HURON COUNTY PRESS SPORTS

Bluestars beat Memphis 42-36

2010-01-21T22:33:00.004-05:00

Earlier in the season, Port Hope lost 50-47 to Memphis.

Following the loss, coach Don Pitts challenged his team to pick up their game and to play with the heart and passion he felt they were capable of.

The pep talked worked as the team has rattled off 10 straight wins including their six point win over Memphis tonight.

Allyson Koglin led PH with 12, who had four players with at least 7 points. Overall, a really well rounded effort from the Bluestars.

In other games, Sandusky won by two points over Brown City 51-49.

Reese 72, USA 33

Ubly 41, BAd Axe 35

Vassar 68, Cass City 22

Peck 54, Akron-Fairgrove 53

Friday Night Highlights: Sandusky beats Reese; BC remains undefeated

2010-01-16T08:43:00.003-05:00

Girls Basketball
Sandusky 73, Reese 57
In this highly anticipated matchup of two of the top 10 teams in the Class C state rankings, Marissa DeMott scores a game high 24 points to lead the Redskins to the 16 point win, while Lauren Krause added 20 (she hit five three-pointers). Overall, Sandusky put four players in double figures.
For Reese, Jade Ackerman led the team with 17.
In other girls action…
Brown City 58, Marlette 45
Kristen Greene continued her fantastic season with 23 points, while Marlette was led by a 19 point effort from Amara Wilson. Both these girls are having great seasons and could find their way on the first team of this year’s All-Thumb Team.
EPBP 51, Cass City 22
The Lakers were led by 13 points from Kacy Shetler. I believe this is five wins in a row for EPBP, who in typical fashion have started off slow but are coming on strong when the games count the most.
Harbor Beach 47, Deckerville 27
For everyone who thinks the GTE is a two team race think again…Harbor Beach continues to prove they are for real. You read this here first, this team is going to have a say in who this year’s champions are.
If they could get a win over BC or Sandusky, I think it would prove to everyone just how good this team is.
Hannah Wilson scored 11 for HB, while Tori Kraft added 10.
Mayville 69, Ubly 33
Ubly’s Nicole Franzel scored a season-high 22 points in her team’s 36 point loss.
USA 47, BCAS 39
Jenny Williamson scored 17 for the Patriots.
Vassar 48, Bad Axe 24
The Hatchets were led by six from Taylor Braun.

In boys action…
Kingston 64, Port Hope 41
It was one of Port Hope’s best offense efforts of the season, but still came up short in this one.
Travis Phillips scored a team high 11 points for the Bluestars.
North Huron 68, CPS 65
The Warriors remained perfect on the season, winning their 30th straight (I believe) regular season game, just getting by CPS.
Sean Clancy led the team with 22, while Eric Dhyse, Kevin Rice and Mike Bucholtz also scored in double figures.
A close call for North Huron, who has had a couple of closer games lately, going back to the Owen-Gage game….however I think in the end the team will be better for it.
We also have to keep in perspective that is the result of that HUGE target on this team’s back; everyone wants to be the one to end the win streak and hand them their first loss of the season.
Peck 58, Caseville 25
Sharpe scored eight points for Caseville.

Ubly outlasts Sandusky

2010-01-13T15:46:00.004-05:00

Ubly beat Sandusky yesterday 57-53 in OT in their GTE opener. The Bearcats, who were 15-of-18 from the line through the final moments of the extra session, missed their final four from the charity stripe to let Sandusky get back into it.
The Redskins really impressed me with their defense in this one. Weber and TK combined for 16 points in the first, but they were held to just five points total over the next 28 minutes.

For Ubly, Justin Cleary sparked the team with outside shooting, while Marshall Leipprandt made a statement, scoring six of his team's first seven points in the fourth to help Ubly tie the game.

It's early in the season, so this doesn't necessarily mean much in the leaue title race, but good to open the league games with a fun, competitive game.

Here are some other scores from the night:

BCAS 57, Cass City 46

Brown City 49, Mayville 36

Dryden 27, Kingston 24

Harbor Beach 64, EPBP 47

Marlette 53, Deckerville 41

Memphis 54, Peck 43

North Huron 75, Caseville 62

Owen-Gage 66, Port Hope 38

Reese 57, Bad Axe 50

Vassar 46, USA 35

Warriors tested by Owen-Gage

2010-01-05T23:00:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure if anyone was expecting much of a ball game when an undefeated North Huron team traveled to Owen-Gage against a one win Bulldog squad tonight. But that was exactly what they got as O-G laid it all the on the line despite losing 62-50.

The Bulldogs led 18-12 after the first and stretched the lead to 14 (26-12) with 5:57 to go in second. However, North Huron ended the quarter on a 18-7 run to cut the Bulldog's advantage to three (33-30).

The Warriors took over in the third as they opened on a 14-0 run and outscored O-G 23-4 in the critical third. Sean Clancy scored 13 of his 28 points in the third.

In the fourth, North Huron led by as many as 16 early (55-39), but the Bulldogs tried to make a game of it as they cut it to eight with 1:51 to go.

For North Huron, coach Paul Empkie felt the slow start was attributied to coming out flat and to this being the games first game of the new year. But he was impressed with how his team responded and how several players stepped up in the locker room at the half to say their piece and set the team straight.

For Owen-Gage, coach Derek Howard explained they already are looking ahead to districts and preparing for them with the remaining 15 or 16 games. He thinks that sticking with the no. 8 rated team in the state has to be a huge confidence boost for his team, but as he explained, he's not keen on moral victories and would like to see the team around .500 by the time the playoffs come around in March.

North Huron stuns Ubly

2009-12-31T09:05:00.005-05:00

Sean Clancy, Tyler Kubacki
Adam Glaza, Eric Dhyse, Steven Weber
Weber, John Schramski

Clancy

Weber, Dhyse, Glaza, and Eric Booms

Marshall Leipprandt

Weber, Dhyse

Weber & Dhyse again

Booms blocks Dhyse

Dhyse drives past Glaza

It was clear from the opening moments of North Huron's 49-47 win over Ubly last night that the Warriors wanted this one bad.

And why shouldn't they have? Despite being arguably the best team in the NCTL this season (personally I don't see one that is better) and the reigning All-Thumb Team of the Year, not too many people out of the Kinde area gave the Warriors much of a chance of keeping the game close, let alone winning it.

But North Huron's players weren't affected by any of that hype and showed a lot of heart, energy and focus early as they erased an early 7-4 deficit with a 10-0 run, which included eight points from Sean Clancy (17 in the first half, 21 for the game). After a late run by Ubly, North Huron clung to a 14-11 after the first.

The Bearcats pulled within one (16-15) midway through the second following a Tyler Kubacki score (he led his team with 12 points), but over the final four minutes the Warriors went on a 17-6 tear to take a 12 point lead (33-21) into the half. North Huron's Eric Dhyse had eight of his 14 points in that critical second quarter.

To put it simply, North Huron dictated the pace of the first half. They pushed the ball when they had the opportunity, they pressured Ubly defensively and for the most part shut down the Bearcat's post presence. How did they do it? They took a page out of the book of Lakers, who had the most sucess against Ubly's low-post threat out of the Bearcat's first three opponents.

Here is a breakdown of what Steven Weber and Tyler Kubacki, who were held to a combined 20 points against North Huron (TK 12, Weber 8), have done so far this season:

In a five point win over Reese, they combined for 34 points (20 Weber, 14 TK);

In a three point win over Lakers, they combined for 27 (16 TK, 11 Weber);

In a 73-60 win over USA, they combined for 39 points (22 Weber, 17 TK).

Coach Empkie, who scouted Ubly during the Laker game, noted the success EPBP had using a 2-3 zone against the Bearcats. Despite not knowing much about that defense, he read up on it and implemented it for yesterday's game and it was quite successful.

As for the early first half defecit, coach Joel Leipprandt credited North Huron's play and added that mentally his team did not come to play in the first half.

In the third quarter, Ubly picked up the pace on defense as they held North Huron to four points, but the offense continued to struggle and only mustered nine points, cutting the Warriors lead to 37-30 heading into the fourth.

Things got fast and furious in the final eight minutes with Ubly regaining the lead for the first time since the first quarter 38-37 on a Weber score with 4:29 to go in the game.

However, North Huron responded with six straight points to take a 43-38 lead with 1:18 to go. That stretched included the only two points of the game from the Warrior's John Schramski.

Five seconds later, Justin Cleary (9 points) drilled a triple to cut it to a 43-41, but a Sean Clancy dunk with 44 seconds to go, increased North Huron's advantage to 45-41.

Ubly responded with another three from Cleary to pull within one (45-44), but Clancy smoothly hit a pair of free throws to give his team a 47-44 lead with 24 seconds to play.

Adam Glaza (11 points) hit a three with 16 seconds to go, which tied the game, but they got caught napping as North Huron quickly pushed the ball up the court from Dhyse to Kevin Rice for the game-winning lay-up with nine seconds to go, Rice's only points of the game.

Leipprandt explained his team had been in such a fouling mode at that point, they had one foul compared to six for North Huron late in the quarter and been making up for lost time (putting themselves in position to send North Huron to the line if necessary), and for a second or two hesistated, not knowing whether to foul or just play defense. That hesitation cost them.

As for North Huron, the game-winning play nearly didn't happen, as Empkie considered calling a time out and setting up a final play, but saw what was developing and let it go. It obviously proved to be the right decision.

This was truly a signature win for the Warriors, who have won 26 straight regular season games at this point (2 to end 2007-2008, 20 in 2008-2009), 4 to start 2009-2010), and could conceivably be at 42 by the end of this season.

I thought their biggest obstacle to a second straight undefeated season would be this game and with this victory and having been tested at this level, as long as these players don't let this win go to their heads or there aren't any significant injuries, I can't see this team losing too many if any regular season games this year.

Let me say it right now, I think they're going 20-0 and if that happens, that nice TSA Team of the Year trophy could be staying in the North Huron trophy case for another year.

But this is all conjecture at this point, because while on paper it would appear the path to a perfect season has been cleared, the games still have to be played.

If games were only played on paper, Ubly would be the undefeated team right now and North Huron's regular season win streak would have ended at 25.

As for Ubly's future this season, this game doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things as it is a non-league game. Leipprandt said the loss could turn out to be a good thing in the long run, as it might show this team they need to continue to work hard to be successful and bring them down to Earth in terms of how good they are.

Port Hope 39, Ubly 34

2009-12-29T22:41:00.004-05:00

The Bluestars were looking for a challenge, a tough game that would be a battle to the end to tough them up and that is exactly what they got against Ubly.

Port Hope led 12-10 after the first and rallied to tie the game at 20-20 at halftime. The Bluestars broke things open in the third, as they outscored the Bearcats 12-2 to take a 10 point lead into the final quarter.

From there, things got a little dicey as Ubly pulled within six, 37-31, but perhaps didn't take advantage of the moment as they opted to play defense and try to force a turnover, rather than fouling.

Allyson Koglin led Port Hope with 16, while Kayla Gust added 14. Nicole Franzel led Ubly with 14.

Bluestars and Bearcats pick up big wins...

2009-12-22T23:32:00.006-05:00

Trying to keep the eyes open here following several long days of getting the paper out early this week. Here are some photos from both yesterday's 46-33 win for Port Hope over North Huron and Ubly's 75-60 win over USA tonight. Allyson Koglin led Port Hope with 27 points yesterday, while Steven Weber led all scorers with 22 tonight.

TSA 10 Top 10 polls for this week

2009-12-22T07:29:00.002-05:00

Working at a break neck pace this week to try and get the papers out two days early, because of the holiday. Hope to possibly have pics up from last night and tonight sometime tonight, but until then, here is something to chew on...

TOP TEN - Both #1's are unanimous......
BOYS
1.Ubly - 30
T2. Reese - 24
T2. Harbor Beach - 24
4. Vassar - 23
5. North Branch - 19
T6. Sandusky - 12
T6. Millington - 12
T6. North Huron - 12
9. Brown City - 5
10. Bad Axe -3
Other votes: EPBP - 1

GIRLS
1. Sandusky - 30
2. Reese - 27
3. Brown City - 22
4. Vassar - 21
5. Deckerville - 18
6. North Branch - 17
7. Harbor Beach - 12
T8. Marlette - 6
T8. Mayville - 6
T10. Kingston - 3
T10. Port Hope - 3

Ultimate Warriors improve to 3-0

2009-12-19T09:40:00.003-05:00

North Huron was running and gunning early on in their mathc-up with Memphis and jumped out to a 36-20 halftime lead. But the pesky Yellow Jackets kept plugging away and eventually pulled within five in the third quarter, before the Warriors slowly pulled away to win 65-50.

Of note, coach Paul Empkie thought his team didn't manage the clock well in the cecond half, as they struggled to slow the game down and run the clock some. Instead they wanted to continue to push the ball, which led to several turnovers.

As Empkie put it, part of the problem was his team is too unselfish. He said two or three guys on the team need to be reminded to be mopre selfish and shoot, because sometimes that extra pass led to turnovers.

As for the clock management issues, Empkie noted it is early and something they will work to perfect throughout the season.

One last interesting note as it pertain's to North Huron's showdown with Ubly on the 30th. The Warriors struggled to stop Memphis's #32 (name is escaping me right now), who was their force in the paint. He scored a game-high 30 points, but could have had many more as he had some tough misses in the paint and was 4-of-11 from the line.

With two premier postplayers for the Bearcats, this could present issues for North Huron, although Empkie feels his team will be able to deal with it.

Here are some other scores from the Friday Night Scoreboard:
Boys
Armada 60, Brown City 52
Akron-Fairgrove 70, Dryden 38
Kingston 62, Caseville 31
Millington 64, Caro 54
North Branch 57, Essexville Garber 39
Peck 69, Owen-Gage 41

Girls
EPBP 56, Ubly 38
Harbor Beach 56, Bad Axe 33
Millington 36, Caro 27
North Branch 44, Essexville Garber 37
Reese 64, Mayville 28
Sandusky 59, USA 32
Vassar 58, Buena Vista 48

Bearcats comeback against Reese

2009-12-15T22:43:00.004-05:00

Steven Weber
Tyler Kubacki

Justin Cleary

Tyler Kubacki

Steven Weber

Steven Weber

Tyler Kubacki

Steven Weber

Tyler Peruski

Adam Glaza

Tyler Kubacki

Steven Weber

Eric Booms

Ubly trailed 43-36 with 2:01 left in the third and 47-42 with 6:05 left in the fourth, but outscored Reese 14-6 in the final six minutes to pull off the 56-53 win.
Steven Weber led Ubly with 20 points, while Tyler Kubacki added 14. Eric Booms and Marshall Leipprandt added nine points each for the Bearcats.

Other boys scores from tonight (courtesy of thumbtailgaters.blogspot.com):

Armada 64, North Branch 58

Carrollton 54, BCAS 52

Caseville @ Owen-Gage postponed

EPBP 72, Mayville 40

Harbor Beach 51, Cass City 32

Kingston 53, CPS 52 OT

Vassar 49, Sandusky 47

Warriors pound Caseville, PH gets by Owen-Gage

2009-12-14T22:53:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos from tonight's action, which saw North Huron beat Caseville 72-35 and Port Hope defeat Owen-Gage 55-31.

For the Warriors, Megan Heffner had 25 points including 14 in the first half, while Sara Clancy added 15. The Eagle's Rebecca Janke led her team with 15 points as well. For the Bluestars, Allyson Koglin and Briitany Schave scored 12 points apiece, while Christy Schmidt led the Bulldogs with 11.

Double-dipping tonight

2009-12-14T14:30:00.002-05:00

I'll be doing heading out to a pair of games tonight for pictures, starting at the Caseville @ North Huron girls game @ 6 p.m. and ending with Port Hope @ Owen-Gage girls.
I'll have photos up later tonight when I get back. Please feel free to post any scores you have from tonight's games.
Our covergae schedule the rest of the week looks like this:
Tuesday, Ubly @ Reese boys (full coverage)
Thursday, Harbor Beach @ Bad Axe boys (full coverage)
Friday, Memphis @ North Huron boys (photos)

Sandusky battles Lakers

2009-12-11T23:17:00.002-05:00

Went to Lakers vs. Sandusky for a half to grab a photo for the paper, which has just been put to bed. Don't have a final on this one, waited as long as I could for it to get it in the paper...but can;t hold the press up for a single score.

As for the game, Lakers jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and lead 17-14 after the first. Early on I felt like Sandusky didn't get Marissa DeMott the ball enough and that some of the other players were forcing up shots.Things settled down in the second and the Redskins exploded to take a 37-24 (I think) lead at the half.

DeMott had 13 by my count in the first half.

All-Thumb football team announced

2009-12-02T08:27:00.002-05:00

Check out today's Huron County Press to find out who made this year's All-Thumb Football team.
The HCP's coverage area was well-represented as athletes from those teams earned 39 of 107 spots or roughly 36 percents of the roster space.

Bearcats fall in semifinals 26-6

2009-11-21T20:18:00.014-05:00

Ubly had plenty of opportunities early on against Hudson, but for most of the first half neither team could cash in offensively. An interception late in the 2nd quarter set the table for a Hudson score, which was followed by the tigers tripping the ball from Ubly on their next possession and scoring on the play, giving them a 12-0 edge.
The Bearcats responded with a nine yard TD pass to Eric Booms to pull withing six and regain some momentum heading into the half.
However, Ubly wasn't able to finish off their third quarter drives and Hudson was able to work the clock on the drives even when they didn't score.
Hudson pulled off a couple of late scores to pull away and win 26-6 (with the last one coming with 26 seconds to play).
The score may not show it, but it was an outstanding effort on defense for Ubly, in my opinion it was their best effort of the year. They held Hudson to under 300 yards, which is the first time that has happened all season.
This officially ends our fall sport season...kudos Ubly and Millington in football, as well as Caseville, Deckerville, Marlette and North Branch in volleyball on great runs.
On Dec. 2, we'll be announcing our All-Thumb football team and then it'll be on to basketball.
Check out our stories on this game in Wednesday's paper, but until then, here are 49 memorable photos from the game...

A legend passes

2009-11-19T12:25:00.003-05:00

Here is a message that was posted on the web site for Coach Herp. Let's all keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time.

Anyone wishing to share memories of Gerry can feel free to do so here.
Title: The HERP FAMILY
Name: THE HERP FAMILY
Message: WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE AND WILL RESPOND TO THIS WEB SITE. MY DAD, COACH HERP, LOVED THE MESSAGES AND LOOKED FORWARD TO HEARING THEM RIGHT UP UNTIL THE LAST FEW HOURS. HE PASSED AWAY ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, AT 11:22 A.M. MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW AS WE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ZINGER SMIGIELSKI FUNERAL HOME IN UBLY, MICHIGAN.

Next up, Hudson...

2009-11-18T09:55:00.003-05:00

BY CHRIS OGRYSKI
EDITOR

The reward for Ubly’s win over Petersburg-Summerfield is a showdown with another team looking for their first state championship in the modern football playoffs, Hudson.
The Tigers advanced to this Saturday’s state semifinals at Ortonville-Brandon High School with a 42-41 double overtime win over 10 time state champion Mendon last Friday.
Hudson, who like Ubly runs the Wing-T, started off that game with a 16 play, 10 minute drive that may not have resulted in a score, but gave them early momentum in the contest. After forcing Mendon to punt just 2:03 into their first drive of the game, the Tigers took advantage of their second opportunity, when Chris Robbins scored on a two yard run that capped a 12 play, 75 yard drive.
“It was built up as they have this great defense and we have a great offense and what is going to give,” Hudson coach Chris Luma said. “Obviously in those situations you want to make your point first.”
Robbins rushed for 96 yards and two scores, while teammate Drew Milligan led the team with 106 yards and two TDs. As a unit, the Tigers rushed for 323 against the Hornets.
While things went Hudson’s way early on, they had a 7-0 lead at that point and a 13:36 advantage in time of possession, things turned rather quickly as Mendon scored on a pair of pass plays from C.J. Nightingale to Tim Slaughter and Jordan Higgins, which helped give the Hornets a 14-7 edge heading into the half.
Nightingale intercepted a pass from Hudson QB Nathan Smith late in the second quarter, which set up the Hornet’s final score of the second quarter.
Mendon was able to maintain that momentum in the second half, as they extended a seven point halftime edge to a 28-14 advantage with 7:53 to go. Despite the deficit, the Tigers never considered going away from what got them there, the run game.
“(I told them) that they had to keep believing and they were going to score,” Luma said as he tried to explain the pep talk he gave his players before they mounted the late comeback.
He added, “We talked about the heart of a champion and the heart of a champion never quits, it never gives up and never doubts what they are doing.”
The pep talk worked, as Hudson began to drive down the field. However as time continued to tick off the clock, members of the coaching staff became concerned. “My coach up top (in the booth) kept yelling, ‘You have to hurry up a little bit; you’re down two scores. You have to score quicker than that,’” Luma explained.
“I just didn’t want to make any mistakes, so we didn’t over-rush it.”
That patience paid off as Milligan scored on a four yard run with 3:36 left in the game. Following an extra point, Hudson found itself trailing by seven.
Things continued to go the Tigers way, as they seemed to recover the onside kick. However, in the pile, Mendon was able to gain possession of the ball and the Hornets only needed a pair of first downs to secure the win.
That is where Hudson caught a break, as Mendon sophomore Cody Bingaman fumbled the ball with under three minutes to play, which gave Hudson one last chance to tie things up.
The Tigers used a 10 play, 67 yard drive to score in just 2:04 on a two yard run and added a two-point conversion to tie the game at 28 apiece with 41 seconds left in the game.
Hudson did not throw a single pass in either drive. “If they stopped us doing what we do best, I can live with that,” Luma said.
“I didn’t want to throw it up, which is something that we aren’t very good at, and give up our opportunity to score, which is why we stuck to the ground,” he added.
During the regular season, the Tigers threw just 17 passes for 79 yards. Heading into the first overtime, the Tigers had thrown just two passes, one was a halfback pass and the other throw was intercepted.
So it was ironic that trailing 41-34 in the second overtime, facing a 2nd and goal on the 26 yard line (due to a penalty that occurred on Mendon’s score), Hudson would win the game with a long, TD strike to a wide open receiver.
“We are a running team, so to win this game with a pass is sweet,” Luma explained.
Having spent so much energy in their comeback and to get that score in the second overtime, Luma felt there was no doubt what needed to be done. “After we scored, it was an automatic that we were going for two. We just felt we needed to win it now if we were going to,” he said.
Smith plunged on a QB keeper to win the team their first regional title since 2003, a year where they finished as state runner-up after losing to Traverse City St. Francis 28-14 in the finals that year. The same Gladiators team that beat Ubly 20-14 in the semifinals that year.
Tale of the tape
With these teams both running the same offense, it would be interesting to see how each team’s top running backs compare. For Hudson, Drew Millington has rushed for 1,248 yards and 19 TDS, while Chris Robbins has 1,089 yards and 18 scores.
Ubly’s top back, Justin Cleary has rushed for 1,586 yards and 17 scores, while Bryan Nash has 1,069 yards and 18 scores.
When combined, Ubly’s top two backs have outrushed Hudson’s 2,655-2,337 or by a total of 318 yards.
Overtime did you know?
Hudson and Mendon combined for 83 points in their overtime battle last Friday, bt did you know that the highest scoring overtime game in MHSAA history was a combined 139 points in a 70-69 4 OT win for Tawas over Shepherd in 2002.
The highest combined scores in double overtime contest is 129, which happened twice in 1989 and 2003; both scores were 65-64.
Sweeney comments on Hudson
After having what Ubly coach Bill Sweeney described as one of their toughest games of the year against Petersburg-Summerfield in regionals, he knew it would only get tougher this week.
“They’re 12-0 and they are going to be tough,” Sweeney said of Hudson.
“Division 7 is just loaded this year. But anything can happen on any given night,” he explained.
“St. Francis went to overtime the other night (they beat Ishpeming 28-20), Mendon lost a game that many people thought they had wrapped up, which they didn’t,” he added.
“That tells you a lot about Hudson. They are tough, they are electrifying offensively, they run the same stuff we do, maybe a little differently. They are basically the same type of team, a ball control team and score a lot of points and it should be a heckuva ball game.”
As to whether Sweeney felt it was an advantage to prepare for a team that runs a different version of the same type of offense, he noted, “Our defense originally was designed to stop the ‘T,’ but (you know) they are going to execute their offense well.”

Ubly passes the test...

2009-11-14T23:49:00.011-05:00

For the first time since Ubly battled Traverse City St. Francis in the state finals last year, the Bearcats actually found themselves in a ball game.

Ubly jumped out to an 8-0 lead and led 30-6 at the half, but it was obvious that early in the game the team came out flat. After a second quarter time out from coach Bill Sweeney, the team seemed to play with the fire they needed to.

In the second half, Peterburg-Smumemrfield went almost exclusively to the air and QB Mike Hewitt, who threw for 258 yards, connected with a pair of long TD catches to Eric Cogan, who had three on the day.

Ubly did shut down the run, as they held the Bulldogs to a pultry 34 rushing yards.

Give P-S credit, they came to play and really challenged the Bearcats, even if the scoreboard might not indicate that. They are a program on the rise and should be in the playoff mix for years to come.

The coaching staff isn't too concerned with the miscues, they realize they just have to clean some things up, so they don;t make any criitical errors when they face Hudson this Saturday at Ortonville-Brandon.

For the Bearcats on offese, the team rushed for 472 yards and were led by Jordan Terassi with 188 yards on 10 carries and a score, while Justin Cleary added two scores and 167 yards on the ground, giving him 1,577 yards and 17 scores for the year so far.

We're live here in Hudson!!!!

2009-11-13T18:20:00.002-05:00

We're here live at Hudson for the showdown between Mendon and Hudson and we'll be updating live throughgout the night...play-by-play.
Of note, just spoke with John Johnson and the sites being considered if Ubly were to make a semifinal at this point are Howell and Brandon.
Just check the comments as we continue to update what is going on and give you some pre-game info.
We got here around 6 p.m. and there was well over a 1,000 in attendance already. Estimates are for a crowd of 5,000.
The game will be available to be watched tomorrow on MHSAA TV.

Attention football fans...Mendon vs. Hudson coverage live tonight!!!

2009-11-13T09:30:00.003-05:00

It has the potential to be one of the game's of the year...
For the last several weeks, most area football fans have been dissecting the playoffs, looking for potential opponents and stumbling blocks down the road.
A majority of fans I've talked to our less concerned with Ubly's opponent tomorrow, Summerfield, who despite having had a great season, are truly lacking in any type of playoff experience. Instead, they are focused more on who will win between Mendon and Hudson; and how well Ubly will stack up against them.
Well tonight is when you all find out. Having the rare opportunity to go see an out of area game on a Friday night, a buddy of mine suggested we hitch a ride with the Tuscola County Advertiser's Chad Wingert, the mayor of Mayville, and see Millington play at Ovid-Elsie.
But instead, I thought for an extra hour drive, we could see the heavily hyped Mendon vs. Hudson game, which would be useful if Ubly went forward, because I could talk to the winning coach right on the spot for a potential preview and actually seeing what they could do on the field instead of just reading about it in one of their area papers or on Mlive.
So to make a long story short, I'm working out the details right now, but if all goes well, we'll have live updates throughout the game...on a play by play basis, along with instant thoughts and analysis on the game as it occurs.
Spread the word Thumb football fans, if you want to know what Ubly might be facing in another week if they win tomorrow, this is the place to be.

Eagles win, Eagles fall

2009-11-12T23:18:00.005-05:00

Caseville may have failed to win their first regional championship in volleyball tonight, but they were victors in their own right. Despite losing to Deckerville in three (25-10, 25-19, 25-19), the Eagles put the Caseville volleyball program on the map, with what could only be described as a gutsy performance against Deckerville.

Despite being decided underdogs, Caseville came ready to play and were every bit Deckerville's equal for most of the second and third games.

Watts noted that the key for this team to repeat and possibly surpass their success from this year it will take a dedicated effort throughout the summer.

This officially ends our volleyball season, aside from the All-Thumb volleyball team, which will be announced on Nov. 25.

Caseville advances to regional finals

2009-11-10T22:38:00.003-05:00

The Eagles swept Faith Burton in their regional semifinals at North Huron tonight. They advance to the regional finals on Thursday, where they will meet Deckerville at 7 p.m. The Eagles swept BCAS earlier tonight, a team that made it to Battle Creek last year.
Photos will be up in the next hour...

Let's help out coach Herp

2009-11-09T21:45:00.004-05:00

I'm reposting this message, I got in another post. I'm hoping everyone will take time to visit the web site below and leave a message. Between this and facebook, I'm hoping we can get 100 messages to coach before this Saturday's game.

Here is the message:

Chris,

Wondering if you could do me a huge favor. Bill Sweeney will be trying to beat my dad's straight wins record this Saturday.

Anyone out there that was coached by, coached against or just knew my dad should give him a shout. He could use the good wishes. Check out http://www.coachherp.com/.

Thanks - Coach Herp's Daughter #2 (Betsy Herp)

Here is info from the site as to why coach needs the well-wishes:

Ubly Football Coach Herp - Gerald F. Herp has been a coach, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend to many people in this world. As you may know, because you have reached this website, he has been battling some medical problems since July 2009. It began with chest pains, a triple by-pass and finding out in the process that he had liver disease.
During his recovery from heart surgery he has had some setbacks with infections and kidney problems, making him ineligible for a liver transplant. While he is back at home, he needs lots of love, support and prayers to get him through the next six months, at which time he will be revaluated for a live donor liver transplant through the University of Michigan Medical Center. It truely is amazing what the medical community can do.
So we are asking for your help in providing words of encouragement, thoughts, prayers, funny stories about football, baseball and or softball (yes he coached those Ubly girls too!) or just good memories you have about Mr. Gerry Herp. Please be forewarned that whatever you write will be read by the masses and someday may even end up in a book about the "Best Little Coach in Ubly!"

Eagles soar to Class D district title

2009-11-09T21:40:00.004-05:00

BY CHRIS OGRYSKI
EDITOR

AKRON – For the first time in over 20 years, the Caseville volleyball team has won a district championship.
Last Friday, the Eagles beat North Huron in four (25-15, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23) to claim the school’s first girls’ title in any sport since 1985.
For the Eagles, Rebecca Janke had 12 points, eight kills and three digs, while Tabitha Dexter added eight points and seven kills. Heather Nowak had 12 points and 10 kills, Chalon Foreman four kills, Emily Kurschner 12 points, Natasha Simmons 10 points, Amber Bieri seven points and nine digs, and Haley Buckey four digs.
Setters Maureen Fortsch and Kurschner were 98 percent successful on their sets, while blockers Angela Hessel and Veronica Sauer combined for six blocks. “Every player did her job,” Caseville coach David Watts said. “I am so proud of the young ladies.
“I’m beyond ecstatic!”
Watts felt it was a total team effort that led to his team’s victory. “Everyone - from the people on the court putting it all on the line, to the players on the bench cheering them on, to the Eagle fans in the stands yelling their support – played a key role in the victory,” he said.
According to Watts, one key for Caseville was to not focus on the championship and instead focus on playing good fundamental volleyball. “All week in practice, we hardly mentioned the title. Instead we focused on specific goals: taking that ‘one extra step’ to the ball, serving at least 90 percent (the team was 92 percent against North Huron) and ‘staying aggressive’ with our play,” he said.
“The team executed the gameplan and the results came.”
Yesterday in regional semifinal action, Caseville took on Burton Faith at North Huron. If they won, they advance to the regional finals on Thursday, November 12 at 7 p.m. where they face the Bay City All Saints-Deckerville winner.
For the Warriors, Megan Heffner had 15 kills, 22 digs, four aces and one assist, while Sara Clancy added 15 kills, five digs and one assist.
Amanda Navock had 39 assists, five digs and three kills, Stephanie Goretski 22 digs and two aces, Hanna Selaty eight kills and 18 digs, Caitlin Homrich four kills, four digs and two assists, Ashley Case four kills and Katie Knoblock two aces.
North Huron advanced to the finals with wins over Akron-Fairgrove (25-10, 25-20, 25-12) and last year’s champions Owen-Gage (25-17, 25-16, 25-14).

Area athletes compete in state finals

2009-11-09T21:33:00.002-05:00

Harbor Beach’s Wessels earns all-state honors
BROOKLYN – With a seventh place finish (19:51.8) in division four action this past Saturday at the Milan International Speedway, Harbor Beach’s Ali Wessels earned all-state honors for the second straight year. Wessels finished fourth overall in 2008.
Also in D4 girls actions, Pirate teammate Alicia Erdman finished 55th (21:22.5).
In the division three girls race, the Bad Axe girls, who finished third at regionals to qualify as a team, finished 22nd overall.
For the Lady Hatchets, Cassie Hanson finished 107th (21:24.7), Breann Schramski 132nd (21:51.3), Hailey Richards 167th (22:35.3), Heather Smith 168th (22:35.5), Crystal Schaible 201st (23:16.7) and Mary Ellen Yaklic 209th (23:28.4).
In D3 boys action, Jeremy Pawlowski finished 122nd (17:52.5), while Nicholas Pawlowski finished right behind him at 124th (17:54.2). Teammate Martin Wolschlager finished 177th (18:32.9).
Ubly’s John Creguer finished 91st (18:16) in the D4 boys race.

Bearcats win district crown

2009-11-06T22:02:00.006-05:00

The champs.
Justin Cleary...see coaches Terry Messing (right, background) and I think Dave Kaufman raising their arms to signal the touchdown that was just a few yards away.
Justin Cleary.

Freshman Curtis Booms, who my wife Jill taught years ago in Young Fives, tackles QB Garrett Cook. Booms is one of a long line of great Ubly football players my wife have taught through the years including Eric LaBuhn and Mitch Cleary, who were in here first Ubly class ever, which was a second grade.

Curtis Booms.

Eric Booms attempts a tackle.

Bryan Nash looks stunned after being called for pass interference in the first half. Genesee would get a 1st and goal on the nine and scored to tie the game at 6-6 at the time.

Justin cleary, who led the team with 157 yards rushing...

Justin Cleary.

Cleary on defense.

Steven Weber looks for a chance to sack the QB.

The celebration.

Time to celebrate.

The Ubly defense steps up.

Kade Kwiatkowski scores late in the game.

Joe LaFave is wrapped up on the kick return.

Joe LaFave picks off a Cook pass in the fourth.

The "U" is proudly displayed...

It was expected that Genesee would be a better test for Ubly than Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest was in week one of the playoffs. And the Wolves were, but only six points better.
Ubly put forth another dominant effort, knocking off a 10-0 Genesee team 52-6 (they won their opener over the Crusaders 52-0).
Tied at 6-6 heading into the second, the Bearcats scored 40 unanswered points in the second quarter and one in the fourth to win 52-6. As for the 40 points, the MHSAA does not have a record for points in the quarter, so no way to know how that stacks up with other efforts throughout the years.
Justin Cleary led Ubly with 157 yards on 17 carries and four scores, all in the first half.
Consequently, Garrett Cook was held to under 200 yards of total offense, which was the team's goal heading into the game. Cook was held to 77 yards passing and 63 yards on the ground for 140 yards on the day. He had been averaging 256 yards per game heading into the game.
We'll have photos up later tonight and possibly some audio from both coach Bill Sweeney and Jim Becker tonight or tomorrow.
In some bonus info, Caseville beat North Huron to win the Class D volleyball districts at Akron-Fairgrove tonight.

Here are some scores of note in Division 7:

Petersburg Summerfield beats Detroit Loyola 28-22, so they will face off for Ubly this Saturday at 7 p.m.

Also in D7, Hudson beat Reading 40-0 as expected, while Merrill beat Whittemore-Prescott 33-26 and Traverse City St. Francis knocked off Rudyard 54-8 (Editor's note: Rudyard is where my grandparents retired when they were alive) and Ispheming knocked off Ishpeming Westwood 38-0.

In a game to watch tomorrow, Mendon hosts White Pigeon at 1 p.m.

Other area scores include:

Millington 21, Vassar 6

St. Charles 35, Reese 14

Let't talk football...

2009-11-06T12:42:00.001-05:00

Tonight I'll be at Ubly covering their district final showdown with Genesee. We'll have photos, thoughts and analysis later this evening.
Until then, gear up for the big game with this interview TSA member Paul Adams and I conducted with Ubly coach Bill Sweeney earlier this week:
http://www.box.net/shared/kagpqyux9v

Bearcats win district crown

2009-11-05T21:41:00.003-05:00

Ubly had USA at match point in game three (24-22), but the Patriots rallied to win that game 26-24 and take game four 25-15. The Bearcats rebounded in the final game to win 15-12 and take the match.
Ubly will compete in regionals on Tuesday in Montrose. That same night, the Class D regional will take place at North Huron, which will feature the winner of the Caseville-North Huron battle tomorrow night.

Volleyball coverage from

2009-11-05T16:21:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder, we'll have coverage tonight from the Class C district finals at Bad Axe, where USA takes on Ubly in the finals. We'll have photos, scores and more later tonight.
Tomorrow, we'll have complete coverage of the Ubly-Genesee game with photos, thoughts, possibly etc.
Feel free to send in your well wishes, your thoughts after the game, your predictions for tomorrow, etc.
Let's get a discussion going!!!!

USA and Ubly to meet in district finals

2009-11-04T22:05:00.004-05:00

Ubly beat Cass City 25-22, 25-12, 25-20 in game one of the district semifinals, while USA took four games to knock off Bad Axe (25-20, 19-25, 27-25, 25-21).

Here are some stats from Ubly:

Nicole Franzel 13/13 serving and 27 digs

Chelsey Pionk 6 kills and 3 blocks

Lauren Peplinski 13/13 serving

Nicole Kubacki 9 kills Jen white 26 assists and 9 digs

Sam Sweeney 9/9 serving and 21 digs

Caitlyn Holdwick 11 kills

Jessica Gracey 5 kills

Comments from Ubly coach Andy Gusa:

"I was very pleased with our team energy. We had some blocks early with set the tone for the night. our defense has been improving all season. Our kids just enjoy playing the game. The playoffs are just a great part of the season."

Here are some stats from USA:

Calie Valentine 10 assists 5 digs
Cami Valentine 14 service receptions 11 digs
Brittany Gruehn 17 service reception 5 digs 12 points
Jenny Williamson 12 kills 8 points 1 ace 12 service reception 3 digs
Maddy Payton 2 kills 1 block and 2 assists
Chelsey Ewald 11 points 1 ace 20 assists
Rachel Mowry 7 points 10 kills
Sam Eisengruber 12 kills 1 block 1 assist

USA coach Teresa Rose didn't send any comments along when she e-mailed the game stats.

These two teams will meet up tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Bad Axe.

Volleyball coverage coming later tonight

2009-11-04T10:22:00.002-05:00

Just a quick reminder that we'll have volleyball coverage on the blog later tonight. I'll be in Bad Axe covering the Class C district where Cass City tangles with Ubly @ 6p.m. and USA battles Bad Axe with a tentative start time of 7:30 p.m. (Actual start time will be 30 minutes after the completion of the first game).
In opening round action, Cass City swept Lakers 25-22, 25-22, 25-15, while Ubly received a bye. USA beat Harbor Beach in four (25-18, 25-14, 15-25, 25-13), while Bad Axe also received a bye.

Can the Bearcats stop Genesee’s potent offense?

2009-11-03T22:57:00.003-05:00

BY CHRIS OGRYSKI
EDITOR

UBLY – History has a way of repeating itself, but Genesee hopes that isn’t the case this week.
When the Wolves take on Ubly this Friday at 7 p.m. in a battle of undefeated teams, they will be looking to exorcise their playoff demons, which include a pair of losses to the Bearcats by a combined score of 108-6.
But if there is one thing certain about this year’s Genesee team, it is that they are much improved compared to the Wolves teams that previously lost to Ubly. “They are the most talented opponent we’ve played all year,” Bearcats coach Bill Sweeney said.
That talented team includes quarterback Garrett Cook who scored six TDs in a 43-8 win over Brown City in last week’s pre-districts. On the ground, Cook rushed for 112 yards on 19 totes and had three touchdowns, while adding 173 yards in the air and two TDs on a 9-of-21 passing effort. Cook also scored on an 85 yard kickoff return.
If those numbers aren’t impressive enough, for the season Cook has passed for 1,605 yards and 26 touchdowns, while adding 947 yards rushing and another 16 scores. “Cook is tough to stop and he has three or four guys he can throw it to,” Sweeney said in reference to receivers Tyler Peltonen (530 yards, 11 TDs), Carl Youry (374 yards, six TDs), Donnovan Aleman (342 yards, five TDs) and Thomas Jean (319 yards, two TDs).
“He is tough to contain and he is a great player,” Sweeney added.
But containing Cook is exactly what Ubly did last year, as Genesee’s potent offense was held in check to the tune of just six points. “He was a great player for them last year, too. We were just fortunate enough to get out ahead of them early,” Sweeney explained.
As for how to contain Cook this year, the team will look to the success they had against another scrambling quarterback, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest’s (RHLN) Alexander Massell, who they held to 26 yards passing, while the team was held to just 39 yards of total offense.
“We were able to differentiate between the run and the pass with Rochester Hills blocking scheme; that was the biggest thing,” Sweeney said. “We were working a lot with the defensive line and the linebacking core on reading their keys and being able to stop them.”
Sweeney thinks the key against the Wolves will be to stop Genesee’s run game. “It starts with their run game; we have to shut down their run game,” said Sweeney. “We can’t let them be a dual threat run and pass, so we have to shut down the running game as far as I’m concerned.
“They are going to complete passes, because this kid puts the ball on the dime,” he added. “We’re going to have to be in the right spots and tackle.”
Ubly also had the advantage of seeing Genesee play in person against Brown City last Saturday, which has given them a greater insight into this week’s opponent. “They have some size and some speed and we are really concerned. They are an excellent team and they shut Brown City down,” Sweeney explained.
Defensively, Sweeney describes the Wolves as “big and hard to move.”
He explained, “They remind of some of the Harbor Beach teams of the past.
“They have a couple of guys that are 6’4” and 250 pounds at the defensive end spots and they are hard to move. We told the kids that we are going to have to drive our feet and neutralize their size.”
While he wouldn’t go into specifics in terms of his gameplan, Sweeney explained that his staff has several ideas as to gameplan for Genesee’s size. “There are wrinkles you have in your offense and you try to counter what they are doing. You try to make them adjust and get them out of their comfort zone,” he said. “Against Brown City they looked pretty comfortable, but we saw some things that we hope we can accomplish against them.
“Come Friday night we’ll have to do that.”
“We know what is at stake, a district championship. The kids just have to be ready to play,” Sweeney said.

Let's talk some football

2009-11-03T11:17:00.004-05:00

This Friday there will be a clash of the titans or so it would seem to be on paper as the lone remaining team in our coverage area, Ubly (10-0), faces Genesee (10-0) at 7 p.m.

I say on paper, because in their previous two meetings, the Bearcats have owned the Wolves, outscoring them 108-6.

But here is where the disparity comes in or at least some people I have talked to are hoping it will come in...

Based on history, it would appear Ubly wins this one in a cake walk.

However, everything I keep hearing and reading says that this year's Genesee team is to quote fellow TSA member Paul Adams "the real deal." To clarify, Paul has never called the Wolves the "real deal" but it is one of his football catch phrases.

I do think in reading up on this team that their quarterback scares me a little bit. Garrett Cook accounted for all six of his team’s touchdowns against Brown City. On the ground, Cook rushed for 112 yards on 19 totes and had three touchdowns, while adding 173 yards in the air and two TDs on a 9-of-21 passing effort. Cook also scored on an 85 yard kickoff return.

Looks pretty scary. But then I reread the story I wrote on this game for this week's paper and I realize that Genesee still is VERY inexperineced getting their first playoff win since 1999 when they beat the Green Devils last week.

So I think there are a lot of factors out there in determining just how close this game will be. And from some of the people I've been talking to, they are hoping Ubly gets tested, which they felt was an element that hurt them last season...never getting tested until the finals...well let's not relive those memories of that game...

As far as needing a test, I do think that Hudson and Mendon face in a regional final a week from Friday or Saturday, making one of them a very battle tested team heading into the semis. I might feel a little better about the Bearcat's chance in a game against one of them, if they had a challenge or two of their own.

Or is this year's team that good that they likely won't be challenged until say a semi no matter what.

I think the truth lies somewhere in between.

I think Genesee will test this team early and even score a TD or two. But like every game I've seen Ubly play, there coaches have a knack for adjusting and I think that still ends up happening here.

I'm predicting a convincing win. but a quality one that makes the Bearcats a better team heading forward. I'm thinking 44-14 or somewhere in that area, maybe 38-14...

But enough for what I think...we'll let Bill Sweeney tell you what he thinks. Tonight we'll have audio from the coach from an interview I'm doing with him this evening...and tonight or tomorrow we'll have a short preview story to enjoy as well.

**But its not just about football around here, as we'll have some photos and info from volleyball action in Class C from Wednesday and Thursday night.**

Consider this a start of an overhaul here at the blog. We're not going to be satisfied being just "the picture blog" anymore.

Ubly shuts out RHLN

2009-10-30T23:41:00.007-04:00

Eric Booms handles the opening kickoff after it takes a bad bounce.
Justin Cleary
Jordan Terassi

Steven Weber

Bryan Nash

Booms makes a controversial TD catch...see his feet touch in bounds.

QB Adam Glaza

Adam Glaza

Terassi attempts an extra point.

Nash

Booms prepares to catch a 2 pt. pass from Austin Drake.

Austin Drake

Zac Messing

The future Ubly backfield?

Joe LaFave

LaFave

Drake

Ubly was out to send a message on Friday and they did, holding Rochester Lutheran Hills Northwest to 39 yards of total offense...not a misprint. So much for a defense everyone doubted. Offensively, Justin Cleary ran for over 150 and everyone got involved from the regulars like Nash and Terassi to JV call-ups like Jimmy Shaw and Nick Sweeney.

Hopefully this effort silences the doubters...

Lakers season ends in Reese

2009-10-30T22:48:00.003-04:00

It was the same result is Reese as the Lakers bowed out of the playoffs in the first round 29-6. The EPBP offense was shut out as the only TD was scored when Chris Rowe stripped the ball from the Reese QB and found the endzone. The Lakers came close in the first half, but was denied on four plays within the 10 yards line. They also suffered from 4 turnovers that stalled any offensive threat.

Reese 29, Lakers 6

2009-10-30T22:26:00.002-04:00

The Lakers went down 8-0 early and trailed 14-6 at the half, but the Rockets put them away in the final 24 minutes.
Steve Jias will post photos later tonight or this weekend.

Lady Lakers battle Cougars

2009-10-29T21:48:00.003-04:00

Pirates fall short in semis

2009-10-28T22:11:00.004-04:00

The Lancers proved to be too much for Harbor Beach as the Pirates dropped thier regional semi game 3-1. AHOC did their damage in the first half scoring their first goal only 11 minutes into the contest. By the end of the first half the Lancers had all they needed.

The Pirates outplayed AHOC in the second half scoring their only goal in the first 10 minutes but couldn't put the ball in the net after that ending their undefeated streak and their season.

Check out our playoof preview

2009-10-28T08:46:00.002-04:00

As an award winning journalist, I have to say that one of the things I am most proud of in my entire career is the playoff preview we put out this week. The seven page, full color preview, which included our Division 6 & Division 7 guides gives information on all 64 teams that make up those two divisions.
Certainly over the next five weeks, it should be a valuable tool to refer to for both the hardcore and average fans as they try to see who is next on the horizon for our Thumb area teams.
Please feel free to leave your feedback on the material.

Volleyball bonanza in Bad Axe

2009-10-27T20:48:00.008-04:00

The Hatchets hosted Ubly, Harbor Beach and USA in a quad meet on Tuesday. Updates to follow.

Ubly plays this Friday

2009-10-25T20:24:00.002-04:00

Ubly will host their playoff opener on Friday @ 7:30p.m.
Check out this Wednesday's 8 pg. playoff preview in this week's paper, for times and info on other games.

Harbor Beach claims district title

2009-10-24T20:25:00.007-04:00

Both teams battled almost gale force winds in the quest to move on to the quarters on Wednesday. The wind definitely played a factor in the game and gave the advantage to the team with the wind at their back.

The Pirates took advantage of the breeze when they scored the lone goal..............just barely as the Marlette goalie watched the ball slowly roll just over the line after the ball squirted through his hands in the second half. That's what it took to move on to the quarterfinals in Wednesday.

Playoff update

2009-10-24T01:40:00.003-04:00

BaRELY awake at this point, but here is the playoff update for the night. There are 230 automatic qualifiers after Friday, leaving 26 possible additional qualifiers.
However, there are two more head-to-head games between 5-3 teams, so there will certainly be at least two more automatic qualifiers, reducing the total possible # of additional qualifiers.
So the answer to the question on all the Ubly fans' minds is, where will Mendon go. Based on my numbers and I'll double-check them in the morning, but at 24 additional qualifiers Mendon is the last team in Divison 8. We predicted in the last week that Mendon would likely be an eight and that Ubly would be a seven, which also appears to be the case.
There are four other 5-3 teams competing tomorrow with the chance to automatically qualify, possibly cutting the field of additional qualifiers as low as 20 or five per division. At that point, Ubly would be the smallest D7 school.
Deckerville also makes it in D8, as the fourth or fifth qualifier, depending on the result of the heads up game between Battle Creek St. Phillip and North Adams-Jerome.
We;ll have the complete list of qualifiers tomorrow night (won't be official, but based on our info, it will be correct).

Perfect again: Ubly beats Bad Axe, finishes 9-0

2009-10-23T23:17:00.006-04:00

Time to crunch the playoff numbers, who's in, etc. so let's just say Ubly was dominate in a 51-12 win. A few mistakes to clean-up, but overall a workman-like effort.

Lakes post shut out

2009-10-23T23:00:00.003-04:00

The Lakers D got the job done tonight in less than perfect conditions while the offense put the ball intothe endzone once in the first half to take a 6-0 lead into the locker room.

Sandusky would be shut out in the second half while EPBP moved the ball effectively and found the end zone twice in the second half wrapping up a share of the GTW title as they prepare for the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.

Lady Warriors win in three

2009-10-22T23:02:00.002-04:00

North Huron had it going on tonight sweeping CPS. Passing was crisp while there were plenty of kills to help the Lady Warriors to the victory.

Fearless Forecasters update

2009-10-22T12:35:00.003-04:00

Here's an update on the weekly picks

Eddie
Overall: 57-22
Last Week: 12-1

This weeks picks:

Lakers vs. Sandusky
Brown City vs. Memphis
Deckerville vs. Lincoln Alcona
Harbor Beach vs. USA
Marlette vs. Peck
Kingston vs. Mayville
Bad Axe vs. Ubly
Mount Morris vs. Reese
BCAS vs. Carrollton
Caro vs. Cass City
Au Gres Sims vs. North Huron
Dryden vs. Maurice
Akron Fairgrove vs. Twining

Rick
Overall: 60-19
Last Week: 11-2

Lakers vs. Sandusky
Brown City vs. Memphis
Deckerville vs. Lincoln Alcona
Harbor Beach vs. USA
Marlette vs. Peck
Kingston vs. Mayville
Bad Axe vs. Ubly
Mount Morris vs. Reese
BCAS vs. Carrollton
Caro vs. Cass City
Au Gres Sims vs. North Huron
Dryden vs. Maurice
Akron Fairgrove vs. Twining

Chris

Overall: 59-20
Last Week: 11-2

Lakers vs. Sandusky
Brown City vs. Memphis
Deckerville vs. Lincoln Alcona
Harbor Beach vs. USA
Marlette vs. Peck
Kingston vs. Mayville
Bad Axe vs. Ubly
Mount Morris vs. Reese
BCAS vs. Carrollton
Caro vs. Cass City
Au Gres Sims vs. North Huron
Dryden vs. Maurice
Akron Fairgrove vs. Twining

Steve
Overall: 56-23
Last Week: 12-1

Lakers vs. Sandusky
Brown City vs. Memphis
Deckerville vs. Lincoln Alcona
Harbor Beach vs. USA
Marlette vs. Peck
Kingston vs. Mayville
Bad Axe vs. Ubly
Mount Morris vs. Reese
BCAS vs. Carrollton
Caro vs. Cass City
Au Gres Sims vs. North Huron
Dryden vs. Maurice
Akron Fairgrove vs. Twining

Updated Standings around the thumb

2009-10-22T10:59:00.004-04:00

Greater Thumb West

Overall
W L W L
Lakers 5 1 6 2
Reese Rockets 5 1 7 1
Vassar 5 1 5 3
BCAS 2 4 3 5
Cass City 2 4 3 5
Bad Axe 1 5 3 5
USA 1 5 1 7

Greater Thumb East

Overall
W L W L
Ubly 6 0 8 0
Brown City 4 2 6 2
Sandusky 4 2 6 2
Deckerville 3 3 4 4
Marlette 3 3 4 4
Harbor Beach 1 5 1 7
Mayville 0 6 0 8

North Central Thumb League

Overall
W L W L
Memphis 4 0 5 3
Dryden 2 2 5 3
North Huron Kinde 2 2 4 4
Peck 2 2 4 4
Kingston 0 4 1 7

Mid Michigan 8 Man Football League

League Overall
W L W L
Ann Arbor Eastern Washtenaw Multicultural 3 0 7 0
Akron Fairgrove 3 1 5 3
Owen-Gage 2 2 4 4
CPS 1 3 2 6
Flint School for the Deaf 0 3 0 5

Bad Axe boys bring home title

2009-10-21T17:48:00.009-04:00

The BAd Axe boy's cross country team surprised everyone as they captured the league title in Cass City. Bad Axe had a 1 2 3 finish with Jeremy Pawlowski leading the way with a time of 18:03. Nicholas Pawlowski finished 2nd (18:04) and Martin Wolschlager finished 3rd at 18:16. Nick Varner finished 13th (19:5), Charlie Prich 18th, (20:57) and Scott Maschke 24th, (22:17).
Coach Lee Kahler was as surprised as anyone saying that he expected the exact opposite as he looked for the girls to take the league title, but was happy to see his boys pull out the victory.

Pirates win district opener

2009-10-20T20:12:00.004-04:00

Alex Delpiere, Austin Gokey, Joshua Lakie
Alex Delpiere, Derek Prichard

Lakie, Delpiere & Dustin Mazure

Chad Koch, Andrew Siemen

Koch, Siemen

A pair of state ranked teams battled it out here tonight in what should have been a district final, but instead because the lack of seeding was instead one of the best district soccer openers I've seen. Harbor Beach jumped out to a 1-0 edge, but USA answered back when a hsot on goal against Pirates goalie Chris Hagedon spun out of his hands. HB answered to take a 2-1 edge.

Chris certainly made up for the allowed goal with an outstanding effort in the second half as he helped his team hold on from a late onslaught from the Patriots. I lost track of how many shots on goals they got , but Pirates coach Phil Bowen joked that it seemed like he more saves tonight then he did in the entire league season. He knew that obviously wasn't true, but with all the shots on goal in the second half, he thought it sure felt like it.

The Pirates face Brown City on Thursday and a likely Saturday final against Marlette.

Playoff Primer

2009-10-20T12:17:00.003-04:00

Ubly will be a Division 7 team in this year's playoffs...
Deckerville will make it as an additional qualifier at 5-4.

Editor’s notes: We are working on something special for next week’s Huron County Press, something that I think is both unique and very useful…a comprehensive Playoff Preview for teams in our coverage area (sorry not the entire Thumb, but since many teams will fall in the same divisions, you will be able to still read about them).
Not only we will be having game preview stories for both the Lakers and Ubly…and North Huron if they sneak in at 5-4, we’ll have information on every game and every team in that division, giving you a resource to reference throughout the entire post-season.
In starting that research, it was critical to find out with some degree of accuracy, which divisions are area teams are going to be competing in.
Based off of that research and barring any major upsets, I’ve come up with a lot of information I think you fans will be interested in reading.
In terms of methodology for this, we worked from the bottom up. Why you may ask? Because the number of additional qualifiers based on class can move things around and push teams up or down, but setting the minimums lets you know the farthest teams can be pushed down.

So here’s your Playoff Preview primer:
There are 336 teams with at least four wins at this point and a shot at getting in the playoffs.
181 teams have already qualified for 256 spots, leaving 75 openings. Based on their match-ups against teams with three wins or less this season, we predict at least an additional 32 teams will automatically qualify this week, cutting the field of additional qualifiers down to 43. Based on head-to-head matchups this week of five win teams, another eight teams will be qualifying for sure, cutting the potential field to 35 spots.
Of the 40 remaining games involving 5-3 teams, we have deemed 21 games to be likely losses based on the record of their opponent (7-1 or 8-0 records for opponents were considered likely losses). One additional team 5-3 team, Memphis, was eliminated from the field due to local knowledge of the likelihood that Brown City will beat them.
What this means is there should be a minimum of 17 additional qualifiers and a maximum of 35. Additional qualifiers are chosen equally from Class A-D and added to the field, before the divisions are drawn up. So for every four additional qualifiers, there will be one from each class. In the case of less than four, the determination of which Class A-D gets the qualifiers is based on largest class size to smallest.
Based on this information, there would be a minimum of four additional qualifiers from Class D (at most five, but that isn’t a realistic possibility). If we assume that perennial playoff powerhouse Muskegon Catholic Central will beat North Muskegon and qualify at 5-4, then depending on the result of the head-to-head match-up between Battle Creek St. Phillip and North Adams-Jerome, who are both 5-3, Deckerville makes it in as the third or fourth additional qualifier if they win this week (which we are predicting they will).
It doesn’t appear at first glance that North Adams-Jerome, if they lose, could pull ahead of Deckerville on playoff points. Battle Creek St. Phillip is already ahead of the Eagles. So there isn’t much chance a joggling of teams would end up costing a 5-4 Deckerville team a chance at the post-season.
As for North Huron, preliminary figures show it is unlikely they will gain enough playoff points to surpass any of the teams in front of them this week, meaning a 5-4 North Huron team likely does not get in, because there are simply not enough possible spots. Technically, if there are eight or nine additional qualifiers they would certainly have a shot, but for that to happen all 40 of the remaining 5-3 teams we discussed earlier would have to lose to 6-2 or 4-4 teams.
We predict Peck loses to Marlette this week, so they are out of the hunt as well.
It would also appear that based on 17 additional qualifiers and four of those coming from Class D, Ubly would be the 34th smallest team overall by attendance and would be in Division 7. However, Mendon, who was thought to be the toughest potential challenger for the Bearcats if they went to Division 8, have two teams in between them, which in at least the first scenario keeps them apart.
For Mendon to go to Division 7, there would need to be at least 24 additional qualifiers, meaning of the 40 5-3 teams we keep referring to 29 of 40 would have to lose, or seven of the teams in the 18 games in question. Five of the 18 games in question see the 5-3 team facing a 6-2 opponent and in one game the team faces a 5-2 opponent that has already qualified for the playoffs.
We’re going to put Mendon dropping to Division 7 in the too close to call category.
Dryden, who is one slot lower than Mendon attendance-wise for now appears to be an 8 also, but much like Mendon, that can still change.
Based upon four additional qualifiers in Class C, Brown City will be solidly in Division 7 and could find themselves matched in a district with Ubly, depending on the draw.
As for the Lakers and Reese, the floor for them based on the minimum number of additional qualifiers (again barring upsets) is Division 6 and that appears to be their ceiling as well. Consider it a lock that both teams will be in Division 6 along with Sandusky.

In this week's sports section...

2009-10-19T18:28:00.005-04:00

Here is a little tease for this week' sports section. I'm particularly proud of the design of the two pages I'm posting.

Ubly dominates, even if the score doesn't say so...

2009-10-16T23:31:00.006-04:00

So here are my thoughts on Ubly's 56-36 win over Deckerville. A first look at the score would make it look like maybe the Bearcat's defense needs more work, which has been the knock on them all season.
That perception couldn't be more wrong!
Sure Ubly did get down 8-6 early, the first time they trailed all season, but responded by shutting out the Eagles for the rest of the first three quarters, en route to a 50-8 lead.
At that point, Ubly coach Bill Sweeney called the dogs off and coach Jim Becker put in "last team defense," which I would believe is the third string defense (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
However, the Eagles, clinging to playoff life (although they're getting in at 5-4 if they win next week), left their first team in and started cutting into the lead.
It started with a TD pass, a recovered onside kick followed and then another score, which cut it to 50-22 at that point.
The Ubly offense came in and coughed up the ball, which led to another TD for the Eagles, cutting the deficit to 20 points (50-20).
The first team Ubly offense came in and scored in 0:35 seconds to take the 56-30 edge.
Deckerville got the ball back and converted a 4 and 6 near midfield when Ubly got called for pass interference. The next play, Justin Cleary picked off a pass and nearly took it back for a score, but another P.I. call went against the Bearcats.
Which opened up the door for Deckerville to pass for one final TD to cut the deficit to 56-36.
The Bearcats got the ball back and kneeled, but Deckerville used one of their two remaining timeouts, forcing Ubly to run for a first down so they could kneel and end the game.
My two cents: I'm sure people will once again hold this score against Ubly, but it was a dominant defensive effort.
I truly expect those who know little about Ubly and vote in the state polls to use this close game to drop the Bearcats further in the state polls.
As for the game, I can see keeping the first string in a bit to keep them sharp and work on the pass game, but much like the Harbor Beach game earlier this year, I felt this got out of hand. One onside kick fine, maybe two, but beyond that...
Coudl they really have expected to win? Then to call timeouts during a kneel down...that broke a cardinal rule.
Had it been me, I would have either thrown the ball or ran it with the intention of scoring one more time to make a point. Kudos to Bill Sweeney for being a bigger person and not really being bothered by the late scores.
In stead he just cares about finishing the season with one more win and getting ready for the playoffs.

Lakers earn share of GTW title

2009-10-16T23:23:00.004-04:00

The Lakers didn't like the way the game started as Bad Axe scored on their first play from the lineof scrimage, but they like the way it ended just fine as they defeated the Hatchets 45-12 to clinch a share of the GTW title and earn their way to a second straight playoff appearance in as many years.

Lakers duel with Deckerville

2009-10-16T12:11:00.002-04:00

Pats dominate Caseville

2009-10-16T12:03:00.005-04:00

USA ended their season with a 6-1 win over the Eagles. The first half saw Arne Meyer and Peter Gacik each tally for the Pats. They would continue to find the back of the net with Kaz Kraynak scoring twice, Gracik picking up his second goal with Joey Southgate finishing off the USA scoring. Chad Hornbacker had four saves in net while Chad Kock had 13 defensive saves. USA is now 10-4 overall and 6-0 in the league.

The Eagles made a few runs but took few shots on goal. The lone Caseville goal was scored late in second half when Charlie Karafa assisted Sergey Skripka. The Eagles finish their regular season at 2-13.

'Beach wins league title

2009-10-15T20:48:00.006-04:00

Harbor Beach beat Marlette 3-0 to claim the GTE league title and finish the regular season at 20-0-1 overall. Here is the game report from coach Phil Bowen:

Dustin Mazure placed the Pirates on the scoreboard first. Scott Grekowicz sent a long pass from the left side of the midfield to the edge of the goal. Mazure trapped the ball and slipped a shot past the charging keeper into the left corner of the goal.

Dustin added a second goal when Scott sent a long ball toward the goal. Both the Marlette keeper and a defender went for the ball with neither of them controlling it. Dustin slipped by them, collected the ball and passed the balll into the empty net.

In the second half the Pirates added to their lead on a corner kick. Seth Guza sent the ball in to the middle of the box where several Pirates were waiting. Scott Grekowicz finished the play by leaping high and deflected the ball toward the goal and past the keeper.

Harbor Beach had a fine effort from all of its players, especially Dustin Mazure, who played with determination, Scott Grekowicz who controlled the game for the Pirates, setting teammates up for shots and defending at the other end, and the defense of Doug Booms, Brandon Stephenson, Ethan Booms, and Dillon Volmering.

Christopher Hagedon has 12 1/2 shutouts for of the regular season in helping the Pirates to a 20-0-1 record and 8-0 in league play.

They play at home with a 4pm start next Tuesday in their quest for a District Championship.

They will be playing GTW champions, USA. Harbor Beach invites the whole community to come and support their team.

2009-10-14T09:07:00.002-04:00

Bad Axe defeated Cass City 4-1with four players scoring a goal for the Hatchets including David Fucinari, Jason Currie,Brandon Talaski, and Brett Turmell. Assists were made by Noah Auger, and Brandon Dean. Ryan Smukala made 9 saves in goal. Bad Axe finished its season 11-10-1, with a Greater Thumb Record of 2-4.

Eagles battle Bull dogs

2009-10-13T22:49:00.002-04:00

Caseville won the first game. More info to follow when I get scores

Mission Accomplished: Ubly dominates Brown City

2009-10-09T23:39:00.009-04:00

The Bearcats won their second straight Greater Thumb East title last night, beating the Green Devils 44-8. They also won the respect of the this up-and-comer in the GTE, as they Brown City's offense to just 111 yards on the night, including just 27 yards on the ground through the first three quarters. Even the second team stepped it up, as they were on defense the entire fourth quarter, but did not allow a score. In fact the Green Devil's only touchdown came late in the second, when Ubly fumbled on the two yard line and it was returned 98 yards for a score, which would tie him for third longest in MHSAA history. The record is 100 yard fumble recovery for a TD, which has been accomplished three times, most recently in 2006.
Offensively, the Bearcats rushed for over 300 yards and got scores from Justin Cleary, Jordan Terrasi, Adam Glaza and Bryan Nash.
Now for my impressions, I've said all year that this team has the potential to be as good as if not better than last year's squad. I think tonight this team showed they are, if for nothing else, for the fact that they have truly taken advantage of the experience from last year and used it to help make themselves a better team this year.
They may not be as fast as last year's team, but this team is definetly on par with them.
And as far as there win last night, I think that coach Bill Sweeney finally unleashed his team...at least for three quarters, before going to the second team.
Just think of what could happen if they got to play four quarters.

Rockets soar over Lakers

2009-10-09T22:48:00.006-04:00

The Lakers bid for an outright title in the Greater Thumb West fell short as they were throttled by a pesky Reese team that held the Lakers to 157 yards on the ground while Reese was busy breaking big plays to the tune of 33 points to spoil the Lakers plans. EPBP only managed 7 points as they were not able to sustain any kind of an offensive attack. The loss drops the Lakers to 5-1 in the GTW in a tie with the Rockets.

Ubly dominates Brown City

2009-10-09T22:37:00.002-04:00

The Bearcats defense held Brown City 111 yards of total offense including 27 yards rushing through the first three quarters. Offensviely, Ubly rushed for over 300 yards and spread the scoring wealth amongst Jordan Terrasi, Justin Cleary, Adam Glaza and Bryan Nash.
I'll have photos up hopefully before midnight tonight and they are some of the best night time football pics I've gotten....

Hatchets fall to Pats

2009-10-08T22:27:00.003-04:00

The Patriots rolled over Bad Axe as they scored five goals in the game in the wind and rain.

Caseville battles Brown City

2009-10-08T22:23:00.003-04:00

At the end of the first half, the Green Devils had were up 2-0 on ther Eagles. Updatres to follow.

Hatchets invade Laker Country

2009-10-08T22:08:00.003-04:00

The Lady Lakers took the first game of the night in this heated rivalry. Info to be updated when it is received.

Pirates invade Owen- Gage

2009-10-08T21:57:00.003-04:00

Peck rolled into town to face the Bulldogs Thursday night. The Pirates defeated Owen-Gage in the first game but the Bulldogs came back to win the second. Updates when I get more info.

Time to start talking playoffs...high school football playoffs (not baseball)

2009-10-07T22:51:00.000-04:00

Now that the Tigers have lost and I have nothing else to occupy my mind, at least the sports half of it, I’ve decided to shift my focus to the upcoming high school football post-season.
I know the question on most people’s minds right now, at least if you are fans of Lakers and Ubly, is what division will my school end up in.
Here is a breakdown of where these teams stand heading into this week’s action. Aa reminder, 256 teams makes the playoffs with those squads being broken down into eight, 32 team divisions; six wins in a nine game schedule automatically qualify a team for the playoffs or five wins in an eight game schedule. If there is an incomplete field, 5-4 and 4-4 teams can make it in. They are chosen equally by class (A, B, C & D) and are entered into the pool of teams, then the teams are split into eight divisions on 32 teams each.
Here are some numbers of where things stand…
· heading into this week, 149 teams currently have five or more wins, and
· there are 253 teams that have four wins or more.
So what do those numbers actually mean in terms of what are going to be the only two playoff teams from Huron County? Well good things for Ubly and not-so good things for Lakers in terms of what division the teams will end up in.
First, let’s start with Ubly…
In the current scenario they are dropping to division 8 and I can’t see a scenario at this point where they would move up. I’ve currently figured the additional qualifiers likely to be:
· Inkster 3-2 (Class A) 55.300 1,133
· Zeeland West (Class B) 750 47.667
· Muskegon Catholic Central (Class D) 217 44.333
Of those teams, only MCC is smaller than Ubly. The next additional qualifier would have to come from Class C and I believe would be Detroit Loyola, who is a bigger school then Ubly.
The Bearcats are currently the second biggest D8 school and even though they are close to being a division 7, for every qualifier that would go below them (small C’s and D’s) and push them up towards 7, there would be just as many A & B schools pushing them back down.
The top 10 3-3 teams (one is actually 3-2) by playoff points are in A & B so they will always be the first teams selected after each class is given an additional qualifier of sorts.
The real question becomes, despite the perception, is it better for Ubly to be in D7 or D8? True you avoid Traverse City St. Francis in D8, but you still have Class C powerhouses like Mendon to deal with and perennial state champ MCC.
But it isn’t a give me that MCC qualifies as they have a game with Inkster this week and North Muskegon in week 8, who is currently 5-1. That would be a big relief.
As for the Lakers, they are firmly in D6 as the 28th team in that 32 team field, with little chance of dropping down. Reese on the other hand is #31 in D6 and could b bumped down if the field turns out to be less than 253 and more teams that don’t make it are below them.
Here are the smallest teams in each division, meaning they are the dividing lines between divisions:
Warren DeLesalle D1
Lapeer West D2
Ogemaw Heights D3
Almont D4
Negaunee D5
Union City D6Rudyard D7
Manistee Catholic Central – smallest D8
At 66.667 points and climbing, Ubly has the second most points in D8 behind Mendon (68.00).
In D6, Lakers have 54 points and Reese 61.667. The most points of a team in D6 is Morley Stanwood with 84.

Hatchets battle Lakers

2009-10-06T23:08:00.004-04:00

Bad Axe lost to Lakers 3-1. Bad Axe started the scoring with their lone goal around the 8 minute mark from a well placed pass from Brandon Talaski to Noah Auger who found the back of the net. Ryan Smukala had 12 saves in goal.

Lakers and Lady Pats collide

2009-10-06T22:57:00.006-04:00

The Lady Pats took the Lakers to the edge, but in the end, Elkton Pigeon Bay Port came out on top wining the match (25-19, 25-21, 17-25, 19-25, 15-9). For the Lakers, Ashley Hatfield had nine kills and five blocks, Erika Matteson, seven kills, 3 blocks and three aces, Erin Albrecht seven kills, 10 digs and Brooklyn Foy nine assists.

For USA, Calie Valentine had 16 points with 10 assists, Cami Valentine, eight points, 20 service receptions and six kills, Brittany Gruehn, five points, nine service reception, four digs, Jenny Williamson, 19 service receptions, nine kills, Chelsey Ewald 10 points, four digs three kills, 19 assists, Rachel Mowry, eight kills, six points, two aces, Sami Eisengruber 10 kills. USA is now 3-3 in the league.

Lady Warriors visit Port Hope

2009-10-06T22:42:00.005-04:00

North Huron made quick work of the Blue Stars Tuesday beating them (25-14, 25-20 and 25-11). Megan Heffner led the Warriors with 15 kills, three aces, three digs, one block, one assist, Sara Clancy 10 kills, four assists, two blocks, Amanda Navock, 19 assists, three kills, two aces, one dig, Ashley Case, five kills, one dig, Stephanie Goretski, six digs, three aces, Caitlin Homrich, two kills, two aces, three 3 digs, Hanna Selaty, four digs, one kill, Clara Yaroch, five assists, two kills, Chelsea Koroleski, one dig.

For Port Hope, Brittany Schave, two blocks, two kills, Kayla Gust, five kills, Allyson Koglin, four points, one ace, two blocks, seven assists, two kills, Kristen Smaglinski, four points, two aces, two blocks, two kills, Caitlyn Popour, five points, Marissa Schave, four points, three aces.

Updated standings after Friday Action

2009-10-06T12:21:00.007-04:00

Greater Thumb West

League Overall
W L W L
Lakers 4 0 5 1
Reese Rockets 3 1 5 1
Vassar 3 1 3 3
Cass City 2 2 3 3
USA 1 3 1 5
Bad Axe 1 4 2 4
BCAS 1 4 2 4

Greater Thumb East

League Overall
W L W L
Ubly 4 0 6 0
Brown City 3 1 5 1
Marlette 3 1 4 2
Sandusky 3 2 4 2
Deckerville 2 2 3 3
Harbor Beach 0 4 0 6
Mayville 0 5 0 6

North Central Thumb League

League Overall
W L W L
Memphis 3 0 3 3
Peck 2 1 3 3
Dryden 2 2 4 2
Kinde North Huron 1 2 3 3
Kingston 0 3 0 6

Mid Michigan 8 Man Football League
League Overall
W L W L
Ann Arbor Eastern Washtenaw Multicultural 2 0 5 0
Akron Fairgrove 2 1 3 3
Owen-Gage 2 1 3 3
CPS 1 2 2 4
Flint School for the Deaf 0 3 0 3

Caseville celebrates homecoming

2009-10-03T23:42:00.003-04:00

HB hosts invitational

2009-10-03T23:22:00.004-04:00

USA and Hatchets collide

2009-10-03T22:40:00.004-04:00

Hatchets ground Red Hawks in 5

2009-10-01T22:17:00.003-04:00

Lady Bearcats take on Harbor Beach

2009-10-01T22:05:00.004-04:00

Hatchets hook up with Nouvel

2009-10-01T21:54:00.002-04:00

Athletes of the Week

2009-10-01T13:10:00.002-04:00

Taylor Braun is this weeks athlete of the week as she racked up 63 digs in the Hatchet’s loss to USA and Vassar.

Luke Voelker is the athlete of the week for his efforts in Laker’s win over Deckerville running for 120 yards on 17 tries and getting 12 tackles.

Lady Warriors topple Eagles

2009-09-30T13:17:00.004-04:00

After going down 2-0 to the Lady Eagles, North Huron rallied to win the next three to take the match and defeat the Lady Eagles in five (19-25, 19-25, 25-10, 25-14, 15-5). Leading the Warriors was Amanda Navock with 28 assists, seven kills, four digs and three aces, Sara Clancy, 12 kills, two digs and 1 assist, Hanna Selaty, seven kills, five digs and one ace, Megan Heffner, six kills, nine digs and two assists, Ashley Case, six kills, two digs, Caitlin Homrich, four kills, one ace and one assist, Stephanie Goretski, eight digs, Clara Yaroch, two assists and one ace, and Chelsea Koroleski with two digs.

Bluestars clash with Bulldogs

2009-09-30T09:35:00.003-04:00