Miners preparing for game vs. Charlevoix

NEGAUNEE – 27 high school football teams across the state made the playoffs with a 5-4 record. The Negaunee Miners are one of those teams.

The Miners take on the 6-3 Charlevoix Red Rayders Friday at 7pm. Charlevoix started the season 2-3, but they won their last four regular season games to secure a playoff spot. Charlevoix, like Negaunee, likes to run an option offense with a little variation to it.

“It’s a little different with a split back outside option,” said Miners head coach Paul Jacobson describing the Red Rayders’ offense. “It’s just a matter of alignment assignment and getting to the football. We feel good with where we’re at. We feel good that we’re one of 32 teams (In Division 6) and we have every opportunity to be one of 16 teams right now and that’s all we can do.”

“We were a little nervous at first, but a big weight was lifted off of our shoulders once we found out we were in,” said Negaunee quarterback Ryan Syrjala. “It will be a little tougher going down there and playing them, but we will just play Miner football and I’m sure we’ll come through.”

“On film they look pretty good,” said Miners offensive/defensive lineman Luke Jacobson. “They have some pretty good kids who can run the ball. We just have to come out there and stop them.”

Friday night will be the first ever meeting between the Miners and Red Rayders.