ScuttleBu(r)t …

Traverse City St. Francis Coach Josh Sellers, who brings his Gladiators to Mountaineer Stadium today for a Division 7 quarterfinal, played against Iron Mountain in the 1991 state playoffs at the Superior Dome.

Sellers hasn’t been able to forget running into the Mountaineers’ Brian Pinks.

“I’ve never been hit harder in my life,” Sellers told Daily News sports writer Matt McCarthy.

TCSF downed the Mountaineers 33-14 in that game. The series stands at 3-1 in favor of TCSF.

IM-TCSF winner meets Pewamo-Westphalia or New Lothrop, both unbeaten, in the state semifinals. There’s a chance the next one could be in the Superior Dome …

From syndicated columnist Norman Chad, on ailing Lions QB Matthew Stafford collecting 60,000 career passing yards without ever winning a playoff game: “This recalls Marco Polo, who traveled nearly 75,000 miles without ever using frequent-flyer points.” ….

The Manistique Emeralds of Kingsford grad Amy (Senger) Nixon nearly experienced their first regional volleyball title Thursday.

Manistique knocked off Traverse City St. Francis in the first set and jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the second before the Gladiators took charge for a 3-1 decision.

“It’s really tough when you know that you’re at their level and you can play with them and have the ability to beat them,” Nixon told The Daily Press. “That’s what I think hurts the most. I don’t think they were necessarily the better team, but they showed it tonight and that’s what the outcome proves.

“I am really proud of my team, though. They never backed down, they never put their head down, they just really tried to fight all the way until the end so I can’t be mad about that.”

Manistique rallied past perennial power Calumet 3-2 in a Division 3 regional semifinal …

From UP Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn, now writing for The Athletic: “During my 40 years on the Packers beat it’s my conclusion that the players who work the hardest and love football the most are the ones who maximize their talent.” …

When we last gathered for this space in early July, I was anticipating a smooth surgery with a normal recovery time.

Didn’t happen!

Felt sluggish for a month and wound up in the hospital for another month. I much appreciated those folks sending positive thoughts my way.

My wonderful bride slept in a chair next to my hospital bed. I met some incredible nurses who provided expert care and inspirational pep talks when the hospital walls started to close in.

I’m back helping out this month. Not sure about the next one. But it does feel good to be back …