Top-ranked Miners hand Gladstone loss
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GLADSTONE -- Top-ranked Negaunee played keep away in the first half, handing second-ranked Gladstone a 24-6 non-conference football loss here Friday night.
The Miners ran 36 offensive plays compared to Gladstone's 15 prior to the intermission.
"It was a great game all the way around," said Negaunee coach Paul Jacobson. "Gladstone has a very potent offense. They can score from anywhere on the field. It was a physical, hard-fought game both ways. I was impressed with the way both teams played."
Junior quarterback Nate Young tossed a 71-yard touchdown pass to senior Tyler Darmogray along the left sideline, enabling the Braves to tie the contest at 6-6 halfway through the first quarter of their homecoming contest.
The Miners (7-0) opened the contest by marching 55 yards in nine plays, taking a 6-0 lead on an eight-yard run up the middle by Kai Lacar.
Gladstone (5-2) needed just three plays to tie the score on its opening possession.
"This is two weeks in a row we ran into a power running team," said Braves' coach Craig Ness. "They're big up front and controlled the line of scrimmage. They had nine in the box and we couldn't get a consistent push. You come in with a game plan and when you fall behind, it kind of takes you out of your game plan."
The Braves kept the ball for just three plays during their second possession prior to losing the ball on a fumble on their 43-yard line late in the first quarter.
Nico Lukkarinen, who recovered the fumble, gave the Miners a 14-6 lead on a one-yard run off right tackle just six seconds into the second stanza.
Lacar made it 21-6 on an eight-yard run off right tackle with 4:40 remaining in the second and Philip Nelson booted a 33-yard field goal to end the scoring 14.8 seconds before the half.
Negaunee rushed for 197 yards in the first half, but was limited to 39 in the second half.
"The kids responded very well," said Ness. "Our defense was much better in the second half. The guys played their tails off. They (Negaunee) didn't complete a pass all night, although they didn't have to pass."
The Braves mounted a drive early in the third quarter. That threat, however, ended on an interception by James Thomas at the Negaunee 14.
Negaunee's next possession was brief as Young recovered a fumble on its 34.
Gladstone, however, couldn't capitalize and turned the ball over on downs at the 33.
"We were glad to get that cushion," said Jacobson. "This is a very good Gladstone team. They made good adjustments at halftime. We still have some work to do. We have to keep our nose to the grindstone and get better."
The Braves finished with 210 yards in total offense. Young hit 10-of-23 aerials for 170.
Both teams resume Friday. The Braves travel to Gaylord and the Miners visit Houghton.