LEROY – With 18 seniors returning, the Pine River football program is looking forward to a more prosperous and healthy 2016.
The Bucks had a postseason bid within reach a year ago, but injuries hampered Pine River as it dropped its final two games to Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian and Berrien Springs to finish 4-5.
“We just weren’t able to stay healthy for the end of the year, and that kind of hit us,” coach Terry Martin said. “This year, I mean obviously, with any high school football team, especially in the Highland, as close and competitive as it is, if you can stay healthy, that’s a pretty big benefit going through the season.”
After making history two years ago by becoming the first team in program history to capture a district title, seniors like Mason Powell look to end their careers with the school’s second winning season since 2007.
“I got the chance to be on a district championship team, and that was the first team in Pine River history to win any playoff game ever,” Powell said. “I’m hoping we’ll go down to be the second team. Leave our mark and something to be remembered by that the little kids remember us all the way through.”
Pine River opens its season at home against Kalkaska (Aug. 26) and Morley Stanwood (Sept. 1). The Bucks also have non-league games against Grandville Calvin Christian (Oct. 14) and Berrien Springs (Oct. 21).
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