The Munising Mustangs (9-0) will be hosting their first playoff game against the Norway Knights (6-3) at Mustang Stadium on Friday, October 28. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.. Broadcasts will be provided by 97.7 WQXO for the Munising coverage while a digital audio stream through The Newberry News/EUP Sports Network will give the Newberry side. All online video broadcasts are through the NFHS Network app or website.
Last Week: Munising walloped the Norway Knights 58-12 through a consistent and methodical running game. The Mustangs saw multiple touchdowns on the ground from Kane Nebel and the Peramaki brothers before diversifying their assignments after the running clock.
Defensively, the Norway offensive drive went for a touchdown. It was the first time that a Munising opponent scored on the first drive of the game since week one against Rudyard. However, Munising was able to get into the backfield more often to disrupt the Knights’ passing game and slowing down their offense.
This Week’s Opponent: The Newberry Indians return to Mustang Stadium for the second time this season, trying to avenge a 14-0 loss in week 2. The lowest scoring matchup for either team, the contest was plagued with over 100 penalty yards in the first half against Munising before the home team was able to break out for two touchdowns in the second half.
Newberry demolished previously undefeated Rogers City downstate in the opening round of the playoffs 54-6. A balanced offense led the way with multiple scores on both sides of the ball. The Hurons scored once in the first quarter and then struggled to string together drives, frustrated by the Indians’ defense.
Newberry has never won in an eightman game against the Mustangs, meeting for the first time in 2020. Munising has the all-time advantage in the rivalry at 52-18-1.
Ranking the teams: Munising and Newberry have been the top two ranked teams in the UP for MHSAA Division 1 eight-man most of the season, with the Mustangs finishing first in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Poll and the Indians finishing sixth. They also finished second and third respectively in the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Poll, which combines both eight-man divisions. North Central took the top spot in that poll.
The two teams were also ranked first and second in scoring offense, defense and differential for the Great Lakes Eight conference. Munising has 52.4 points per game while allowing just 6.1 on average to opponents. Newberry scored 43.6 points per game while limiting their opponents to 7.3 each contest.
What happens after?: This is the state quarterfinal for eight-man football, with the regional title and trophy on the line. Awaiting in the semifinal will be the winner of the Merrill and Breckenridge regional. The two downstate teams will also play Friday night at Merrill. If Munising wins, their opponent will travel to Mustang Stadium regardless of who wins the other regional. If Newberry wins, the Indians would host Breckenridge but would travel to Merrill.
