Tomahawk, WI – October 7th, 2022 – The Ishpeming Hematites had an open week after West Iron County folded the program this year. They were able to fill it with a challenge against the Tomahawk Hatchets. The game was streamed from Tomahawk’s 92.5 WJJQ on WRUP 98.3 and online at WRUP.com
Q1: Ishpeming kicked off to the Tomahawks to Mason Evans for a 23yd return. The Ishpeming defense was able to have a great first showing, and weren’t fooled by a fake punt to force a turnover on downs. The Hematites opened with their ground attack with runs from Preston Gauthier and Hunter Smith to move the chains. After failing to convert a fourth down they handed the ball back to the Hatchets.
Tomahawk failed to get any offensive rhythm only gaining 5 yards on the ground. Ishpeming’s Connor Gauthier was able to deflect a good looking pass from Tomahawk’s Tyler Jablonski to force the punt. The Hematites would take back over on their own 29yd line. Preston Gauthier would break off a 23yd and another 20yd run to swing momentum to Ishpeming’s favor.
Q2: The Hematites face third and goal to start the second quarter after a methodical drive downfield. The Tomahawk would have a goal line stand to keep Preston Gauthier out of the endzone on fourth down with two yards to go. The Hatchet quarterback Tyler Jablonski would keep it himself and be off to races for a 98yd touchdown to get Tomahawk on the board first, 7-0.
This quarter was largely a defensive battle with each team chipping away offensively with the ground game. Ishpeming would take off bigger chunks of yardage with help from Ethan Corp and Preston Gauthier. With under a minute left in the half, Ishpeming looked for the endzone. The Hematites were able hit pay dirt before halftime with Preston Gauthier, and they took the lead with a successful two-point conversion from Corp.
Halftime: Ishpeming 8 – Tomahawk 7
Q3: Ishpeming started the second half of play at their own 20yd line. They opened with an incomplete pass, but swiftly reverted back to their run game with Hunter Smith and Preston Gauthier moving the chains. Once Ishpeming moved across midfield the Hatchet defense held strong forcing a turnover on downs on another fourth down stop.
Tomahawk found a big play with a run from Allan Peissig to move to the Ishpeming 31yd line. Mason Evans would also contribute in the Hatchet offense as they began to string plays together. The Hematite defense would stay disciplined with a big stop behind the line from Aidan Rajala and Carlos Perez. The Hatchet field goal unit would come on the field for a 37yd attempt from William Tums that was good to make the score, 10-8 in favor of Tomahawk.
Q4: Ishpeming started the final quarter of play on offense. The Hatchet defense swallowed up Grady Gauthier in the backfield to create adversity for the Hematites right away, facing a 2nd and 17. After failing to convert a third and long the Hematites were forced to punt the ball away. The Hatchets would convert their first third down with a big pass to Mitch Jimenez to cross into Ishpeming territory. Aidan Rajala would make a big play for the Hematites sacking Jablonski to bring up fourth down, and give the ball back to Ishpeming.
The Hematites would get fantastic starting field position at midfield after the Hatchet punt to try and take back the lead. After a penalty cost Ishpeming 5yds they battled from behind to move the chains. Preston Gauthier gained 12yds on 3rd and 13 and Ethan Corp would convert on fourth down. Hunter Smith would gain another 20yds to put the Hematites in the redzone. Ishpeming would continue to chip away with a run from Smith putting them inside the 10yd line with a fresh set of downs. Smith would finish off the drive with a 7yd touchdown run and two-point conversion to give Ishpeming the lead back, 16-10.
The Hematites were able to stifle the Tomahawk rally with an interception from Alex Sundberg to all but seal the deal for Ishpeming. Tomahawk was unable to stop the Ishpeming offense in the final minute of the game, but the Hematites were able to maintain control and close out the game for the win. The Hematites finished the night with 250yds on the ground between Ethan Corp, Preston Gauthier, Hunter Smith, and Grady Gauthier.
FINAL: Ishpeming 16 – Tomahawk 10
Preston Gauthier: 20 rush/114yds 1TD
Hunter Smith: 1TD
The Ishpeming Hematites are back in action next Friday at the Playgrounds when they host the Iron Mountain Mountaineers! Pregame will start around 6:45pm ET and kick off to follow at 7pm ET. The game will be broadcast live on 98.3 WRUP and online on WRUP.com!