Iron Mountain junior Anthony Pineda (10) knocks a shot attempt away from the goal as Kingsford’s Issac Lebouef (14) tries to get his head on the ball Tuesday at Commemorative Field. (Sean Chase/Daily News photo)

KINGSFORD — After making a deep playoff run last season, the 2024 Kingsford varsity team entered the season as the No. 7 ranked team in Division 3, according to the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association.

The Flivvers lived up to their ranking on Wednesday as they faced off with Iron Mountain at Commemorative Field. Kingsford kept its perfect season alive with a 7-0 victory over the Mountaineers.

“They did a good job, both teams worked hard,” Kingsford assistant coach Chris Moore said. “Obviously, Iron Mountain is doing the best they can with limited numbers. Hopefully a lot of experience for the younger guys on both sides.”

With eight seniors on the team, Kingsford is ready to make a run. But, games like Wednesday’s allow the Flivvers to give younger players a look.

“Especially in a rivalry game on a beautiful night, getting those young guys out to get some experience is huge,” Moore said. “We have a really strong senior class, in terms of numbers, and to see those young guys get out there makes our future look bright.”

Kingsford’s Colin Micheau (1) controls the ball against Iron Mountain’s Cade Davy (38) during Tuesday’s contest at Commemorative Field. (Terry Raiche photo)

For Iron Mountain, things are a bit different. Instead of having a deep bench, the Mountaineers entered Wednesday with no available subs due to injuries.

“We played most of the game with 10 guys, they’re a very good team and played a really good game,” Iron Mountain head coach Greg Kulas said. “I’m just really proud of my kids, they didn’t quit. We were down seven with 10 minutes to go and they’re still running their hearts out, trying to pass the ball and work it up the field and get a goal. Playing the game the right way and I have nothing to complain about. I’m very proud of them.”

Both teams opened the game looking to score, but it was Kingsford that broke through when Jaxon Buckley buried a shot off the Iron Mountain keeper’s hands for a 1-0 lead.

By the end of the first half, it was 5-0 with Jett Buckley and Gavyn Laydon each notching a goal. Jaxon Buckley ended the first half with three goals.

Despite the big halftime deficit, Kulas believes his team can hang with anyone in the state once they’re healthy.

“It was 0-0 for 15 minutes and 1-0 after 20,” Kulas said. “If we’ve got more guys to put in, get some rest for our guys, we can play with them. But playing shorthanded that’s a tough task. It’s not ability, it’s just numbers right now. I think we’ve got a really strong team but it’s tough to go if you don’t get any rest.”

Kingsford scored two goals in the second half, one from Landon Adam and one from Richard Waara. In four games, Kingsford has outscored opponents 15-1.

While success was expected after last season, coach Moore said chemistry and experience have propelled them to this start.

“The word team,” Moore said. “We did lose three really critical guys but it’s a strong old group right now that has a lot of experience and they play as a team. We’re hard to beat in any one way. We have experience up front, in the middle of the field and an experienced goalie.”

Kingsford returns to action on Tuesday as it heads to Marquette.

The Mountaineers are off until Sept. 9 when they face Three Lakes at Mountaineer Stadium.

“We’re going to work on better first touches, better passing, because we can’t afford to work the ball up the field and give it away,” Kulas said. “Then we chase all the way back down and it wears us out. We’ve got to get better at keeping control of the ball.”