Escanaba tops Kingsford, earns UPCYF Junior title
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HARRIS -- A defensive, overtime battle was in store for fans at the U.P. Central Youth Football Junior Championship Saturday night between the fifth and sixth grade Escanaba and Kingsford.
When it was over, it was Escanaba winning 10-7 over Kingsford.
"I'm just proud of the guys. They've been playing hard all year, and we've practiced hard," said Escanaba head coach Joe Ballard. "It doesn't matter the age group. It's the most important thing they've done to date, and I'm excited for them. They're champions right now."
Escanaba scored first on their opening drive with a pass from Matthew Caron to Griffin Johnson, while Kingsford found their way into the end zone in the second quarter on a lengthy pass of their own from Cooper Kreski to Connor Fayas.
After both teams put up excellent defensive stands throughout the second half, the game went into overtime with each team getting four tries from the 10-yard line.
Esky went to four downs as they tried first, leaving the potential to score in Caron's hands, or foot rather, as he nailed a 26-yard field goal to put Esky up 10-7.
On the ensuing Kingsford effort, Escanaba forced and recovered a fumble to clinch the title.
Ballard -- and the Escanaba coaching staff -- knew heading into the game defense would be important.
"We preached to them the last two weeks with the bye week that defense wins championships and offense puts points on the board," he said. "If the defense plays tough, we will win the football game. If they score zero, then we win the football game."
With their trust in the defense, Ballard said, he knew the field goal -- their first and longest in the game -- could be enough.
Ballard thanked the Escanaba supporters and parents for their efforts through the year as well.
Though they came up short, the Kingsford coaching staff echoed the same sentiment of pride in their players and thanked their fans and parents for their support through the year, too.