Ishpeming, MI – November 6, 2018 – A chill in the air accompanies an ever-changing sky which peeks through a blanket of grey clouds. The Ishpeming Hematites readied themselves for a victory against the West Iron County Wykons in the second football game of the playoffs, 36 – 0. The week prior, they triumphed over the Gwinn Modeltowners with a score of 52 – 6.
When the Hematites play, they usually soar past their opponents within minutes of beginning. Not with the Wykons. Not today. Throughout the first quarter, the opposition fought back their advances with a heavy-handed approach. It wasn’t until 9:46 when Drake Sundberg slipped past the defense 7 yards out from the end zone. This kept up for the second quarter, although Hunter Smith did score, but due to a penalty the points were recalled. He wanted that touch down, though. Not a minute later, he launched himself into the end zone and took back the points that were redacted with a 17 yard run. Gavin Sundberg got the two point conversion, bringing the final score of the first half to 16 – 0.
The third quarter was full of penalties from the Wykons, but the Hematites held their own regardless. At 5:09 Drake Sundberg slid through the defense with a 1 yard run. The ball was run back and forth down the field until Hunter Smith completed a 75 yard run. In reaction Mike Plourde described him, “amazing in the open field.” Matthew Traywick got the two point conversion. The fourth quarter proceeded quickly, as Hunter Smith ran wild through the defense 23 yards into the end zone, bringing the score to 36 – 0 which resulted in a running clock. That clock ran all the way to the end of the game, making the Hematites the district champions.
Congratulations to the Ishpeming Hematites for an incredible game. This makes 200 victories for Jeff Olson, the head coach. Catch the team face off against Breckenridge on Saturday. The pre-game starts at noon, kickoff is at 1:00. Stay updated at WRUP 98.3 and online at wrup.com.
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