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

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

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

Pats dominate Caseville

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

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.

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.