Ishpeming, MI – September 23, 2022 – The Ishpeming Hematites played host to cross town rival, Negaunee on Friday night. The game was played at the Playgrounds in Ishpeming, and broadcast live on 98.3 WRUP and online at wrup.com!
Q1: Ishpeming received the opening kick off to start the rivalry match up Friday night. The Negaunee defense swallowed up Hunter Smith in the backfield to set the tone early. After a three and out, Ishpeming was forced to punt away to finish their first series of the game.
The Miners offense started with their run game with runs from Easton Palomaki. It was followed up by a Nico Lukkarinen touchdown to get scoring underway. Point after attempt was successful making it an early 7-0 game.
Ishpeming looked to bounce back in their second possession. The Negaunee defense proved too tough as the Hematites struggled to find rhythm on offense. Ishpeming was able to convert a big fourth down with a rush from Hunter Smith to move the chains. The Hematites stayed with the run game with rushes from Preston Gauthier and Smith. The Miners were able to stifle the Hematite offense and caused a turnover on downs.
Negaunee started their series with a pitch to Kai Lacar, but the Ishpeming defense was able to hold the edge to not allow yards. The Miners then went up the middle with a rush from Lukkarinen for another Negaunee touchdown.
The Hematites start their next drive at their own 27 yard line. They continued with the run game with runs from Ethan Corp and Hunter Smith. They looked to go to the air, but just couldn’t connect to bring up a fourth and long for Ishpeming forcing them to punt away.
Negaunee scored on their first play of the drive with a long ball from Ty Jacobson to Drake Spickerman to build their lead on the Hematites. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful to make the score, 19-0 in favor of the Miners.
The following Ishpeming drive was featured by rushes from Ethan Corp. Hematites were faced with a third and long, but the Negaunee defense shut them down to cause the punt.
Q2: Negaunee opened with a run from Kai Lacar who almost broke free before Preston Gauther brought him down on the Hematite 40 yard line. The Miners kept to the ground attack with runs from Easton Palomaki and Lacar, and continued to move the chains. Ty Jacobson was able to link up with Eli VanBuren to put them knocking on the Hematites door. It was immediately followed by Palomaki for the score up the middle. Negaunee’s two-point conversion was good by Palomaki to make it, 27-0.
Ishpeming was finally able to find success, this time through the air. Ethan Corp found Hayden Hares for a 19 yard gain to bring up a fresh set of downs. They attempted to keep their momentum, but the Miner defensive line smothered would be Hematite runners. After an incomplete pass the Hematites turned the ball over on downs.
Negaunee added on to their lead after a Kai Lacar broke loose for another Miner touchdown. The two point conversion was successful by Easton Palomaki.
The Hematites looked to bridge the gap against the Miners with runs from Preston Gauthier and Alex Sundberg. Ishpeming continued to gain only a couple yards at a time, and the Miner defense continued to dominate. Ishpeming was unable to convert on fourth down and gave the ball back to Negaunee.
Halftime: Negaunee 35 – Ishpeming 0
Q3:The Miners received the kick off to start the second half of play. With the 35 point deficit the game had a running clock to start the half. Negaunee started on their own 35 yard line. Kai Lacar gained a few yards on the ground to start things off for the Miner offense. Easton Palomaki found freedom with a 41 yard rush to tack on another Miner touchdown. The point after was successful by Phillip Nelson to bring the score to, 42-0.
Ishpeming started their drive on their own 25 yard line, but weren’t able to make anything of it. Negaunee got the ball back found pay dirt yet again with help from Chase Bonovetz on the carry. Point after was good by Nelson.
The Hematites finally able to string together some plays. Ishpeming found success with Grady Gauthier on the ground, averaging 10 yards on his first 5 carries including a big third down conversion. Ishpeming finally got on the board with a fitting run from Grady Gauthier. He also converted the two point conversion to make the score, 49-8 in favor of the Miners.
Q4: The Miners opened the final quarter with a punt to the Hematites. Ishpeming hoped to keep their momentum and close the gap with runs yet again from Gauthier. The Hematites faced a fourth down in their own territory, and Grady Gauthier was able to convert for Ishpeming. The Hematites continued to run the ball with Gauthier, and converted another fourth down by Ethan Corp. Corp followed with a touchdown to add on another score for Ishpeming.
FINAL: Negaunee 49 – Ishpeming 14
The Ishpeming Hematites are back in action next Friday night as they travel to Gwinn to face the Modeltowners. The game will be broadcast live with the Elder Agency Pregame Show at 6:45 and kickoff to follow at 7pm on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com!
