Manistique, MI – August 26, 2022 – The Hematites traveled to Manistique for their 2022 season opener, hosted live on 98.3 WRUP!
Q1: Manistique started the game with the football, and the Emeralds made it a priority early to get the ball to Wyatt Demers. On third down, quarterback Carter Miller found his man for a first down grab, but the Emeralds were forced to punt on the next set of chains. The Hematites’ first possession didn’t go as planned either, as they turned it over on the second play from scrimmage when a high snap was fumbled by quarterback Hunter Smith, and was recovered by Manistique at the Hematites’ 34-yard line. Manistique went nowhere on their drive with the good field position, and Miller’s third and long pass was picked off by Ishpeming’s Connor Gauthier. The Hematites had to punt after only having one positive play in a 18-yard run by Preston Gauthier. The Emeralds converted on a huge pass on their next drive with a connection from Miller to Elmer Zellar down inside Ishpeming territory. The Ishpeming defense stepped up and stalled the drive by the Emeralds, resulting in a turnover on downs. The Hematites took advantage rather quickly, as Preston Gauthier took the snap and raced 65 yards into the end-zone on the first play of the drive. Smith was sacked on the two-point try, but the Hematites took the lead with 1:07 left in the first.
Q2: It was a quiet second quarter, as both teams came up scoreless in the frame. However, Ishpeming had two quality chances to score, and came up empty on two red-zone trips. The last of the two came to a close on the last play of the half when Smith’s prayer to the end-zone wasn’t answered.
Q3: Ishpeming deferred to start the contest, receiving the opening kickoff of the second half. Starting the drive from their own 36. Smith keeper sets up a short second down, and Ishpeming easily snags a first. Gauthier continued the revitalized rushing assault, pushing Manistique back and sending the Hematites into Emerald territory. Tramon Gauthier ripped a long 36 yard dash to bring the score to 12-0. After a short kickoff return, Manistique was unable to get anything going and after a heartbreaker of an incompletion on third they were forced to punt. Ishpeming was able to make a steady push back to the Manistique side on the back of a few short Preston Gauthier runs. Hunter Smith kept the Emeralds on their toes, ripping a 31 yard run, before Preston Gauthier imposed his will on the Manistique defense and brought the score to 18-0. 183 yards for Gauthier to this point. Ishpeming converted their 2 pointer, securing a 20 point lead in the latter half of the quarter. Hinkson returned the ensuing kickoff to the 35, but the Emeralds couldn’t find any cracks in the Hematite defense. A crushing interception cut their drive short and set Ishpeming up at midfield. Smith tossed up a bomb after another Gauthier rush, and Hurkmans was able to pull it down for a 56 yard touchdown. Ishpeming towered over Manistique at 26-0. Manistique started their drive deep in their own territory, but with momentum securely in Ishpeming’s favor they were forced to punt to close out the quarter.
Q4:Ishpeming started the quarter with possession, but quickly lost it on a fumble, granting the Hematites prime starting position for their drive. But on the very next play it was proven to be for naught as Ishpeming snagged another pick, taking control of the contest once again. After Tramon Gauthier plowed through the Emerald defense for the 13th Hematite 1st down of the night, Ethan Corp was able to clear the way for a Tramon Gauthier touchdown. Securing the 2 again, Ishpeming’s lead was further secured at 34-0. Manistique started their drive at their own 28 following the TD, but the Hematite defense was again suffocating and the Emeralds had to settle for another punt. Ishpeming continued their methodical rushing attack, eating clock and moving towards midfield on a series of Grady Gauthier runs. A misread by the Emeralds let Ethan Corp capitalize and the Hematites moved into Manistique territory with under a minute left to play. With no way for Manistique to get back into the game, Ishpeming let time run out bringing the blowout to a close.
Listen to the full stream here!
