Reeths-Puffer showed its season-long resilience Friday night against Forest Hills Eastern, but still was unable to end its season in victory, falling to the Hawks 35-28.
R-P (2-7) fell behind 21-0, but battled back to get on the board just before halftime on a one-yard run by Mason Darke. The Rockets then opened the second half with another score, by Sage Secrest, to get within eight points, but FHE put up two more touchdowns to put the game away.
Still R-P fought back, scoring twice more before time ran out on the Rockets.
R-P controlled the time of possession, running nearly twice as many plays as FHE, converting 10-of-16 third downs, gaining 30 first downs in all, and outgaining the Hawks 424-300, but two lost fumbles loomed large in the final outcome.
Darke led the Rockets, throwing for 178 yards and a touchdown as well as running for 21 and a score. Secrest fought for 172 yards on 30 rushing attempts and got in the end zone twice.
Shaun Haley had 69 yards receiving and Luke Johnson went for 63, including a touchdown catch.
Cal Millis had seven assisted tackles and two solo stops to lead the Rocket defense. Max Ferrick ran for 112 yards and three scores for the Hawks.
