Rudyard Bulldogs senior captains (from left): Ben Harter, Ron Coffey, Davin Salo, and Arik Hesselink, before the Division 7 district finals against Traverse City St. Francis, Friday, November 6. (Photograph by Mike DeYoung of the Rudyard Yearbook) Rudyard found out why Traverse City St. Francis (TCSF) is the defending state champion in Division 7 after the Gladiators defeated the Bulldogs 54-8 in the district football championship contest at Thirlby Field in Traverse City Friday, November 6.

The Gladiators, 11-0 on the season and champions of the Lake Michigan Conference, are favored to defend their state crown and will face the Ishpeming Hemitities (9-2) in the regional matchup Friday, November 13.

The Bulldogs, 9-2 on the season, completed one of their best seasons since 1986, sharing the Straits Football League title with St. Ignace. Rudyard set a school record with 392 points scored this season, for a 35.6 average per game.

TCSF took a 26-0 lead after the first quarter and increased the margin to 48-0 at halftime before the running clock (35-point lead) in the second half.

Davin Salo completed 17 of 40 passes for 221 yards and made one touchdown pass to Scott Coffey from 36 yards out in the fourth quarter. Salo closed out his outstanding senior year with Upper Peninsula records, 33 touchdowns, and 2,433 passing yards. The touchdown mark ranks 12th at the statewide level, and passing is ranked 30th.

Rudyard seniors who played in their final game include Arik Hesselink, Davin Salo, Ben Harter, Brock Lewis, Ron Coffey, Bill Carrie, Ben Gable, Connor McGrath, Brett VanSloten, Scott Coffey, Bill DeYoung, Richard Gere, and Eric Miller.
Upper Peninsula Teams
Remaining in Playoffs
Division 4
Kingsford (9-2) vs. Saginaw
Swan Valley (9-2)
Division 5
Menominee (9-2) vs. Clare
(11-0)
Division 6
Iron Mountain (9-2) vs.
Montague (11-0)
Division 7
Ishpeming (9-2) vs. T.C. St.
Francis (11-0)
Division 8
Stephenson (7-3) vs. Crystal
Falls (9-2)