Photo by: www.upsportsphotos.com
NEGAUNEE, MI –August 14th –Going into the first day of full pads, the Negaunee Miners are starting to find their groove. Each player is beginning to fill their roles to the best of their ability.
While some positions are basically locked in, like quarterback (Ryan Syrjala) and a few Offensive Line positions (Luke Jacobson & Hunter Ridley), there are others that are uncertain at this point. Every year, Coach Jacobson and Co. have to use their best judgement to decide “who wants to be there” as they put it.
Losing a lot of talent from the 2013 football roster, there is a lot to be replaced this season. Two-year running back Tyler LaJoie is now an NMU Wildcat, same goes for wide receiver Zane Radloff, and offensive tackle Jeremy Bell who is spending his football time up in Houghton now.
That is where the Ryan Syrjalas, Luke Jacobsons, and Hunter Ridleys are going to be huge this year, not just on the field, but in the locker room. One position of question is running back. Ethan Ledford, who got some playing time during his junior year is battling fellow senior Ryan Bischoff who has switched from playing wide receiver last season.
Then there’s the life-blood of the Negaunee Miners, and all football teams for that matter: The offensive & defensive lines. With only two returning starters, these are positions that will be key going forward. In a recent interview, Coach Paul Jacobson said that the center position is one that is really competitive early in camp. Coach Jacobson said that every player was at every workout that they were able to do within the MHSAA parameters, and there are a lot of players that want to be there and want to be on the field making an impact.
Whatever happens by week 1 in Manistique (7:30 on August 29th doncha know?), you know that the coaching staff in Negaunee will have their players ready to play whatever the circumstances be. Be sure to keep up with us here on Sunny.FM for all of your Negaunee Miners pre-season & in-season coverage.
-Carl Leander Johnson
Thanks again to the following businesses who have made supporting their community a priority for them!
- Aubree’s Pizza & Grill of Marquette
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- Peninsula Glass & Auto Sales of Ishpeming
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- Red Rock Lanes of Ishpeming
– Red Rock Lanes has you covered in more areas than you know. They have food, bowling, and are a perfect place to host a party or event. We here at SunnyFM & Great Lakes Radio Inc should know. We have our quarterly giveaways there every time. So schedule your party there now at 486-8000!
Thank you again for supporting Negaunee Sports!
