Manistique, Michigan – September 4th, 2015 – Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau were in Manistique for this Hematite Friday Night for the Ishpeming Hematities game against the Manistique Emeralds on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com. It was the second game of the season, and the Hematites looked to continue their winning ways after defeating the Iron Mountain Mountaineers the previous week. Mike and Bob brought you their stats and predictions during the Honor Credit Union pregame show.
The Manistique Emeralds won the coin toss, and they chose to receive the ball first, which put the Ishpeming Hematites on defense first to coach Olsen’s preference. Luke Kuliu kicked off for the Hematties, and Ishpeming was able to stop the return quickly at the 30 yard line. Thomas Finegan caught an 82-yard touchdown on the Hematites first drive, and they were able to convert the extra two points to make the early score 8-0 in favor of Ishpeming with 9:00 left in the first. On the Hematites kickoff, Finegan recovered a fumble, continuing his great start. Nick Comment scored a touchdown on a long run, and they again converted the extra two points to make the score 16-0 in favor of the Hematites. The Hematites scored again late in the first which made the score 22-0, after failing to convert their third two-point attempt. Isaac Olson had a 60+ yard run, only to have it brought back by a penalty very late in the first. Halen Carello scored on a nice run on the last play of the quarter for another touchdown, but they again missed the two point conversion to make the score 28-0 on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com.
The Ishpeming Hematites opened the quarter playing defense against the Manistique Emeralds. Thomas Finegan intercepted an Emerald pass on their first drive of the quarter to give possession to the Hematites. Halen Carello scored another touchdown on a strong run, and after the two point conversion, the score was 36-0. Daren Giuchin made a great interception to give the ball back to Ishpeming halfway through the quarter. Matt Maki scored a touchdown on a quick run, which put the Hematites at 42-0. Matt Maki also scored the two-point conversion to bring the score to 44-0. The Manistique Emeralds recovered an Ishpeming fumble at just over three minutes left to play in the first half. On their next play, Manistique took advantage of their spread offense and scored a touchdown on 34-yard pass to make the score 44-6 after a missed extra point. With 15 seconds left, Thomas Finegan intercepted another Manistique Emeralds’ pass, and the Hematites took a knee to end the first half. The score at the end of the second quarter was 44-6.
The second half of the game opened with the Ishpeming Hematites receiving the ball from the Manistique Emeralds and a running clock. Nick Comment received the ball for the Hematites and made a nice return to start the quarter. Carello scored on another nice run to make the score 50-6. There was an illegal blocking penalty on the Hematites, and they had to re-try the two-point conversion with five extra yards. However, Isaac Olson converted on the next play to make the score 52-6. Both teams’ defense picked-up as the third quarter drew near to a close. The third quarter ended with the score 52-6, only on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com.
The final quarter of the game opened with the Manistique Emeralds in control of the ball. However, their first drive of the last quarter was stopped by the Ishpeming Hematites. The Emeralds were able to score on a nice run thanks to some excellent blocking. After the two-point attempt, the score was 56-12. An injury stopped the clock with just under five minutes to play, and both sides’ defense continued to shine. Darren Giuchin made another great interception to give the ball back to Ishpeming with time for only a few plays left in the game. The game ended without any further scoring, which put the final score at 52-12.
Make sure you join Mike and Bob next Friday, September 11th as the Hematites battle the Calumet Copper Kings in Calumet. Mike and Bob will have the Honor Credit Union pregame show at 6:15pm on Real Classic Rock 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com.