Negaunee, MI – September 11th, 2026 – Negaunee hit the road and traveled to the Copper Country for a Week 3 showdown with Calumet. With both teams entering the night unbeaten, the latest chapter in a rivalry that has quickly become one of the area’s best was set to be a battle from the opening kickoff. The night also featured a special moment before the game, as a flyover took place ahead of kickoff.
FIRST QUARTER
Calumet received the opening kick and immediately put together a long, methodical drive. The Copper Kings controlled the clock for nearly 10 minutes, marching 70 yards down the field while converting on multiple fourth-down situations. The drive eventually ended with Calumet finding the end zone to take a 7-0 lead, marking the first time Negaunee had trailed all season.
Negaunee answered with a strong drive of its own. Kyle Waterman handed the ball to Mason Swenor, who planted his foot, followed his blockers and powered his way into the end zone from one yard out to cut the deficit to 7-6. The Miners went for two, but Waterman was stopped short on a quarterback keeper.
SECOND QUARTER
Negaunee’s defense then came up with a much-needed stop, forcing Calumet to punt. Evan DellAngelo provided the Miners with excellent field position on the return, setting Negaunee up near midfield with two timeouts and just over two minutes remaining in the half.
The Miners took advantage of the opportunity. Waterman connected with Cole Prusi for a touchdown before halftime, putting Negaunee in front 12-7. The Miners once again attempted a two-point conversion, but DellAngelo was stopped short on a screen play, sending Negaunee into the locker room with a five-point advantage.
THIRD QUARTER
Calumet came out firing to begin the second half, using an onside kick to start the third quarter. The Copper Kings recovered the kick and immediately put themselves in position to regain momentum.
Calumet slowly chipped away at the Negaunee defense, working its way down the field before Tyler Halonen found the end zone to put the Copper Kings back in front, 13-12. The extra point was no good.
The momentum continued to swing toward Calumet. Negaunee moved the ball down the field on its next possession and appeared to be threatening in the red zone, but the Miners fumbled before they could finish the drive.
Calumet dominated the remainder of the third quarter, using the recovered onside kick and Negaunee turnover to control possession and field position. The Copper Kings carried their 13-12 advantage into the final quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER
Calumet entered the fourth quarter looking to protect its lead, leaning heavily on its ground game and attempting to chew clock. Negaunee was also hurt by 30 yards of penalties during the drive, helping Calumet continue to move the chains.
Oscar Loukas eventually broke a tackle and found the end zone from six yards out, extending Calumet’s lead to 19-12. The Copper Kings went for two and Loukas once again powered his way into the end zone, giving Calumet a 21-12 advantage.
Before Negaunee could mount a comeback, however, lightning forced the game to be called with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. As of the time of writing, the two teams have not resumed play, leaving the final outcome still uncertain. Click this link to listen to the broadcast!
Negaunee will look to bounce back next week when the Miners hit the road for the second consecutive week, traveling to Kingsford. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. next Friday.
