Ishpeming, Michigan – October 23rd, 2015 – Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau were in Ishpeming, MI for this Hematite Friday Night for the Ishpeming Hematities game against the Gwinn ModelTowners on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com. It was the Eighth game of the season, and the Hematites looked to continue their winning ways after defeating the St. Ignace Saints the previous week. Mike and Bob brought you their stats and predictions during the Honor Credit Union pregame show!
It was homecoming for the Ishpeming Hematites, and excitement was in the air. The coin toss was won by the Gwinn ModelTowners, so the Hematites received the opening kick off. Ishpeming’s first drive was a tough fight for every yard, but they slowly made their way downfield. Gwinn was able to intercept the ball on the two yard line to take control of the ball. Both teams’ defenses held strong in the first quarter, only allowing for one drive for Ishpeming, and less than one whole drive for the ModelTowners before the quarter ended.
The Gwinn ModelTowners started the second quarter in control of the ball, but they quickly turned it over on downs just seconds into the quarter. The Ishpeming Hematites Ozzy Corp was able to score a touchdown on a short four yard run, and after the failed two point attempt, the score was 6-0. Ishpeming continued to play strong defense, who quickly stopped the ModelTowners on their second drive of the quarter. Gwinn was able to take over control of the ball on downs, and with just over two minutes left in the first half of play, they looked to even the score. The Hematites’ defense once again held strong, and they were able to take over on downs with just over one minute left in the first half. However, Ishpeming was unable to score again before the quarter ended, only on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com!
The second half of play opened with the Ishpeming Hematites kicking off to the Gwinn ModelTowners, and the Hematites looked to hold onto their lead with some tough defense. Jaren Kipling was able to recover the ball on the kick off when the ModelTowners’ kick returner fumbled the ball due to the cold rain that poured down from the sky. Ishpeming quickly drove to within scoring distance, but Gwinn’s defense held strong and it was quickly fourth and goal. However, Ozzy Corp came through on fourth down with a touchdown on a short run, and the two point conversion was stopped again which made the score 12-0. Ishpeming was able to stop the ModelTowners’ next drive by forcing a turnover on downs, but they were unable to put any more points on the board. On the Hematites next drive, Halen Carello had a huge run to give the Hematites a first-and-goal situation, but the quarter ended before they could score.
The Ishpeming Hematites opened the final quarter of play in control of the ball on the three yard line. Halen Carello broke through the tough Gwinn ModelTowner defensive line to give six more points to the Hematites. After the two point conversion attempt failed, the score was 18-0. Thomas Finnegan had multiple big stops throughout the game, and he was an integral part of Ishpeming’s defense. The Hematites got their very first penalty of the game on a late hit call midway through the fourth quarter. On the ModelTowners’ next drive, Ozzy Corp came up with a huge interception to give control back to Ishpeming. Thomas Finnegan caught a 30-yard pass to put the Hematites right back into Gwinn’s red zone. Gwinn, however, was able to intercept a pass on their own ten yard line to regain control of the ball. The rain continued to cause havoc when Halen Carello was able to recover a loose ball from the ModelTowners. With just under five minutes left in the game, the Hematites looked to put more points on the scoreboard. Nick Comment scored for the Hematites on a short run, and after the failed two point conversion attempt, the score was 24-0 with four minutes remaining in the game. As time wound down, the Gwinn ModelTowners attempted to put some points on the board, but the Hematites’ defense continued their strong play. On one of the last plays of the game, Jaren Kipling intercepted the ball from Gwinn. Ishpeming quickly took a knee to end the game, only on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com!
The Final Score: Ishpeming Hematites –24, Gwinn ModelTowners –0 !
Make sure to join Mike and Bob next week for the first week of the playoffs on another edition of Hematite Friday Night! Stay tuned to 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com to see when their game will take place! Mike and Bob will have the Honor Credit Union Pregame Show for you along with all the exciting playoff action! Don’t miss a beat!