Program Feature: Negaunee Miners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, I'd like to feature a program I haven't seen get any press. The Negaunee Miners, just west of Marquette in our upper peninsula, are having an incredible season standing at 8-0, with the 5th most Playoff Points in Division 6. Undoubtedly, this is a team with Ford Field on their minds, but they'll have to remain perfect until then. Last season, this was a good team who finished the season 8-3 but got knocked in the 2nd-round of the postseason by a team they beat by two scores in the regular season. Though, unlike last season, this season is more dominant and seems to be more special, as they have wins against many playoff teams. This article will quickly explore this season's dominance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Quick Stats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Record (as of 10/20)</td><td>8-0</td></tr><tr><td>Playoff Points</td><td>49.1 (5th D6)</td></tr><tr><td>Points Per Game</td><td>49</td></tr><tr><td>Points Against Per Game</td><td>7.9</td></tr><tr><td>Wins against Playoff Teams</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Point Differential vs. Playoff Teams</td><td>175-43</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Best Wins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19-14 W vs. Iron Mountain (#1 D8) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>40-15 W vs. Calumet (#27 D6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>24-6 W vs. Gladstone (#3 D6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Best Players (Via Hudl)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB/DB | [player_tooltip player_id='881599' first='Kainoa' last='Lacar'] | 5'7 165</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lacar is a great ball carrier who loves to bounce it outside, and he has the speed to do so. He has big-play ability and is quite elusive. One play in particular against #3 Gladstone, he ran between the tackles before bouncing it outside, breaking a ton of tackles on the way to a massive gain. I'm excited to see that Lacar can go against the best teams in the postseason. When it comes to coverage, he can more than hold his own against the competition he faces. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL/DL | Michael Paltzer | 6'0 245</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paltzer is a big lineman for Negaunee, and has a few highlights at OL. There honestly isn't much info on him, but he's proven to make some good blocks, and with his size, he should be able to go some good work on defense as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR/KR | Philip Nelson | 6'0 175</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson is a great athlete. Returning punts and kicks, he's patient and flashy, able to split defenders and gain major yardage, and he's always a threat to take it to the house. As a receiver, there isn't much tape, but his speed and elusiveness surely help him after the catch. He had a massive performance against Calumet, and his special teams play is sure to turn the tide in some playoff games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->