Ishpeming defeats Harbor Beach

The Ishpeming Hematites are headed back to Ford Field after a convincing 44-10 win over Harbor Beach in the Division 7 high school football semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 23.

The Hematites opened up the scoring on their first drive of the game, as Bobby Zhulkie found the end zone from 1-yard out to give Ishpeming a 6-0 lead.

Harbor Beach decided to gamble early in the second quarter. The Pirates failed to convert on fourth down and two from their own 39-yard line. Ishpeming took over on downs and quickly drove down the field.

Hematites quarterback Alex Briones finished off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to give Ishpeming a 12-0 lead. Adam Prisk scored on the two point conversion attempt to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Hematites led 30-3 at the half and they never looked back. Ishpeming (13-0) advances to the Division 7 state finals against Detroit Loyola (13-0). The Bulldogs defeated Homer, 52-7 to advance to the finals.

Ishpeming and Detroit Loyola met in the Division 7 finals last season. The Hematites defeated the Bulldogs, 20-14. The Division 7 championship game is set for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. The game will be carried live on Fox Sports Detroit.