ISHPEMING, MI – 11/4/2014 – The Ishpeming Hematites may not be talking about their impressive win streak, but their fans are. 37 games. That’s where the Hematites’ win streak sits. Can they push it to 41 and claim their third straight division seven state championship? Well, they’ll have to win number 38 before worrying about that, and it’s against a familiar opponent. In 2013, the 9-0 Ishpeming Hematites were given the #2 seed in their district. #1 seed? The West Iron County Wykons. The Hematites didn’t take too kindly to having to play a road game as the defending state champions, and took care of business to the tune of a 34-0 beat down of WIC.
The Hematites have eliminated the Wykons more often than not over their recent success. In 2011, they came out on top 44-14, so you know that the Wykons are tired of falling to the boys in white & blue. The Wykons are a very talented team, and come in with a 9-1 record. As has been the case all season long, it’s a young Hematite team at the skill positions. However, the core of the team sits in a spot that every coach likes: the offensive & defensive lines. Lines that know how to play their position. Lines that are (usually) undersized, but maintain their blocks to fit coach Olson’s offense perfectly. It’s a simple game plan for the Hematites this Friday night: Keep doing what you’ve done all year. Ozzy Corp needs to play with the confidence that has gotten them this far. Ozzie Hakkarinen needs to continue to be that senior leader in the backfield and carry the ball with authority. The defense needs to fill the gaps and hit the runner hard. If they’re able to do all of that, the Hematites could advance to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season.
Be sure to tune in to 98.3 WRUP this Friday night! Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau will have the call for you beginning at 6:30pm, with a 7pm kickoff. The Hematites are on a historic run right now, so be sure to be a part of it with us on 98.3 WRUP! Go Hematites!
-Carl Leander Johnson