First practice with pads for Negaunee football team

NEGAUNEE — With two days in the books for high school football practices, it’s time to crank up the intensity. The pads are coming on and the Negaunee football team is fine with that “miner” adjustment.

It was a beautiful day and the sun was out which did make the first day with pads on a challenge. Midway through the first week, coach Paul Jacobson says the switch to pads was welcomed by the players because sooner or later, you got to take some contact.

“It’s been good to actually put some shoulder pads on with the new state rules and what not. We’ve had our pajamas/practice jerseys on for the last couple days so it’s good to get some pads in a little bit and get some contact going and get the guys used to getting back into the swing of things,” Jacobson said.

“We just got to keep getting better as a team, both offense and defense. Starting off, we just got to get back from checking the rust. Pads really bring up the intensity, obviously like the ferociousness and stuff of the game,” said senior lineman Matt Jandron

“Our team chemistry is already pretty good to start off. Our senior and junior class are already good friends and we just love being out here together and we’re just focusing on getting better everyday to hopefully make the playoffs,” senior quarterback Ben Luke said.

The Miners are coming off a down year last season, as they went 6–5 after two consecutive double digit win seasons. They did make the playoffs but were knocked off by Boyne City in the Division 6 districts. And being in the same conference as Ishpeming and Iron Mountain can benefit any team due to quality of competition.

“We have to be at our best. The MPC right now is real competitive. The competition level right now in the Upper Peninsula and the teams we’re able to put in the playoffs and the games that they’re winning in those playoffs says a lot about U.P. football right now,” Jacobson said.

The Miners open their season on the 28th, Friday night at home against Manistique.