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North Rallies Past South To Win U.P. All-Star Game
 MARQUETTE---The Upper Peninsula High School All-Star football game was held Saturday at the Superior Dome. The North team beat the South team, 35-25. The North, featuring boys from state finalists Ishpeming and Munising, beat the South by scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to come from behind. Early on, the North built a two-touchdown lead. Marquette's Brett Place threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Munising's Andy Cooper to put the North on the board. Ishpeming's Ozzy Hakkarkinen, who will play at Finlandia this fall, scored on a four-yard run. With the North up 14-0, Crystal Falls Forest Park's Lee Graff scored on a short run to put the South on the board. But Brandon Kemppainen scored on a short run just before halftime to give the North a 21-6 lead heading into the locker room.  (Pictured: Rapid River boys played on Saturday for the South All-Stars at the Superior Dome) Iron Mountain's Jake Thomann caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from North Central's Rob Granquist to bring the South to within 21-19. Later, Menominee's Justin Brilinski broke off a 28-yard touchdown run. The South had its first lead at 25-21. But in the fourth quarter, Munising's Austin Kelto found Bessemer's Jess Mazzon for a 34-yard touchdown reception, putting the North ahead to stay, 28-25. The North put the game away with a 15-yard run run by Hakkarkinen late in the game. The North Offensive MVP was Munising's Andy Cooper. The North Defensive MVP was Ishpeming's Dom Suardini. The South Offensive MVP was Menominee's Justin Brilinski. The South Defensive MVP was Kingsford's Luke Wahoviak. The North Character Award went to Bessemer's Jess Mazzon. The South Character Award was given to St. Ignace's James Cryderman. The game will be rebroadcast on TV-6 at 11:00 Sunday morning. FRIDAY NIGHT ALL-STAR BANQUET---The players from across the U.P. were entertained by former Detroit Lion Rob Rubick at Friday night's All-Star banquet. More than 350 people were in attendance to meet and greet the players. Parents, family and friends saw their players for the first time all week and had a chance to find out what the players have been experiencing during the week. The night started out by watching a video montage of pictures and music from the trip to Bay Cliff Health Camp. It was very moving to see all of the players and campers interacting, and it really set the tone for the entire evening. The players and coaches then took turns introducing each other, and the night culminated in a motivational message from guest speaker, Rob Rubick, Newberry native, former Detroit Lions player and U.P. Sports Hall of Fame member. Rubick’s message to the players, as well as everybody in attendance, was to work hard and be prepared, because you never know when your opportunity will come. He also spoke of the strength of bond between all U.P. schools, and how unique an opportunity it is to have a U.P.-only event such as the All-Star Game. Lastly, he spoke of the bond of family. When he concluded his speech, his 87 year old father (legally blind and sitting in the front row, promptly hopped up on the stage, got behind the podium, and told a very moving story about Rob during his playing days with the Lions. It was the perfect end to a great All-Star Banquet. Overall, it was an excellent message that each person could relate to with some part of their life. There is lots of diversity in the players, so whether a player continues their football career in college, or not, they could all take the message to heart. Some players will attend college, and some will go straight to their next career, but everyone should learn to be prepared and be ready to seize the next opportunity when it comes your way. Afterward, Rob had many parents and fans in attendance that wanted to talk with him and take pictures, and he stayed and gave each of them his undivided attention. |
