Escanaba senior Nolan Bink runs the ball against Big Rapids on Nov. 8, 2025 at Escanaba Athletic Field. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — It was a tough day on the gridiron for the Escanaba Eskymos as they fell 48-18 to the Big Rapids Cardinals here Saturday. The Cardinals compiled over 500 yards of offense including 377 yards on the ground led by Jack Bollman who carried the ball 23 times for 168 yards.

The Cardinals got on the board first with 7:36 to go in the first quarter as senior Cole Haist took it in from four-yards out to put Big Rapids up 6-0.

With 3:58 to go in the first quarter, Haist connected with senior Owen Craven on a 28-yard TD pass to extend the Cardinals lead to 12-0.

“The toughest part of the game was having to travel six hours to play the game,” Haist said. They are a good team but we were ready for the game as a team. We had a good week of practice and it translated to the field.”

The Eskymos got on the board with :34 to go in the first quarter as Nolan Bink connected with Brody Ison on a 16-yard TD pass to cut the deficit to 12-6.

With 7:14 to go in the first half, junior Dan Langell took it up the middle from five yards out. Two-point conversion was good and the Cardinals extended their lead to 20-6.

The Eskymos got back in the endzone with 3:20 to go in the first half on a six-yard TD run by Ison to cut the deficit to 20-12.

“We talked about changing the culture when the season started,” Eskymos coach Bailey Lamb said. “These guys played hard every night out and now we will reflect on this good season and come back next season looking to build on this year’s success.”

With 5:33 to go in the third quarter, Haist took it in from seven-yards out and the Cardinals extended their lead to 27-12.

The Eskymos trailed 48-12 when Bink connected with senior Ashton Rymkos on a 45-yard TD pass with 5:43 to go in the game as the Eskymos fell in defeat.

Cole Haist had 15 carries for 70 yards for Big Rapids including 5 total TDs two passing and three rushing.

Big Rapids advances to play Hudsonville Unity Christian.