Boyne City earns second straight Leaders Division league title
TAWAS — There’s been some pretty great Boyne City football squads that have come through the program over the last couple decades.
Though none of them pulled off what the Ramblers did Friday night at Tawas.
For a second straight year, the Ramblers can call themselves conference champions, as they capped an unbeaten Leaders Division title with a 44-0 road victory.
Between the Lake Michigan Conference and Northern Michigan Football League, no Boyne team has accomplished the back to back league titles in over 20 years.
In typical coach fashion, Boyne City’s Dave Suttle was going over what he thought his guys could have improved on Friday night, until he realized what had actually just been done.
“I just kind of stopped for a second and said, ‘Hey, I’m done. Look at all the work you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished. Let’s get on the bus, celebrate and go for an undefeated season,’” said Suttle. “The kids were really excited afterward.”
The win moved the Ramblers to 8-0 overall and 5-0 within the conference, with Suttle not caring about anyone who believes the conference was down this season.
“People can talk about who you’re playing, who you’re not playing, but you have to stay focused for a really long time,” he said. “We’re playing really well and we’ve all seen really good teams that slip up. The leaders on the team are staying focused and the coaches are holding them accountable.”
The Ramblers got things done throughout the field Friday, with the running game leading the way with 196 yards and four scores on the ground.
Joey McHugh went for 108 yards on six carries and three touchdowns, while Gavin Hewitt added an 80-yard touchdown as well.
“I think our offensive line is taking this over for us,” said Suttle. “They’re blocking really well up front. Joey and Gavin and Ryan (Reynolds) are doing a tremendous job of running the ball. But that front has stepped up and Drew (Neer) was able to hit a couple nice passes tonight.”
Freshman quarterback Drew Neer added a 39-yard touchdown completion to Alex Calcaterra on the night as well.
Defensively, Leon Xiong made 12 tackles, two for a loss and a sack, Fila Xiong had eight tackles, Ryan Spate made eight tackles and an interception, Chas Stanek recovered a fumble and Jaden Alger had eight tackles.
The quest for an undefeated regular season wraps next week when Roscommon makes the trip to Earl Brotherston Field on Friday, Oct. 21. The two were scheduled to meet in week nine of last season, though the Bucks forfeited the game.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Boyne City earns second straight Leaders Division league title
