Marquette, Mi – October 5th, 2026 – Negaunee looked to keep the train rolling after shutting out Hancock last week as the Miners hit the road to take on Westwood in a crosstown rivalry game. The matchup was canceled last season, meaning fans were getting to experience the rivalry for the first time in two seasons. The Patriots entered the game riding a two-game winning streak and hoped to defend their home turf.
First Half
Negaunee got on the scoreboard first after coming up with a big fourth-down stop. The Miners marched down the field, eventually finding the end zone when Waylon Harvala hauled in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Waterman. Waterman then connected with Harvala again on a successful option pitch for the two-point conversion, giving Negaunee an 8-0 lead.
Waterman continued to make an impact defensively, intercepting a Westwood pass on the Patriots next possession. However, the Miners were unable to capitalize on the turnover. Negaunee’s defense continued to control the game, with the Miners taking an 8-0 lead into the second quarter.
Waterman added another touchdown pass in the second quarter, this time finding Evan DellAngelo. DellAngelo made several Westwood defenders miss on his way to the end zone. The Miners were unable to convert the ensuing two-point attempt after a miscommunication, leaving Negaunee with a 14-0 advantage.
Neither team was able to add to the scoreboard before halftime, sending the Miners into the locker room with a 14-0 lead.
Second Half
Negaunee came out of halftime ready to put the game away. Mason Swenor found a hole and exploded through the Westwood defense, taking the ball all the way to the end zone for a touchdown. The Miners two-point attempt came up short after the pass was bobbled and ruled out of bounds, making it 20-0.
Westwood finally got on the scoreboard when Ellis King found the end zone to cut into the Negaunee lead. Beckman connected with Ryan Perry on the two-point conversion, bringing the Patriots within 12 points at 20-8. The Miners quickly answered, adding another touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to push their advantage back to 20 points. Negaunee carried a 28-8 lead into the fourth quarter.
Westwood refused to go quietly, as King found the end zone for a second time, this time using his speed to break away from the Negaunee defense. The Patriots were unable to convert the two-point attempt, making it 28-14. Negaunee once again had an answer. Harvala found the end zone for his second touchdown of the night, and Cole Prusi added the two-point conversion to extend the Miners lead to 36-14.
The Negaunee defense then put the finishing touches on the victory when David Juchemich forced a fumble, effectively putting the game away. Negaunee went on to secure a 36-14 victory over Westwood. Click this link to listen to the broadcast!
Looking Ahead
Negaunee will return home next week to host the Menominee Maroons, the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association’s No. 1-ranked team. Menominee enters the matchup undefeated with a perfect 6-0 record.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Miners Stadium. If you’re a football fan, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.
