(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Iron Mountain head football coach Robin Marttila yells out instructions to his players during practice on Thursday at Mountaineer Stadium.

By MATT “SWEETS” McCARTHY

Sports Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain Mountaineers football team got to do something Thursday afternoon, that they haven’t been able to do in nearly a month. That is they had a day before a game type practice.

On a cold and blustery fall afternoon, the Mountaineers were found prepping for what will be only their second game of the season tonight, as they host West PAC Conference Copper Division foe L’Anse at Mountaineer Stadium.

“It feels like a week 1 game for us, we’re chomping at the bit to play football,” said Mountaineer head coach Robin Marttila. “We’re trying to keep the kids interested, by practicing a bit differently. We practiced with the JV a bunch, trying to get both teams reps and have them ready for when we can play again. We’re grateful to be playing a football game, on Senior Night and Parents Night, against the L’Anse Purple Hornets.”

When asked how he and his staff were able to keep their players focused all this time, since their last game was on Sept. 25 versus Bark River-Harris. “Definitely different. It’s a weird year, with unusual times because of all the COVID precautions, kids having to quarantine and multiple game cancellations,” said Marttila. “It’s a race for us to get to Friday night, because we want to play a football game. In these uncertain times, the uncertainty continues, as we focus and get ready to play L’Anse.”

The Mountaineers will be looking for what will technically be their fifth win of the season, having gotten credit for forfeit wins from Westwood week 1, Calumet week 3 and Hancock week 4. Iron Mountain wraps up their regular season on Oct. 23 at Manistique.