The result of Thursday's game at Walled Lake Central didn't please Salem coach Kurt Britnell, but the effort his team put forth certainly did.

  The Rocks fell behind 35-3 in the first half before trimming the final deficit to a respectable 35-23  in a game played on the Vikings' turf.

  Salem is now 0-2 heading into next Friday's contest at South Lyon.

  "Last week we did a lot of standing around and we didn't show a lot of emotion," said Britnell. "Tonight we played with heart, effort and a no-quit attitude.

  "We didn't get off to a good start tonight. We had a couple of turnovers early and we fell behind 35-3. At halftime, we asked them to keep fighting and that's what they did. At least it gives us something to build on."

  The Rocks suffered their second serious injuries in two weeks when senior center Devin Burke suffered a broken wrist that may keep him out of the line-up for the remainder of the season.

  Last week in the fourth quarter of the Rocks' 48-0 loss to Plymouth, senior defensive back Davon Mullins suffered a grade 2 concussion and neck sprain. Mullins could return later this season.

  The Rocks' offensive star on Thursday was junior running back Marcus Houston, who flourished in the Wildcat offense the team implemented in the second half. Houston finished with 96 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

  Houston's first TD -- a 2-yard plunge that cut Salem's deficit to 35-10 -- was set up by a 73-yard strike from quarterback Drew Thompson to Brian Auquier.

  Auquier led Salem's receiving corps with three grabs for 85 yards.

  Thompson's gutty play earned high praise from Britnell.

  "Drew was a trooper again tonight, just like last week," said Britnell. "He got knocked on his butt a few times and they had three late hits on him, but he kept getting back up and playing hard. He's a tough kid."

  The Rocks' lone first-half points came on a 35-yard field goal by senior kicker Ethan Walsh.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.