand Rapids Union was the story in high school football, snapping that historic losing streak. This week, they fell victim to defeat at the hands of Reeths-Puffer. The Rockets won this one 28-6, evening their record at 2-2.
After a scoreless first quarter, Union struck first in this game. Jamarion Pittman took a handoff six yards into the end zone for the first score of the evening, but the extra point was no good, leaving it just 6-0 Red Hawks. Puffer would respond with a sixty-nine yard dart through the defense by Monyae Franklin, just sixteen seconds of game time after Union’s touchdown. The successful extra point made it 7-6 Puffer as the teams went to halftime.
In the second half, it was all Rockets. Landon Mechem got things going with a thirty yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter. As the fourth quarter got underway, Ben Veihl kept the football, and the quarterback used his legs on a five yard score. Finally, Jeremy Ardshahi ran two yards into the end zone for a touchdown to push the final margin to 28-6.
Marquis Taylor led Union in passing with 63 yards. Keaut’e Swarn paced the rushing attack with 50 yards. Jamarion Pittman was the leading receiver with 33 yards.
Reeths-Puffer had 340 rushing yards as a team, as their offense doubled the Red Hawks (392-183).
Landon Mechem was named tonight’s Redi Rental Rocket of the Game, as he ran for that touchdown and recorded seven tackles (two tackles for loss) on defense. Caden Brainard also recorded a tackle for loss for the Rockets, as their defense swarmed Union all night long.
Next week, Union will travel to Mona Shores to take on the undefeated Sailors. Reeths Puffer is currently searching for an opponent, as their scheduled contest against Wyoming is cancelled due to the COVID-19 quarantine protocols.
