PICKFORD — For a game that came about in less than 36 hours, within only a few days of being played, Saturday’s showdown for recent 8-player football state champions ended up being a defensive battle and a one-score game.

The Forest Park Trojans and head coach David Graff traveled to Pickford to take on the state’s previously No. 1 ranked 8-player team, the Morrice Orioles and came away with a 22-14 win at Pickford High School.

“It was a dog fight, neither team had more than 200 yards of total offense” said Graff. “They threw more spread formations than I’ve ever seen a team try in one game, and our kids were ready for it. Our defense came to play, the whole team played with heart and emotion.”

Graff credited his defensive line for their exceptional play on the afternoon — Evan Hedtke, Timmy Bendick and Tommy Showers. The trio combined for 10 tackles for a loss. Graff also noted Tommy Peltoma with seven tackles, Hedtke with six, and Gabe Scarlasara as other defensive standouts.

FP had a total of 180 yards of offense, 163 of them on the ground. Peltoma led the way with 12 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns. CJ Post added 51 yards on 12 carries of his own.

“I want to give a shout out to my coaching staff, along with Gerard(Valesano) and I, Brian Fabbri and Mick Valesano are with us for the rest of the season, now that the JV schedule is complete. They’re an asset to us in practice, without them, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did this week to be ready to play Morrice” Graff said.

The win, FP’s sixth of the season, put the Trojans in a preferable position for a playoff berth. They’re projected to be placed in Division 2 of the 8-player playoffs, in a District along with Pickford and North Central, the two teams to defeat the Trojans this season. Engadine is expected to be the fourth team in that District.

The Trojans finish out the regular season Friday night when they host Ontonagon at 6 p.m.

FP — 16 0 0 6 — 22

M — 6 0 8 0 — 14

1ST QUARTER:

FP — Tommy Peltoma 35 Yard Run (Peltoma Run) 8:54

FP — Peltoma 27 Yard Run (Peltoma Run) 4:27

M — P. Smith 25 Yard Pass from J. Carpenter (Pass Failed ) 1:02

3RD QUARTER:

M — Carpenter 5 Yard Run (Pass Converted) 7:52

4TH QUARTER:

FP — Scarlassara 3 Yard Run (Pass Failed) 6:36