Knights look to regain winning form in playoffs
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STEPHENSON -- The regular season for the Norway varsity 8-player football team didn't end as the Knights had hoped.
Yes, the Knights (6-3) posted a winning record. Yes, they're still playing, having advanced to the MHSAA state playoffs where they're set to play host Munising on Friday at 7 p.m. (EDT).
But, the plan didn't including ending the regular season with three consecutive losses, including Friday's nights 50-40 defeat at the hands of the host Stephenson Eagles.
"It was not a good game," Norway head coach Scott Popp said. "Going into Stephenson is a tough atmosphere for an opposing team."
Stephenson outslugged the Knights in the second half, erasing what had been a tie ballgame at 14-all at intermission.
Despite yet another loss, there were some positives for the Knights. Tyler Neuens continued his solid season by rushing for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 25 carries. Fellow Knight Ian Popp also found the endzone, tallying eight yards on two carries and the touchdown.
And quarterback Cole Baij connected on 15 of 23 passing attempts for 183 yards and a TD toss to Wyatt Spade (8 catches, 94 yards, TD).
Michael Peterson had a pair of receptions for 53 yards, while Neuens added five catches and 33 yards receiving to his offensive stat line.
Defensively, Ian Popp again had a double-digit performance from his free safety spot with 17 tackles. Hayden Amundson added 11 tackles and Spade chipped in nine hits and had an interception.
Spade also shined on special teams, returning a kick 77 yards for his fourth return score of the season.
But Coach Popp said the Knights will have to get back to a winning attitude if they're to upset undefeated Munising (9-0) on Friday. That will include forgetting about the three-game streak and the devastating 68-8 loss to powerhouse North Central on Oct. 14.
"Since losing to North Central, it's been hard for them to bounce back from that," the coach said. "It's like a black cloud hanging over us. We just have to hope the wind comes and blows that out. We just have to get back to our game."
Coach Popp added his team will need to be ready both mentally and physically when facing the Mustangs.
"They're good. They're physical," he said. "They can punch you in the nose and you'll feel it."