The Alpena Wildcats will take a 1-1 record to Escanaba at 7 p.m. Friday, with an opportunity to build on their season-opening performance and end what the source describes as a long losing streak against the Eskymos.
The game will also carry a note of remembrance. The source recalls the disruption to football and other sports after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and says moments of silence are expected at Friday night games. The writer plans to attend a game in Petoskey while observing the anniversary.
Alpena seeks a stronger start against Escanaba
Alpena opened the season with defensive momentum when Gavin Ross intercepted a pass after it was tipped by Brody Misiak. Andrew Szymoniak then followed his offensive line to the Cadillac 3-yard line, before Misiak scored through the middle of the line.
The Wildcats also received notable contributions from several players in the game described in the column. Tyler McCintic intercepted a pass while the opposing team was driving. Szymoniak added touchdown runs of 58 and 45 yards, and quarterback Cash Moughon recovered a fake punt and ran for a first down.
The source identifies penalties and turnovers as areas Alpena can address in practice. It also says the Wildcats may be able to create turnovers against Escanaba if they match the intensity shown in their opener.
Escanaba enters at 0-2 after losing to Gaylord, 35-25, despite leading 17-7 at halftime. Two Escanaba interceptions were converted into touchdowns by Gaylord. Senior Alex Ison has taken over at quarterback after Nolan Bink, identified as the previous Big North Conference Quarterback of the Year, left the position. Ison’s leading target has been wide receiver Brody Levesque, while junior Bryce Bichler has scored in both games.
The Escanaba offense also relies on Ison’s ability to run and use a pump fake, with the quarterback position accounting for much of the team’s rushing production. The source says Escanaba has played well early in games but has struggled with second-half lapses. The prediction in the column is Alpena 28, Escanaba 20.
Rogers City hosts first-year Copper Island Academy
Rogers City, 2-0, will host Copper Island Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Hurons are coming off a 54-0 victory over Atlanta, while Copper Island enters after earning the first win in school history, a 24-22 decision over Ontonagon.
Rogers City quarterback Brian McKinstry completed all 11 of his passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta. He also ran for three touchdowns. Sam Whitford carried 16 times for 86 yards and scored twice, while Eli Banttari and Nolan Lesko each caught a touchdown pass.
On defense, Florian Lemke led Rogers City with five tackles. Ethan Spens and Vincent Jaeger recorded four each, and Levi Flemming was credited with four pancake blocks on the offensive line. The Hurons have scored 100 points while allowing 18, according to the source.
Copper Island opened its season with a 36-0 loss to Brimley before beating Ontonagon. The source says Rogers City’s schedule had an opening on the third weekend of the season, creating the matchup. The prediction is Rogers City 42, Copper Island Academy 6.
Alcona, Hillman and Mio also play Friday
Alcona, 1-1, visits Charlton Heston at 7 p.m. Friday. The Tigers rebounded from a 71-point loss to Central Lake by holding Pellston scoreless through three quarters in their next game.
Kameron Owens ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns against Pellston, while Adalai Lieber rushed for 179 yards. Lochlin Gordy scored on a run and caught a 73-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Grady Goddard threw three touchdown passes. Defensively, Gavin Bittman had 11 tackles and a fumble recovery, Gordy made eight tackles, and Michael Burnett recorded an interception.
Charlton Heston is 0-2 and has been outscored by 50 points. The source notes the Patriots went 7-2 last season and are still seeking their first touchdown this year. The prediction is Alcona 35, Charlton Heston 0.
Hillman and Atlanta, both 0-2, meet at 7 p.m. Friday. Hillman’s offense has increasingly involved sophomore Maison Tracy, who ranks second on the team in rushing and receiving. Junior Cameron Nowak has been the Tigers’ primary receiving option, while freshman Jaden Purol leads the team with 15 tackles.
Eli Schulze and Tracy scored against Mio, and Hillman added two touchdowns and two two-point conversions in that game. Atlanta has a 16-player roster, with half of the players seniors from last year’s team. The source highlights Ryder Carigon on the offensive line, Cian McIllaney and MacGregor Curwin at cornerback, and Parker Schoening as a backfield and receiving contributor. The prediction is Hillman 30, Atlanta 8.
Mio, 2-0, hosts Whittemore-Prescott at 7 p.m. Friday in a matchup the source describes as potentially the night’s closest game. Mio quarterback Logan Fox completed six of nine passes for 132 yards and ran for 48. Atreyu Burden rushed for 154 yards on 15 carries, scored twice and made 10 tackles and an interception.
Garrett Fox caught three passes for 62 yards and added seven solo tackles, two tipped passes and an interception. Garrison Kann also intercepted a pass, while Brock Stewart recovered a fumble.
Whittemore-Prescott responded to an opening loss by defeating Bay City Academy. Aiden Bell rushed for 140 yards on six carries and scored three touchdowns, while Blaine Zuchnik scored three times. The Cardinals’ defense also produced an interception from Carson Vohwinkle, and the source credits Hunter Clayton, Tyler Page, Scout Holshoe and others with defensive contributions. The prediction is Mio 38, Whittemore-Prescott 35.