(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) North Central quarterback Luke Gorzinski (11) throws over the outstretched arms of Ontonagon’s Luke Strasser on Sept. 18 in Powers.

LAKE LINDEN — After a schedule change this week, the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes will face North Central after all.

Both schools were scheduled to play Oct. 10, but the game was rescheduled because of COVID-19 concerns.

The Lakes (2-2), ranked No. 4 in this week’s U.P. Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association poll, will host the No. 2 North Central Jets (4-0) in an eight-player football matchup at 2 p.m. Eastern time Saturday at Ron Warner Field.

Saturday will be the first matchup between the Lakes and Jets since 2013, a 22-14 Jets’ victory. The schools have played 17 times dating back to 1972. Lake Linden-Hubbell is 10-6-1 against North Central in those meetings, outscoring the Jets by a 340-191 margin.

“We are really looking forward to the game. I think this is exactly what we have to face before playoffs start,” said Jets head coach Leo Gorzinski.“We’re well aware of Lake Linden’s tradition and history, so it’ll be a good measuring stick for us.”

Gorzinski is also anxious to see how his team responds to having two weeks off and possibly playing in wet conditions, with rain and snow forecasted today in Lake Linden.

North Central will be without defensive captain Wyatt Riley, starting tailback Alex Naser, starting center Max Nason, two starting linebackers in Carter Tietz and Wyatt Raab, and special team aces Mason Kruhmin, Sebastian Deno.

“Today could be interesting but like I said, perfect test before playoffs,” Gorzinski said.

LL-H closes out the regular season at Munising on Friday, Oct. 23, while the Jets travel to Stephenson on the same night.

Daily Mining Gazette Sports Editor Adam Niemi contributed to the story.