SHEPHERD, MI – October 30, 2026 – Negaunee Highschool Football traveled south to Shepherd, Michigan, Friday night to face the Shepherd Bluejays at Veterans Memorial Stadium in a high-stakes playoff matchup! With a spot in next week’s game on the line, the Miners needed to put the regular season behind them, focus on the field in front of them, and bring their best football. Carl Johnson and Brad Saatio were on the call, bringing every moment of the action live to listeners on Sunny 101.9!
There was no time to ease into this one. Negaunee Highschool Football needed to be ready from the opening kickoff, and both teams came prepared for a battle. Every possession, every yard, and every point would matter as the Miners fought to keep their playoff run alive.
First Half
Negaunee started with the ball, but the opening drive proved challenging. The Miners needed to avoid penalties, find their rhythm, and turn their possessions into points. Shepherd struck first, getting into the end zone and taking an early 6-0 lead. But the Miners weren’t going to sit back!
Kyle Waterman connected with Evan DellAngelo on a beautiful post route, delivering a perfect pass to bring Negaunee into the end zone. The score was tied 6-6, and the Miners went for two, but the conversion attempt fell incomplete.
Waterman and DellAngelo were already showing some serious chemistry. The two continued connecting downfield, finding openings and helping Negaunee move the ball into Bluejays territory. DellAngelo broke through two Shepherd defenders for an impressive 40-yard gain, giving the Miners another big opportunity. Shepherd answered with another touchdown, putting the Bluejays ahead 13-6. Negaunee needed to respond, and Braden Gleason delivered! After working through the Shepherd defense, Gleason found the end zone for another Miners touchdown, pulling Negaunee within one point at 13-12.
The extra-point battle was becoming a major factor. Both teams were finding ways to score, but Negaunee’s missed conversions were keeping the Bluejays just ahead. The Miners’ defense stepped up with a big stop on fourth down, preventing Shepherd from extending its lead. With possession back in Negaunee’s hands, the offense went back to work. Evan Harvala found his opportunity and powered into the end zone for another Miners touchdown! Negaunee took advantage of the opening and moved ahead 18-13.
Shepherd wasn’t finished, though. A strong return gave the Bluejays another opportunity, and they responded with a score of their own. By the end of the first half, the scoreboard showed 19-18, with Negaunee holding a narrow lead. Both teams had found the end zone multiple times, and Negaunee Highschool Football was learning just how important every extra point could be. It was a close one, and there was still plenty of football left to play!
Second Half
Negaunee Highschool Football needed to keep the fire under its cleats coming out of halftime, but Shepherd came back ready to push. The Bluejays extended their lead to 26-18, making the extra points count and putting Negaunee in a position where every possession mattered. The Miners needed a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to even things up.
And they got it!
Negaunee found the end zone through tight end Aries Coreman, bringing the Miners closer. With the two-point conversion attempt coming up, Evan Harvala made the catch and secured the conversion!
26-26!
Just like that, the game was tied again. With approximately 12 minutes remaining, Negaunee Highschool Football had brought the Miners right back into the fight. The energy was building, and both teams knew the next few drives could decide who moved on to the next round.
David Juchemich made a big play tonight to help the Miners buy time on the clock, while DellAngelo continued making smart moves and drawing attention from the Shepherd defense. Brayden Gleason also came through with an impressive play, helping Negaunee gain valuable yards and keep the drive moving.
Then came a moment that had Miners fans ready to celebrate. Wallon Harvala appeared to find the end zone for another Negaunee touchdown, but a flag brought the play back. The score remained tied, and the Miners had to regroup. With the pressure mounting, Negaunee needed to stay disciplined and make every opportunity count.
Then Kyle Waterman stepped up!
Waterman found the end zone for a huge Miners touchdown, putting Negaunee ahead 34-26! The sideline erupted as the Miners lined up for the conversion. Could they extend their lead?
They could!
Negaunee completed the two-point conversion, moving ahead by eight points with just under two minutes remaining. Negaunee Highschool Football had fought through a back-and-forth game, overcome an early deficit, and finally created some breathing room.
With approximately 1 minute and 40 seconds left, Negaunee was looking to hold onto possession and put the game away. The Miners had done the work, and now they needed to finish strong.
Final Score
Negaunee Highschool Football came away with the playoff victory over Shepherd, earning its place in next week’s matchup!
This game was a true battle. The Miners had to answer touchdown after touchdown, work through missed conversions, and keep their composure when big plays were called back. But they never let up. From Waterman’s connections with DellAngelo to Harvala’s important touchdown and two-point conversion, Negaunee found the plays it needed when the pressure was on.
Negaunee Highschool Football is moving forward, and the Miners’ playoff run continues!
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Up Next
The Miners are advancing to next week’s playoff matchup! Their next opponent is expected to be Kingsford, pending confirmation of the bracket.
Keep an eye out for updates as Negaunee prepares for another week of playoff football. The road to the finals continues, and Negaunee Highschool Football isn’t done yet!
GO MINERS!
