ISHPEMING, MI – 10/9/2014 – All Hematite fans know what’s been happening over the past two-and-a-half seasons. Two state titles, 33 wins, and one undefeated season. One. In 2012, the Hematites were 6-0 as they headed into enemy territory, and they weren’t able to come away with a win. The Miners were able to upend the Hematites 20-8, and ended the season with a 9-0 record themselves. There is no way to know what would have happened had Ishpeming won the game. Maybe they go on to win the state title, and they are riding a 34 game win streak. On the other hand, there’s always the possibility that that loss reinvigorated the Hematites and pushed them to win the title two years ago. Nobody can know. What we do know is that the Hematites were able to exact revenge on their rival last season by knocking off the then undefeated Miners 28-24, and it wasn’t even that close as Negaunee scored on a last second Hail Mary to make it look closer.
The Hematites are the clear favorite in this match-up. They’re coming in with a 6-0 record, while Negaunee is just getting back on track at 4-2 following a two game losing streak. The Miners are decimated by injuries, as senior standout Cole Francis’ season is over, and junior linebacker Owen LaJoie hasn’t been able to pay with a leg injury. For the Hematites to come out on top for the second consecutive season, they’ll need to bottle up the Miners’ running game. The Miners have a four-headed beast of a backfield that all do different things. Tailbacks Austin Johnson & Ryan Bischoff are both capable of carrying the rock up the middle or on the edge. Meanwhile, senior fullback Zak Harsila has been lighting up the stat sheet all season long with an impressive combination of power & speed, while senior quarterback Ryan Syrjala is capable of breaking off a long run anytime the defense falls asleep on him.
We’re in for a great game this Friday. Be sure to be apart of all of the festivities that are taking place. Active Physical Therapy will be hosting a tailgate party that includes plenty of fun & food! Starting at 5:30, you can get a hotdog, chips, and drink for just $3! All proceeds will go to the Negaunee High School Booster Club.
Following the party, be sure to join Mike Plourde & Bob Nadeau on 98.3 WRUP starting at 6:30pm. After the pre-game and all of the coverage, the game will begin. Mike & Bob will have the play-by-play starting at 7 o’clock! Go Hematites!
-Carl Leander Johnson