Iron Mountain, MI – October 28, 2022 – The Ishpeming Hematites wrapped up their regular season with enough playoff points to make an appearance. Their first round opponents were the Iron Mountain Mountaineers, who the Hematites played just two weeks ago. Tyler Young made his return to the booth alongside Bob Nedeau on the call live on 98.3 WRUP!
Q1: The Mountaineers pulled off the first big play of the game when Matthew Colavecchi reeled in a 29yd pass to put them inside the Hematites 10yd line. They followed with a run from Bradon Farragh for an early touchdown, and a successful extra point gave Iron Mountain the 7-0 lead.
Ishpeming struggled to find success against a very tough Iron Mountain defense. They attempted runs from Ethan Corp and Preston Gauthier, but were forced to punt the ball away. Iron Mountain struggled to field the kick and muffed it with Ishpeming jumping on top to recover. After continued offensive struggles, the Hematites turned the ball over on downs. The Hematite’s Kayden Louma forced a fumble the very next play to give Ishpeming possession yet again.
The two defenses continued to battle as Farragh intercepted an Ethan Corp pass to give things back to the Mountaineers. Iron Mountain looked to punch it in yet again before the end of the quarter. The Joe-to-Matthew Colavecchi connection linked up for another Mountaineer touchdown.
Q2: Ishpeming’s offensive struggles continued as Iron Mountain’s defense remained vigilant and wouldn’t allow a first down. Iron Mountain recieved the punt, and the very first play of their series was a touchdown pass. Bradon Farragh kicked the extra point to put the Mountaineers up, 21-0.
Preston Gauthier was able to break off a 35yd run to attempt to bring life to the Hematite offense. The Iron Mountain defense continued to do what they do best, and forced another turnover to get their offense back on the field. Matthew Colavecchi once again reeled in a pass from Joe Colavecchi for a 71yd touchdown. The point after was successful to bring the score to, 28-0 in favor of the Mountaineers.
Bradon Farragh was able to punch it in yet again for Iron Mountain from short range, and also kicked the extra point to make the score 35-0. The Hematites hoped to get some offense going before heading into halftime, and to avoid the running clock. Ishpeming were able to chip away with solid runs from Preston Gauthier and Hunter Smith to move the chains. Unfortunately, there weren’t able to score before the end of the half.
Halftime: Iron Mountain 35 – Ishpeming 0
Q3: The second half of play started with a running clock due to the 35 point deficit. Iron Mountain received the kickoff to begin their first series of the half. The Mountaineer offense kept things on the ground with runs from Colavecchi and Luke Wolfe. The Hematite defense was able to hold the Mountaineers from moving the chains any further. After a fourth down stop, Ishpeming’s offense came back on the field.
The Hematites stayed with the run game on their opening drive. Ishpeming picked up their sixth first down of the game with the help from Ethan Corp’s carries. Logan Hurkmans reeled in a 36yd pass from Corp to bring the Hematites the closest to the endzone they’ve been all night.
Q4: Iron Mountain’s defense able to push back the offense to force a fourth and long scenario. Ishpeming was unable to convert, and were forced to turn the ball back to the the Mountaineers. With their first play Iron Mountain threw a 68yd pass to all but secure their win. The point after was good bringing the score to, 42-0.
Ishpeming continued to battle and finally found the endzone. Brayden Batiste crossed the plane from 10yd out for the touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, bringing the score to 42-6 in favor of Iron Mountain. The game ended with a series of kneel downs from the Mountaineers.
FINAL: Iron Mountain 42 – Ishpeming 6
