Black River
Black River, MI · Sports
MaxPreps
Football Recap: Glen Lake Piles Up the Points Against Johannesburg-Lewiston + How To Watch
Glen Lake got themselves on the board against Johannesburg-Lewiston on Friday, but Johannesburg-Lewiston never followed suit. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Cardinals 34-0. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Lakers' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Michigan football rankings (they are ranked 180th, while the Cardinals are ranked 394th).
The Detroit News
Two-time Indy 500 winner and Michigan-native Gordon Johncock dies at 90
Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Gordon Johncock, a native of Hastings, Mich., died of natural causes on Monday, Sept. 28 at his home in South Branch, Mich., his family announced. Johncock was 90. Johncock won the Indianapolis 500 in 1973 and 1982 and also the Michigan 500 at Michigan International Speedway in 1982. He was the IndyCar series national champion in 1976 after winning 25 races that season. A lifelong Michigan resident, Johncock’s career began at local tracks like Capital City Speedway in Lansing and Berlin Raceway in Marne. He began his USAC and CART/IndyCar career in 1964 when he drove for Weinberger Racing. He ran four races in 1964 and went full-time in 1965. Johncock’s 1982 Indianapolis 500 win was memorable for its closing-lap duel with Rick Mears. He beat Mears by a then-record .16 of a second, the seventh closest finish in Indy 500 history. In 1973, Johncock started 11 th in the Indianapolis 500 that was delayed two days because of rain. Johncock led 64 laps and was the winner when rain ended the race on Lap 133. He finished third in the 1976 and 1978 Indianapolis 500s, and he was fourth in 1966 and 1974. In 1977,
Petoskey News Review
Gaylord football's Mason Gentz blocks punt, picks off pass with arm in club cast
GAYLORD — What's the first piece of advice you'd give to someone trying to catch a football for the first time? "Use two hands" is probably somewhere near the top of the list. Gaylord's Mason Gentz doesn't have that luxury right now. Gentz broke his right hand during practice a little over a week ago, forcing him to wear a club cast over it if he wants to continue playing. That hasn't slowed down the senior linebacker, however, as he continues to come up with big plays for Gaylord's defense as they chase a second-straight Big North Conference championship. Volleyball How JL volleyball adjusted after losing all-state star Mady Peppin Parade pics Photos from the Gaylord High School homecoming parade, Sept. 25, 2026 Facing Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Sept. 25, Gentz was all over the field for Gaylord in its 51-6 win, intercepting a pass and blocking a punt despite the one available hand. "Before the game and before every practice, I work on catching with this thing," Gentz said, looking at his club. "It hurts, it really hurts, I'm not going to lie, but I need to make plays when my team needs me and I was able
Petoskey News Review
Big tests await Gaylord-area football teams in crucial Week 5
GAYLORD — This week marks the halfway point of the high school football season for Michigan and the Gaylord area. Each Otsego County area team came into the 2026 season with similar goals of competing for a league title and a playoff berth. All those goals are still alive, but all three teams will face different challenges if they want to achieve them. Gaylord (2-2, 2-1 Big North Conference) now controls its own destiny again after Cadillac's loss to Marquette, needing another win this week over Sault Ste Marie (1-3, 0-3 Big North Conference) to stay in the hunt. Gaylord St. Mary (4-0, 3-0 Bridge Alliance-Valley) hasn't allowed a point in 2026 yet and is in the midst of a three-week road trip, and JoBurg (2-2, 2-2 Northern Michigan Football Conference) has lost two straight, needing to end the skid against the reigning league champions, Maple City Glen Lake (2-2, 2-1 NMFC). Who takes home victories in Week 5? Volleyball Gaylord volleyball hosts Sault Ste Marie, photo highlights VOTE Vote for the Gaylord Herald Times Athlete of the Week, Sept. 14-21 Gaylord vs. Sault Ste. Marie Gaylord needed a bounce-back in Week 4 after suffering a 28-0 loss to Cadillac
piadvance.com
Hurons hold on for 30-24 win over Cardinals
The Hurons (3-1) survived a late threat by Whittemore-Prescott (W-P) to take a 30-24 win over the Cardinals. After Eli Banttari took an end around 25 yards for a score and junior quarterback Bryan McKinstry hit Ethan Spens with the two-point pass, the Hurons built a 30-8 lead. With 8:31 left in the game, the Hurons seemed to be in control.
9&10 News
149th Fighter Wing was set for flyover at Alpena High School game Friday
ALPENA — A flyover for the Alpena High School Sept. 18 football game has been canceled, according to the district in a release. “Due to the unfortunate events that occurred today, all flight operations for the 149th Fighter Wing have been ceased,” the release said. “The flyover for tomorrow’s game has been canceled. “Our thoughts are with the 149th Fighter Wing pilot and their team.” A crash of a Texas Air National Guard fighter jet near Traverse City on Sept. 17 occurred during training exercises based out of Alpena.
Petoskey News Review
Gaylord volleyball leaning on seniors in transformational season
GAYLORD — Last year, the Gaylord volleyball season's biggest moments came off the court, leading to a tumultuous season for a Blue Devil team competing in a tough Big North Conference. This season, the Blue Devils are looking to put that behind them and re-establish a culture that sets the program up for success. For coach Kennedy Hignite and the team's seniors, that means less chasing wins and more embracing the chaos every match will bring. That mentality has paid dividends early on and nearly helped GHS to a rivalry victory. Gaylord (1-3) took on Petoskey (3-9) on Thursday, Sept. 10, a team GHS has historically struggled against. This was one of the team's best performances against the Northmen, however, pushing the match to five sets before running out of gas in the final frame, 18-25, 26-24, 20-25, 25-23, 3-15. Even in a loss, the signs of the culture Hignite is building were evident in Jim Mongeau Gymnasium. Football Predictions for Week 3 of Gaylord area high school football AOTW Vote for the Gaylord Herald Times Athlete of the Week, Week 2 Senior leaders are key to Gaylord's success Maybe the biggest sign of improvement on Thursday night wasn't the
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
Cousins Elijah and Landen Perkins having a blast, shining for Bulldogs
ONAWAY — Inland Lakes held a big lead in the second half, but Elijah and Landen Perkin s were still laser-focused. Awaiting the next Onaway offensive play , Elijah and Landen communicated in the Inland Lakes secondary. WEEK 2 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Inland Lakes off to excellent start; Pellston, Onaway have work to do INLAND LAKES SHUTS OUT ONAWAY: Big-play offense, team defense fuel Inland Lakes to win at Onaway A few moments later, they were celebrating as the defense made another quality play. The special bond showed by the two cousins didn't start in Onaway, of course. It didn't start a year ago when both were solid contributors for the Bulldogs. It started when they were youngsters, as Elijah donned a jersey of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, while Landen did the same with Rob Gronkowski. On many Sundays in the fall, the two found themselves watching football together and having aspirations of becoming stars on the gridiron themselves someday. Several years later, as seniors, they're a dynamic duo for the Bulldogs, who beat Onaway 44-0 on Friday, Sept. 4. "We had a very good connection when we were younger," Elijah said. "We would go over to each other's
northernexpress.com
A Youth Resilience Program on Wheels
906 Adventure Team finishes their first summer season in Petoskey and Gaylord. Northern Michigan is rich in youth cycling programs designed to get kids off the couch, away from screens, and into the great outdoors. Traverse City-based Norte teaches mountain biking skills to youngsters all over the tip of the mitt. Top of Michigan Trails Council’s Kids Biking Initiative, which serves Emmet County fourth graders, hosts school-aligned all-day field trip bike rides on paved inland trails.
Petoskey News Review
Gaylord football uses dominant second half to defeat Escanaba
GAYLORD — The Gaylord football team was affectionately nicknamed the "Cardiac Kids" by their coaching staff last season. What seemed like weekly come-from-behind, final-moment victories for a team that eventually went 9-0 in the regular season became part of their identity in 2025. The roster may look different, but they proved that late-game resilience didn't graduate with last year's seniors. Gaylord (1-1, 1-0 Big North Conference) trailed Escanaba (0-2, 0-1 BNC) 17-7 heading into halftime before scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half, eventually finishing off a 35-25 victory for its first league win of the season on Thursday, Sept. 3. "The first half didn't go in our favor, but I thought we matured as the game went on," Gaylord coach Matt Silsbury said. "We kind of found our footing and started doing the things we are capable of." Scores Northern Michigan high school football scores, updates for Week 2 EJ, Harbor Webb leads East Jordan to first victory, Harbor Springs gets physical with Glen Lake Here's how Gaylord pulled off the comeback win in Week 2: Penalties, miscues plague first half Gaylord sports a relatively young and inexperienced roster in 2026, and that can lead to mistakes. Those
Petoskey News Review
Webb leads East Jordan to first victory, Harbor Springs gets physical with Glen Lake
OSCODA — Opponents know they need to prepare every which way on the defensive side of the ball for East Jordan’s William Webb. Apparently, now special teams units need to be prepared for Webb as well. The senior quarterback made host Oscoda pay when Week 2 kicked off Thursday night on a second quarter punt return that he took more than 70 yards for a score, part of a four-touchdown night and 42-6 victory for the Red Devils. “Anytime the ball is in his hands, he’s got a chance to make something happen,” East Jordan coach Adam Grybauskas said, admitting it’s not normal for Webb to be back there on punts. “We just let him know, if something opens up, go make a play. He can do that anytime he has the ball.” The first victory of the year for East Jordan was aided by a Webb rushing score, two through the air and that special teams highlight. He also had an 80-yard rushing score taken off the board. It came as a highlight night for the QB, though it was one the entire team can celebrate as well. “I’m just a big believer in the first win of any
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
Inland Lakes off to excellent start; Pellston, Onaway have work to do
CHEBOYGAN — Week 1 is in the books. For the Inland Lakes Bulldogs, it was a fantastic start to the football season . ROGERS CITY QB: McKinstry's big passing night sets tone for Rogers City football ONAWAY VS ROGERS CITY WEEK 1: Onaway struggles to contain prolific Rogers City passing attack For the Onaway Cardinals and Pellston Hornets, it was difficult. Here's some thoughts on each Cheboygan-area team's Week 1 while looking ahead to Week 2. INLAND LAKES Week 1 Result: Def. Hillman, 46-8 Thoughts: It's no surprise that the Bulldogs (1-0) opened their season with a bang by pummeling Hillman. Whether it was a powerful rushing attack that featured touchdown runs from Alyx Willis and Collin Maves, or the passing of senior quarterback Landon Fenstermaker, who tossed two touchdowns, I-L's crisp and prolific offense allowed it to build a 38-0 halftime lead. Defensively, the Bulldogs were dominant throughout as several players stepped up and stymied the Tigers. Week 2 Matchup: at Onaway (7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4) Thoughts: This will be another great opportunity for the Bulldogs to feast on an Onaway defense that struggled against Rogers City in its opener. 10 KEY CHEBOYGAN-AREA FOOTBALL PLAYERS: Meet the 10
Petoskey News Review
WATCH: How Gaylord football came back to beat Escanaba
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
McKinstry's big passing night sets tone for Rogers City football
ONAWAY — All day long, Bryan McKinstry couldn't wait to get on the field . While he was nervous throughout the day, he was itching to get his chance . ONAWAY VS ROGERS CITY RECAP: Onaway struggles to contain prolific Rogers City passing attack WEEK 1 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Previewing Week 1 of the Cheboygan-area high school football season 10 KEY CHEBOYGAN-AREA FOOTBALL PLAYERS: Meet the 10 players who will define Cheboygan-area football season After one play — the first from scrimmage, mind you — the work McKinstry put in during a productive summer leading up to this season was rewarded. He connected with senior teammate Nolan Lesko on a long touchdown pass that gave the Hurons an early lead. The play was a statement of sorts from McKinstry, who was just getting started. By the end of the night, McKinstry delivered the best performance of his high school career by tossing a career-high seven touchdown passes and spearheading the Hurons to a 46-18 victory at rival Onaway on Thursday Aug. 27. "It meant so much, just to show what's going to happen in further games and how the offense is going to work," McKinstry said. "We just wanted to show
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
Onaway struggles to contain prolific Rogers City passing attack
ONAWAY — A couple of rivals facing off on a darn-near perfect night for football. For one of those rivals, they came out of it pleased with how they performed. For the other , there's some obvious work to do. ONAWAY'S ZACH SCHMOLDT: Onaway senior Zach Schmoldt brings 'bulldozer' mentality to gridiron M-68 RIVALS IN NEW LEAGUE: Inland Lakes, Onaway eager for challenge of new Bridge Alliance league In the end, it was the Rogers City Hurons — spearheaded by a prolific passing attack led by junior quarterback Bryan McKinstry — who reigned superior in a 46-18 victory over the Onaway Cardinals in a Week 1 battle of Presque Isle County rivals in Onaway on Thursday, Aug. 27. Here's some takeaways from the matchup. Cardinals haunted by slow start Like every team out there, the Cardinals (0-1) intended to get off to a fast start, but the Hurons (1-0) carved up the Onaway defense quickly, opening the game with a 59-yard touchdown pass from McKinstry to senior wide receiver Nolan Lesko on the first play from scrimmage. Leading 8-0 and forcing an Onaway 3-and-out, Rogers City struck again when McKinstry found sophomore Sam Whitford, who scored from 26 yards out,
Petoskey News Review
Vote for the Gaylord area preseason volleyball player of the year
GAYLORD ― High school sports are back in Michigan, and we need your help deciding the best area volleyball player. Gaylord, St. Mary and Johannesburg-Lewiston have played their first matches this season. Before they enter league play, vote for who you think will be the top player in the Gaylord area. Vote now! Mady Peppin, JoBurg The two-time reigning GHT Volleyball Player of the Year, Peppin has a mix of size and athleticism most volleyball teams dream of. She entered the season at 943 kills and 132 blocks in her career and is bound to enter her name in the JL record books a few times over with a full senior season ahead of her. Emery Lawes, JoBurg Lawes had a great sophomore season in volleyball, basketball and softball. She finished the 2025 volleyball season with 233 kills and 20 blocks, a key returner for a JL team with a chance at a league title in 2026. Lily Crane, JoBurg Another three-sport star for JoBurg, Crane had 198 kills and 7 blocks as a junior and is key to their greater goals this season. Bindi Samalik, Gaylord Just a sophomore, Samalik has the size to make a difference in the
Up North Voice
Mio First Dam Canoe Challenge returns Aug. 29-30
MIO — A race created to celebrate the Au Sable River and introduce new paddlers to canoe racing will return to Mio for another year. The 23rd annual Mio First Dam Canoe Challenge will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, at Oscoda County Park. The 2026 event will pay tribute to longtime race organizer Peggy Smutek.
Petoskey News Review
JoBurg football relying on seniors to bring program back to playoffs
JOHANNESBURG ― For the past few years, Johannesburg-Lewiston football has begun its season the moment the MHSAA allows, holding practice at midnight on the first Monday of the high school sports season. The Cardinals handle the midnight practice differently than most teams, however, holding a week-long camp with guest speakers, team bonding and, hopefully, walking away with lifelong memories from their high school football experience. As coach Joe Smokevitch spoke to the team just before officially hitting the field this season, the message was clear: This once-proud program was sick of losing, and it's time to change that. He feels this group of seniors has what many of their previous teams were lacking, and it's not talent. "We've had a lack of leadership, and our seniors have that leadership," Smokevitch said. "They have that desire, that want to win. I don't have to yell at them and tell them 'This is what you need to do to lead.' They just do it." It's been five seasons since JL finished with a winning record or made a playoff appearance. Can they find that recipe that returns the program to what they were in the 2010s, and possibly further than ever before?