By Mr. Zane Harding, Journalism & Yearbook Teacher/Advisor
Friday, September 13, 2024 marked the first-ever in-conference matchup between the Onekama Portagers and Brethren Bobcats in football.
The task in front of the Portagers felt tall — not only did Brethren host the game, but the Northern Michigan community at large had just grieved the loss of massively famous Brethren alum James Earl Jones. Sentimental momentum and home-field advantage did the Bobcats no favors on Friday, however, as the Portagers rolled to a 52-18 victory.
KEY STATS:
Offense — Onekama stormed forward for 276 total rushing yards, while completing 130 yards through the air; the Portagers combined for 406 total yards of offense on the day.
- Luke Bradford: 12-23, 130 yd, 1 TD, 1 INT; 8 rushes, 47 yd, 1 TD
- Tyler Hart: 5 rushes, 97 yd, 2 TD; 3 receptions, 36 yards
- Hunter Niesen: 4 receptions, 66 yd, 1 TD
- Nathaniel Barnett: 8 rushes, 55 yd, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 13 yards
- Camden Ickes: 2 rushes, 9 yd, 1 TD
- Jake Brown: 1 rush, 28 yd, 1 TD
Defense — The Onekama defense dominated for four straight quarters, forcing four fumbles, producing three sacks (all three by senior Arden Bradford), intercepting two passes, and returning a fumble for a touchdown.
- Arden Bradford: 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 10 total tackles
- Luke Bradford: 1 fumble recovery TD
- Tyler Hart: 1 INT (3 this year), 8 total tackles
- Hunter Niesen: 1 INT, 6 total tackles
- Andrew Hybza: 1 forced fumble, 8 total tackles
- Camden Ickes: 1 forced fumble, 4 total tackles
- Nathaniel Barnett: 10 total tackles
- Brandon Brindle: 9 total tackles
UP NEXT: The Portagers will travel to 1-2 Mesick this Saturday, September 21. Mesick lost their game to ranked Marion last week, 82-34. The game will kick off at 5 PM.