West Iron County’s Nathan Thomson (22) finds some room to run as Bark River-Harris’ Nick Javurek (9) looks for a way to bring him down Saturday in Iron River. (Todd Rose/Daily Press photo)

STAMBAUGH – The Bark River-Harris Broncos broke free from a first quarter stalemate to defeat the West Iron County Wykons 22-6 Saturday and move on to a Division 8 district championship against Iron Mountain.

“West Iron County is one of the best football programs in the U.P., and to get a win against an unbeaten team, it’s a historic win for us,” said Broncos’ head coach Al Stenberg. “I’m just really proud of Bark River-Harris football establishing ourselves as a solid 11-man football program.”

The game opened up with a lengthy 16-play drive from the Broncos that resulted in a turnover on downs on the Wykons’ 25-yard line.

During the drive, the Broncos’ Aidan Johnson left the field on a stretcher after impacting the ground head-first after he was tackled on a short run. Johnson gave two thumbs up as he was wheeled toward the ambulance waiting on the sideline. According to Stenberg, it was a precautionary measure.

“He was having some pain in his lower neck … so we have to be safe,” said Stenberg. “He’s a great kid and a senior leader of this team and emotional leader.”

Johnson returned to the field in the fourth quarter, joining his teammates on the sideline in time to celebrate a victory.

Taking over after the turnover, the Wykons were unable to get the ball rolling, punting the ball on fourth down.

Joey Stein looked to get the Bark River offense jumpstarted on their next drive with a 22-yard run on first down. The Broncos’ drive stalled out after the play.

Looking at fourth down and 20-yards to go after West Irons’ Gage Larson sacked Nick Javurek for a loss of 11, the Broncos punted the ball.

The Wykons were the first to score, finding the end zone on a 40-yard pass from Nolan Anderson to Nathan Thomson just over two minutes into the second quarter. Thomson was wrapped up within the five-yard line by the Broncos’ Tyler Racicot but somehow managed one last lunge to break the plane and score. The extra point attempt was no good.

Bark River struck back immediately. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Javurek and Joey Stein connected for a 62-yard touchdown reception.

Carter Zawacki took the ball in for the two-point conversion to give the Broncos the lead, 8-6.

With 2:31 remaining in the first half, Bark River’s Trevor Lippens powered through the line for a one-yard touchdown. The conversion failed, leaving the Broncos ahead 14-6.

After receiving the kickoff to start the third quarter, the Wykons were stymied again and punted it away.

The Broncos, much like they did to start the game, produced a 12-play drive that was stopped at the Wykons’ 25-yard line.

While it didn’t help Bark River on the scoreboard, the drive did eat up the clock.

West Iron County made their way into Broncos’ territory early in the fourth.

On the twelfth play of the drive, fourth and nine to go, Bark River made a stop with Luke Shiverski forcing the incompletion.

The Broncos didn’t have possession for long as the ball came loose on their first play, with the Wykons recovering.

West Iron, however, was unable to capitalize, going four and out.

The game-sealing touchdown came with 2:39 left in the game.

For the second time in the game, Trevor Lippens ran the ball in for the Broncos. This one, a seven-yard effort, capped off a 64-yard drive.

“The o-line really helped out. We had two kids quarantined this week that were on our o-line, and we had to pull up some sophomores. They really stepped it up and played a good game,” Lippens said.

“It was a great game. They’re a great team. With Iron Mountain up, we just have to keep it rolling, practice hard and get at them.”

Bark River will take on Iron Mountain next week for a district championship. It will be a second chance for the Broncos. Earlier this year, Iron Mountain beat Bark River 42-6.

“They’re as advertised,” said Stenberg. “All respect in the world to them, but we’re going to try to bring our A-game and have a good football game.”

For West Iron County, the game is their only loss for the 2020 season.

“It was a good football game,” said Wykons’ head coach Mike Berutti, “Bark River’s a good opponent.”

“We come out and take the lead right off the bat, and then, the very next play we give up a big dagger and give up that lead,” Berutti continued. “I think that kind of wobbled us a little bit, and they were able to get one more before the half.”

Berutti complimented his team’s defensive performance but noted missed opportunities were the Wykons’ downfall.

“We had our chances in the second half moving it, but every time we think we have something going, something bad happens,” he said.

For those returning next year and the graduating seniors, Berutti is looking forward to their future success.

“It was a great year with a great bunch of guys,” he said.