2004

Team Picture:
Back Row: Coach Scott Kassuba, Coach Chad Phillips, Tony Hess, Owen Russell, Matt Leusby, Ryan Erickson, Chris Weaver, Cole VanBuren, Kevin Hammar, Coach Mark Kassuba
Middle Row: Josh Rees, Kyle Johnson, Kyle Lucas, Barrie Gostlin, Doug Nichols, Brian Jackson, Logan Wilkins
Front Row: Manager Greg Davis, Andy WIng, Ricky Simmons, Anthony Anderson, Jerimiah Nemeth, Ben Bowyer, Jason Hepler

Season Recap:
The 2004 Pine River Bucks turned in one of the best football seasons in school history. The Bucks qualified for the playoffs with an 8-1 regular season record. The Bucks got their 6th win to qualify for the playoffs in exciting fashion when they beat rival McBain 20-18. The season brought Pine River a lot of media attention and even the Detroit Free Press ran a story highlighting the amazing turnaround, the Bucks finished 0-9 the year before. The Pine River offense was particular potent as all-state running back Andy Wing amassed over 1200 yards behind all-state guard Jeremiah Nemeth. The Bucks offense scored over 300 points and the defense shut out 4 of the 9 regular season opponents. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs when they saw a 14-3 halftime lead disappear at the hands of a strong Boyne City team. Despite the early playoff exit, the Bucks rank as the second best team in school history, and finished the season as the top academic team in Division 6. The Bucks were also featured in an article in the magazine Bigger Faster Stronger after the season.