U.P. Football All-Star game recap

Courtesy of XCEL

The players and coaches put the finishing touches on a full week of activities by taking the field at the Superior Dome in front of 2000 fans.  The atmosphere was electric and the fans were excited to see their local U.P. players compete in one more high school football game.

Judging by the player and parent interactions, everyone had a good experience and made new friends.  Players had a chance to compare their talents to other U.P. all-stars that they previously had only heard about.

For the players not pursuing football in college, the game provided a last chance to put on the pads and have some fun.  For the players reporting to college football camp in the fall, they got a taste of playing in a large stadium, as well as a week of practice with the pads on getting used to harder hits and more physical contact.  Every player and coach was introduced at pre-game, and got to run through a giant inflatable tunnel onto the field in front of all the fans.

The individual awards were as follows: East Offensive MVP: Rayshon Anderson-Sault Ste Marie, Defensive MVP: Curtis St. Louis-St. Ignace, Character Award: Joe Iwanicki-Marquette, West Offensive MVP: Kyle Tikkanen-Calumet, West Defensive MVP: Dyllion Hanchek-North Central, Character Award: Dominic Christian-North Dickinson.  Individual awards were decided on by the coaching staffs of each team after the game.

The traveling trophy was presented to the East team and coach Jeff Olson-Ishpeming. A miniature version of the trophy was also presented to Joe Noha-Menominee, who was the head coach for the victorious East team in 2012.  The traveling trophy may be passed between schools representing the East, then brought back to Marquette for next year’s game, where Coach Olson will receive his own miniature trophy for this year’s victory.  Next year’s game has been set for June 28, 2014.

Totals are being finalized and the proceeds will be donated to several U.P. charities and schools.