2005

Team Picture:
Back Row: Coach Chad Phillips, Derek Syers, Kyle Pulasky, Jim Dietrick, Chris Weaver, Ryan Erickson, Cole VanBuren, Kevin Hammar, Coach Scott Kassuba, Coach Mark Kassuba
Middle Row: Josh Rees, Pat Bigelow, Mike Warchol, Andy Basinski, Barrie Gostlin, Brian Jackson, Will Leys, Kyle Johnson
Front Row: Bryant Houseman, Zack Leys, Ben Parker, Eric Draper, Jordan Gilliland, Ben Bowyer, Anthony Anderson, Will Damon, Doug Nichols

Season Recap:
The 2005 Pine River Bucks were blessed with a very talented and smart senior class. For the second consecutive year the football team was named academic all-state. The Bucks also featured all-state tight end Chris Weaver and wide receiver Cole VanBuren who hauled in most of Kyle Johnson’s 1010 passing yards. All-stater Ben Bowyer anchored a solid defense and made over 100 tackles for the second consecutive year. For the first time ever Pine River qualified for the playoffs in consecutive years. Pine River finished the regular season 6-3, with two of their losses coming by 8 points or less. The Bucks featured a balanced run and pass offense that put up over 250 points and moved the ball with ease through the air and on the ground. Despite playing well for the majority of the year, the Bucks still had to win their last game to qualify for the playoffs. The Bucks traveled to Manton to face the Rangers who also needed to win to make the playoffs. The Bucks thrilled fans by playing one of their best games and beating Manton by the score of 26-14. Despite the thrilling win, the Bucks lost their leading rusher Anthony Anderson to injury and that was a factor in their 26-6 playoff loss to Sanford Meridian. Regardless, the seniors left as one of the most successful groups to come through Pine River High School, and the 2005 season was one to remember.