Ishpeming, MI – August 27, 2021 – The Ishpeming Hematites started their 2021 campaign hosting the Manistique Emeralds Thursday evening. The game was broadcast live on 98.3 WRUP!
1st Quarter – In the first quarter of the game the Hematites for Ishpeming started the night off strong with a 30 yard run from number 12, Tramon Gauthier. Later in the quarter, the Ishpeming team were penalized 4 yards for off sides at the start of the play. Parker Graphos on the Manistique Emeralds took the ball and carried the team all the way to a first down. A turnover to the Hematites from an incredible defensive play. Hunter Smith returned the later punt with a touchdown for the Hematites (6-0 Hematites). Manistique fumbled the snap and Ishpeming recovered. This gave the Hematites the chance to strike. Dawson Lawry number 15 pushed the team to 1st and goal. Another touchdown for Ishpeming. The 1st quarter ended 14-0 for the Ishpeming Hematites.
2nd Quarter – Going into the second quarter both teams were looking for some ground. Manistique was at their 3rd down and 8 yards to go. They lined up to go for it and the snap was fumbled and recovered by the Hematites. An interception was made by Martinique’s own Wyatt Demers and was taken down right before the 11 yard line. With 40 seconds left in the second quarter, the Manistique Emeralds ran into the end zone. The game was scored at 14-6 by the end of the second quarter.
3rd Quarter – In the second half of the game, Manistique lead with 14 points. The kick was returned by Parker Graphos with a 14 yard run. After, number 14 Sam Dyer defended the team and stopped Parker Graphos from breaking away yet again. A penalty was later thrown on the Hematites for holding and unsportsmanlike conduct which sent them back to the 19 yard line. With two minutes left in the 3rd quarter of tonight’s game, the Hematites pushed for another touchdown. They ended the 3rd quarter with 22-6 with the two point conversion.
4th Quarter – The final quarter of tonight’s football game was an exciting one. A Manistique player Alex Noble (2) takes the snap and was taken down. After the ball was snapped to Parker Graphos, he took it through the middle all the way to the 33 yard line for a first down for the Manistique Emeralds. With only three minutes left on the clock, the Hematites lead with 22 and the opposing team kept pushing to add to the score board. Tramon Gauthier had a lot of play time tonight. Towards the end of the night, Gauthier gained another first down ending the game for the Ishpeming Hematites and the Manistique Emeralds.
FINAL: Ishpeming 22, Manistique 6
The Hemitites are back in action on Thursday September 9th when they travel north to face the Hancock Bulldogs. The game will be live on 98.3 WRUP!
