**ARTICLE BY JOSH LONGSTRETH**
It was as anticipated of a matchup that one could have before the start of the year. Gladwin knew the teams that could give them fits heading into the year. An improving Shepherd program, check. A perennial JPC power in Clare, check. A likely improved Meridian Mustang team, check. All handled in dominant fashion by Gladwin football. But this one, this one would go in saying a lot of what type of team they had. Gladwin made the long haul over to Pontiac last week for a much anticipated, a much awaited, and boy did it live up to the billing. In a game that came right down to the wire, Gladwin made that drive feel even much better as the G’s were able to show their gull in a win over Notre Dame Prep. The Irish gave them everything they could handle and more. It was a test that Gladwin had not had this year. Now they would be posed with another challenge in week 8. With an outright JPC title on the line in a rivalry game, the battle for Butch (traveling trophy in the rivalry) would be on the line. And Butch knew he would be heading back to royal blue and white country very quickly in this one.
Most teams might have a letdown after an emotional win, but Gladwin came out fast in this one to ensure there wouldn’t be one tonight. Gladwin would strike first on an 11-yard TD run to open the scoring. An Anna Seebeck PAT would make it a 7-0 game, Gladwin. Shortly after QB Nick Wheeler would find his way into the endzone from 13-yards out making it a 13-0 Gladwin lead. The Flying G’s would strike again in the 1st from 60-yards out. Seebeck would add the PAT and it was all Gladwin after one, 20-0.
Beaverton would show some life early in the 2nd when a 6-yard TD pass would get the Beavers right back in the football game. It didn’t take long after for Gladwin to respond. Wheeler would find his way in again from 13-yards out limiting the Beaverton momentum. Seebeck would connect on her 3rd PAT of the night making it a 27-7 game, Gladwin. They weren’t done yet in the 2nd when the Gladwin offense would punch one in from 1-yard out. Gladwin would have all the momentum heading into the half, 34-7.
Right out of the gate in the 2nd half Gladwin would add some more. This time from 15-yards out. Seeback would connect on the PAT to give the G’s a 41-7 advantage. Then the wheels would come off completely for the hometown Beavers as Wheeler would scamper in from 16-yards out. The Gladwin defense would get into the act on a safety from Scott Inscho making it a 50-0 game. To top off the scoring in the 3rd , Brady Gehrett would find his was in from 6-yards out. Gladwin would head into the 4th with a commanding lead, 57-7. Not much would come in the 4th as the pace would slow down. Treyton Siegert would have a little fun connecting on a 22-yard FG to wrap this one up and have Butch getting ready to head North on M-18 into Gladwin High School. They would go on to take this one, 60-7.
Jhace Massey would have himself a night carrying 10 times for 119 yards on the ground to go with 3 TD’s. Lucas Mead and Kaden McDonald would help out receiving in this one. Mead would tally 3 catches for 87 yards, McDonald would catch 2 passes for 71 yards. Braden Ritchie would add a rushing TD. Earl Esiline would add an INT for the Gladwin defense. They would limit the Beaverton offense to just 139 yards of total offense, with just 21 yards coming on the ground.
Another week with a lot at stake for the #3 ranked team in Division 5 and another they would control for much of the game. They’ll make the short trip back to Gladwin the rivalry trophy in hand and now sporting an 8-0 overall record, and wrapping up the JPC championship. For head coach Marc Jarstfer and team, it’s a team that wants to keep getting better, “We got off to a really uncharacteristic start in the first half but came out in the second half much more focused and energized. We’ll enjoy the JPC Championship for a day and then it’s on to Standish”.
Standish, who took this week off after being unable to find an opponent, will be another great test for a Gladwin team with high goals in mind. The Standish Sterling Panthers made a deep run last year and they appear to have that same thing in mind this year. The Panthers sit at #3 in Division 6 and sport a 7-0 record on the year, already wrapping up the TVC West I. They’re a team that has been tested coming from behind in wins over Ithaca and Millington.
Both teams will have a test on their hands in a playoff-esque matchup in week 9. Standish will welcome Gladwin in when the two undefeated teams square of in a big game heading into the playoffs. Get your popcorn ready, layers of clothing on, and the hot chocolate on hand when you watch this one. The two will square off next Friday night with a 7:00 start time.
