U.P. football players begin practices for All-Star game

MARQUETTE — Preparations began Monday for the Upper Peninsula All–Star football game taking place this Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette. First off is practice and both the North and South squads got acquainted with their new teammates, at least for one week.

The North were able to dodge the weather and get in a practice session outside. They began the day spilt into position–specific groups, completing drills to get back in the swing of things. Negaunee head coach Paul Jacobson will lead the North team and he says this experience will be one that he will enjoy.

“What I like about this squad right here is the opportunity to coach young men that you haven’t seen on the field under your tutelage prior. Guys from all over the U.P., northern half anyway, that you see in the paper, in the news. You may have had to prepare against them. So we’re fortunate as coaches to work with these young men,” Jacobson said.

The South practiced in the dome along the same lines as the North did. Coach Brad Grayvold from Norway says he enjoys the mix of players involved as well as the coaches that make up his staff.

“I think the guys came in prepared and they know what to expect, being that it’s an All–Star game. They know they’re surrounded with talent and the coaches have done a nice job of meeting beforehand to divide the players into the offensive and defensive groups and they worked really hard so I’ve been pretty impressed,” Grayvold said.

The teams will participate in many events this week, including a skills competition and a football camp for Bay Cliff campers on Thursday. The game will be this Saturday at the Superior Dome. Doors open at 2 pm.