U.P. football playoff preview

Through three weeks of playoff action, the U.P. had six teams remaining in the hunt for a state championship. Four teams will play on Saturday, three of them at home.

Negaunee is the lone team on the road this weekend. The Miners will play against Ithaca in a Division 6 regional final beginning at 1 p.m.

Ithaca has won 53 straight games and 3 consecutive state titles. The Miners would like to end the nation’s longest winning streak.

Ishpeming will host Lake City in a Division 7 regional final.  The Hematites will play one final game at ‘The Swamp’ beginning at 1 p.m. These two teams met last season in the playoffs and Ishpeming came away with the 28-12 victory.

The Trojans have a duel threat quarterback in Drew Marion. The Hematites will have to keep Marion at bay in order to advance in the playoffs.

In Division 5, the 11-0 Menominee Maroons will welcome Standish Sterling Central to the U.P. tomorrow at 2 p.m. eastern time.

Rapid River needs one more victory to reach the Eight Man State Championship game. The Rockets will have to defeat Kinde–North Huron to do punch their ticket to the finals. Kickoff between the Rockets and Warriors is set for 1 p.m.