Saints Can’t Stop Chiefs From Tying All-Time Series
By David Latva

Jake Smith

St. Ignace and Cheboygan have played many classic battles on the gridirion since 1952, but during the 49th meeting the Chiefs took control in the second quarter to hand the Saints a 53-14 Straits Area Conference setback at Saints Field Friday, September 9.

The Saints had a 24-23-1 edge going into the first league games for both teams before the Chiefs notched the long time rivalry at 24-24-1.

"I am proud of the team for not quitting," said Saints Coach Marty Spencer. "We continue to play hard and good things will happen."

Zach Pierson completed eight of 20 passes for 88 yards, Tyler Huskey had three receptions for 45 yards, Garrett Becker had two catches for 34 yards, Dan Olsen had one catch for six yards, and James Peterson one reception for three yards. Derrick Clark rushed for 18 yards and punted four times for a 34.5 average. Kyle Smock gained eight yards, and Sam Fitzpatrick chipped in six.

Billy Matson (fumble recovery) and Tyler Huskey (blocked extra point kick) led the defense with 12 tackles each. Nick Montie added 10, Kyle Smock chipped in seven stops and one sack, Zach Pierson, James Sayles, and Derrick Clark notched seven, Paul Davis, Ben Matelski, and Alex Winkel tallied five, Sam Fitzpatrick charted four, Stephen Massaway and Wade McKenzie counted two, and Mario Calcaterra, James Peterson, Rob Sayles, and Lee Kelso recorded one each.

Cheboygan took a 12-0 lead after the first quarter on a 25-yard scoring pass from Brady LaFrinere to Cody Sems and an 18-yard run by Sems.

The Chiefs increased the advantage to 33-0 at halftime after Dan Hudak scored from one yard out, Scott Dombroski on a 30-yard interception return, and a three-yard touchdown by Justun Case.

Cheboygan increased the margin to 47-0 with a Josh Miyamoto 17-yard run and closed out the game with a Steven Hart 62-yard run.

St. Ignace scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Zach Pierson marched the Saints 67 yards on six plays and plunged over from the one-yard line. Garrett Becker hauled in a 26-yard pass that was a key in the scoring drive and Jake Smith blocked the Chiefs punt and recovered the ball in the endzone before James Peterson caught the two-point conversion pass from Pierson.

St. Ignace will travel to Rogers City to face the Hurons in a non-conference contest Friday, September 16.