The Challenge: Week 6
Each week, Sovereign Communications News/Sports Director Joe Dexter and JT pick a few U.P. High School, Collegiate, and NFL football games. The winner- gets bragging rights for a year- the loser- wears a t-shirt of the winners choice in Marquette for the dayt.
Last week: JT 6-4 Joe: 6-4
Overall: JT: 32-11 Joe: 30-13 2GB
Westwood at Gwinn
Joe: Despite what the scoreboard said, the Patriots came out and competed with the Mountaineers, dominating the first half from the line of scrimmage, and really controlling the football. I suspect we will see a lot of that first half team from a week ago on Friday. The series between these two has been relatively even throughout the years, but Westwood has won every match-up since 2004 – minus a forfeit in 2010, that they won 35-0. Look for the same to continue in the Model
Town on Friday. Westwood
JT: If Westwood is going to make the playoffs, they must win four straight games; and I believe they start their 4-week playoff push with a win at Gwinn Friday night. Westwood
Norway at Negaunee
Joe: One thing that Norway has shown this season is an inconsistency on offense. They have yet to put together a type of game that makes you think they can compete and keep premier offenses off the field. We saw it against Ishpeming, and we should see it on Saturday against Negaunee. The Miners have too many weapons. Their win should set up a undefeated tilt next week against crosstown rivals. Negaunee
JT: Miners head coach Paul Jacobson told me on Wednesday that his team is squarely focused on Norway this week; not on next week against Ishpeming- and I believe Coach Jacobson. Negaunee
Laona (Wabeno WI) at Ishpeming
Joe: Plain and Simple, the Hematites have way too many weapons for any team in the Northern Lakes Conference to have success against them. Ishpeming has outscored all of its opponents a total of 186-34 and have only allowed one team to score on more than one possession. They hold teams to nearly 100 yards a night. Friday will be another example of just how good this team is. Ishpeming
JT: Ummm….what Joe said. Ishpeming
Marquette at Kingsford
Joe: This is the toughest game to pick this week. Despite the fact that Marquette beat Kingsford for the first time since 1987 last season, I like Kingsford’s chances at home. It is going to be interesting down the stretch in the GNC. If the Flivvers can beat Marquette on Friday, they have a head start at the conference crown. Kingsford
JT: Tough pick to make here. Both teams are coming off of emotional GNC wins, especially Kingsford. The Flivvers are at home- and Kingsford RB Reed Larson plays so well in his backyard. Kingsford
Northern Michigan at Hillsdale
Joe: A tough Chargers team awaits a young Wildcats secondary at Hillsdale. Hillsdale
JT: Ahh Hillsdale- I grew up about 20 minutes from the campus. The chargers are a very good GLIAC squad, especially Joe Glendening, who is the reigning GLIAC player of the year. NMU’s tough schedule keeps showing up in the win, loss column. Hillsdale (P.S.- If you do travel to the game and our looking for a good meal before/afterwards in Hillsdale, I suggest “The Hunt Club” in Downtown Hillsdale).
Grand Valley State at Michigan Tech
Joe: Ohio Dominican gave the Lakers a scare at home last week. It was one heck of a ballgame that saw a fourth quarter comeback from the Panthers that makes you nervous if you are a Grand Valley fan. Michigan Tech has the type of offense and defense that can stymie a team on the road. I like the Huskies in an upset on Saturday. Michigan Tech
JT: Make no mistake, this is the BEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN THIS WEEKEND. PERIOD. Michigan Tech is rolling on all cylinders. The school is trying to set an attendance record on Saturday, hoping over 5,000 people pack in the stands and on the hills at Sherman Field. With only $5 tickets, and it’s a night game- with kickoff set for 6 p.m., I am taking the home team. Michigan Tech
Ohio State at Michigan State
Joe: This might of been the ugliest game in college football last year. Two defenses, head to head and a 10-7 final. It took the Buckeyes the final two minutes of the game to even get on the scoreboard. I think that will be a different story though this year. The Spartans have a top notch running attack, and the Buckeyes have the worst defense in the Big Ten right now. I think Braxton Miller makes this a game. BUT Michigan State wins it in the 4th. Hate to pick against my Buckeyes, but it’s something I gotta do so I don’t have to wear Maize at the end of the season. Michigan State
JT: Really Joe?!?!?! I am surprised here to see you pick AGAINST the Buckeyes. I am probably going to lose this game, but I am waiting for MSU QB Andrew Maxwell to well, actually make a positive difference in a football game. Until he does, give me Ohio State (Note: that feels REALLY WEIRD TYPING THAT OUT).
New Orleans at Green Bay
Joe: After “Replacement Gate” There is no doubt the Packers are going to come out firing on all cylinders. Oh and the Saints have yet to find a way to be competitive without their coach. Packers win big at Lambeau. Green Bay
JT: After getting hosed by the 13th man in Seattle (I kind of feel bad I picked the Seahawks last week and I won the game…but not really) The Packers take out their frustrations on a 0-3 New Orleans Saints squad. Green Bay
Minnesota at Detroit
Joe: Let’s see here. Green Bay and Detroit Lost to San Fran, and Minnesota beat them. The Packers lost to the Seahawks and the Lions Lost to the Titans. But the Vikings lost to the Colts. Forget it, in the NFL it doesn’t matter. For my pure hatred of Gold and Purple, I will always pick the Lions. Detroit
JT: The Lions might be without QB Matthew Stafford this week due to an injury. I still like the Lions at home, where they usually play exceptionally well. Detroit