1996

Team Picture:
Back Row: Coach Mark Kassuba, Danny Willis, Mike Hayes, Mike Pylman, Shane Martin, Brandon Young, Richard Stewart, Steven Hay, Coach Jim Sandborn
Middle Row: Jason Johnson, Matt Johnson, Jacob Erickson, John Wright, Mike Kelso, Mike Mattzela, Stevin Choponis, Walter Kempisty, Manager Pete Howard
Front Row: Nathan Draper, Jeremy Wiest, Kent Trullinger, Christian Dressler, Jason Beebe, Don Thorp, Shaun Harder

Season Recap:
The 1996 season would be the last season for coach Jim Sandborn who was in his second stint as PIne RIver’s head coach. The Bucks struggled out of the gate and lost their first 7 games. The Bucks missed an opportunity to gain some confidence in week 2 when they lost to Reed City by the score of 18-21. Shane Martin had a huge game though. He rushed for 94 yards and 2 TD’s and also made 16 tackles on the night. Unfortunately, Martin was one of the few threats PR had on the offensive side of the ball, and the ’96 squad struggled to put up points. On the bright side, the Bucks won their last two games to finish the season on a good note. The Bucks got some offense going in a 28-6 victory over Allendale. QB Jason Beebe’s completed 6 of 10 passes and threw a scoring strike to Walter Kempisty, and Martin rushed for 139 yards and 3 TD’s. The Bucks used a strong rushing attack to be Comstock Park 23-14 on the last night of the season. Martin again led the rushing with 166 yards and 2 TD’s. John Wright also chipped in 129 rushing yards and a touchdown.