Hematites Crush Ironmen 50-0

The Ishpeming Hematites face off against the Mancelona Ironmen during their MHSAA championship football game in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphoto image Ronen Zilberman)

Ishpeming Hematites vs Mancelona Ironmen 11-2-13 –   Still unstoppable, the Hematites continued their undefeated record today as they crushed the Mancelona Ironmen 50-0.  As usual the Ishpeming community came out in support of their champion high school football team filling up the bleachers and circling the field in standing room only style.  A chorus of honking horns sounded at every Ishpeming touchdown from people watching the game inside their cars just outside the fences surrounding the field.  Bundled up in blankets and snow gear nobody let the cold temperatures and early kick-off snowfall keep them from cheering on their home team!

Ishpeming Hematites fans filled the stands to watch and their defending champions play thier first MHSAA Division 7 play-offs football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

The Ironmen were barely able to hang onto the ball let alone move it down the field on each possession in contrast to the Hematites who ran the ball into the end zone almost every time they touched the ball.

Ishpeming Hematites player Bobby Zhulkie, runs the ball into the end zone for a Hematites touchdown during thier MHSAA championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

Ishpeming Hematites player Bobby Zhulkie, reacts after scoring a touchdown during thier MHSAA championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

Alex Briones (17) and Bobby Zhulkie (21) of the Ishpeming Hematites show their excitement after Zhulkie scored a Hematites touchdown during their MHSAA championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

The huge lead by the Hematites offered Alex Briones the opportunity to be playful on the field zig-zagging and leap-frogging over Ironmen players with a smile, seeming to enjoy himself.

Large Schools Offensive Player of the Year, Alex Briones of the Ishpeming Hematites leap frogs over Cole VanWagoner of the Mancelona Ironmen during their MHSAA championship football game in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphoto image Ronen Zilberman)

With moves like this it’s no wonder Briones was voted the Large Schools Offensive Player of the Year!

By the end of the first half of the game the Hematites led 42-0.  By the second half of the game the mercy clock was initiated making for a quick finish and the 9th running clock game of the season!  The Hematites are looking good to go all the way again this year with their “dream team” starting line-up to defend their Division 7 State Champions Title!

Ishpeming Hematites player Ozzy Corp looks for an opening to run with the ball during thier MHSAA championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

Ozzy Corp (34) of the Ishpeming Hematites runs with the ball during thier MHSAA championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)

Ishpeming Hematites linebacker Alec VanHorn smiles from the sidelines as the Hematites play thier first MHSAA Division 7 championship football game against the Mancelona Ironmen in Ishpeming, MI on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (UPsportsphotos.com image Ronen Zilberman)