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Rapid River Prepares For State Semifinal Challenge
 RAPID RIVER---Last week, the Rapid River Rockets avenged a regular season loss to the Cedarville Trojans by upsetting the Trojans in the regional championship game. This weekend, the Rockets are out for revenge again as they host the Bellaire Eagles in the Division Nine State Semifinal game in Rapid River. The Rockets blew a 16-6 lead against Bellaire in the regular season finale, losing 28-16. So revenge is another factor. So is making a return trip to the Superior Dome for the state championship game. The Rockets made it to the big game last season, losing to Carsonville-Port Sanillac. This year the opponent would be either Deckerville or Portland St. Patrick, who meet in Saturday's other semifinal. But Rapid River is focused right now on Bellaire.  "It's very exciting to be back there (in the semifinals)," Rapid River quarterback Jake Pearson said. "They're a pretty tough team. Quick. I feel that we're a little bit bigger than them, but I think it'll be a tough game." Pearson got hurt in the last meeting between the teams, after the Rockets had built a 16-6 lead and were driving for another potential score. Pearson returned on a bad ankle, but couldn't get back on the scoreboard. He says that he's healthy for Saturday's rematch. Bellaire, from the northwestern part of th Lower Peninsula, opened its season with an 0-2 record with losses to Mid Peninsula and Superior Central. But the team has rolled since then, with only a close loss to Cedarville stopping their winning streak.
 
Practice Clip #2
The Rockets held their final practice Friday afternoon, after the student body cheered the players on during a pep assembly. The boys then enjoyed a home-cooked meal. 
Rapid River assistant coach Tyler Kuehl has the boys' attention during Friday's practice.
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| Date | Time | Opponent | Score | Record |
8/24 |
7:00 PM |
at Ewen-Trout Creek Panthers
|
52 - 0 (W)
|
1-0
|
8/30 |
7:00 PM |
at Posen Vikings
|
54 - 14 (W)
|
2-0
|
9/6 |
4:00 PM |
at Stockbridge, Wis.
|
2 F - 0 (W)
|
3-0
|
9/14 |
7:00 PM |
Brimley Bays
|
42 - 6 (W)
|
4-0
|
9/21 |
7:00 PM |
Engadine Eagles
|
60 - 40 (W)
|
5-0
|
9/28 |
7:00 PM |
Cedarville Trojans
|
12 - 72 (L)
|
5-1
|
10/6 |
3:00 PM |
at Superior Central Cougars
|
30 - 27 (W)
|
6-1
|
10/12 |
7:00 PM |
at Mid Peninsula Wolverines
|
60 - 36 (W)
|
7-1
|
10/19 |
7:00 PM |
Bellaire Eagles
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16 - 28 (L)
|
7-2
|
10/26 |
7:00 PM |
Superior Central Cougars
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44 - 34 (W)
|
8-2
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11/2 |
7:00 PM |
at Cedarville Trojans
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22 - 14 (W)
|
9-2
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11/10 |
2:00 PM |
Bellaire Eagles
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16 - 20 (L)
|
9-3
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