ISHPEMING, MI – For the second year in a row, the Ishpeming Hematites are staring down a finals appearance with just one more win. This coming after another great defensive performance against the Lake City Trojans at The Playgrounds this past Saturday. The Hematites held a team that came in averaging just under 50 points per game coming into Saturday’s contest to just 13 points and -17 yards rushing. Turning to the pass game didn’t exactly benefit Lake City much either, as they were intercepted & sacked three times each.
Offensively, Adam Prisk & Alex Briones shouldered the bulk of the work for the Hematites as they rushed for 117- & 123-yards respectively, Prisk scoring three times. Briones also threw the ball for 65-yards and the team’s final touchdown. The fact that the Hematites are capable of shutting down a team of that caliber shows why they’re the favorite to repeat as the MHSAA Division-VII state champions.
They’ll have their work cut out for them this Saturday against the 11-1 Harbor Beach Pirates. Harbor Beach, much like Lake City, comes in as an offensive powerhouse that can score quickly averaging just under 47 points per game. Harbor Beach’s only loss came early in the season at home against the (currently) 13-0 Menominee Maroons. Ishpeming has always excelled at slowing down high-scoring offensive teams, and will be up to the challenge once again.
Hematites will play at 1:00pm at the Superior Dome on Saturday 11/23. Mike Plourde & Bob Nadeau will have the call, so be sure to tune into 98.3WRUP for all of your Ishpeming Hematite football action. GO HEMATITES!
-Carl L. Johnson