ScuttleBu(r)t …

Local ref Dean Nelson enjoyed working the Division 5 state football championship at Ford Field in Detroit.

“Great crew, great game, and both teams and coaches with outstanding sportsmanship,” Nelson wrote on Facebook.

Nelson, one of the area’s more versatile officials with basketball and soccer expertise, served as the side judge in Lansing Catholic’s 31-17 win over Almont.

Dean’s wife, Sue, is one of the area’s top volleyball line judges.

Three other area men reffed eight-player state finals — David Soderbloom, Mark Shanks and Paul Angeli …

Congrats to Brad Richtig on landing the Niagara High School softball job. He takes over for Dewey Blagec, who called in game results with some of his favorite Roger LeDuc quotes …

St. Ignace great Gage Kreski and his Central Michigan University Chippewas (8-4, 6-2) face Miami of Ohio (7-5, 6-2) today for the MAC Championship at Ford Field. Kick-off is 11 a.m.

Kreski (No. 20, 6-1, 203)), a reserve safety on the depth chart, shows 35 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games this season.

The junior is the son of former Florence standout Paul and UP Hall of Famer Deanna (Sutton) Kreski …

From Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo: “As long as they (Ohio State Buckeyes) keep their heads on straight and don’t think they invented the wheel, they will be tough to beat.” …

Hancock High School hockey coach Dan Rouleau, starting his 25th season with the Bulldogs, may not return for a 26th.

Daver Karnosky of The Mining Gazette writes that Rouleau “is not ruling out the chance of coming back, should his squad come together at the right time and make another run at a state title.” …

Washington State offensive-line coach Mason Miller, to the Spokane Spokesman-Review via Dwight Perry of the Seattle Ties, on left tackle Liam Ryan’s 15 penalties this season: “At the end of the day this isn’t brain surgery — don’t jump.” …

Negaunee’s Mark Ayotte entered the 2019-2020 NBA season having officiated 900 regular-season games and eight playoff games in 15 seasons. He’s worked two Milwaukee Bucks’ games this season, once as the lead referee …

Burt Angeli is a semi-retired Daily News columnist and sports writer. He can be reached at bangeli@ironmountaindailynews.com.