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The Wykons team entering the field.
The Wykons team entering the field.
By Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS/IRON RIVER — Last week both the West Iron Wykons (1–1) and Forest Park Trojans (3–0) recorded varsity football victories.
The Wykons blanked L’Anse 22–0 while the Trojans defeated Munising 22–12.It was the first time both teams won on the same night in at least three years, and both teams scored 22 points.
On Sept. 8, the Wykons defended their home field, going up 8–0 at halftime and scoring 14 unanswered points in the second half.
Coach Mike Berutti was visibly ecstatic as the clock wound down and the victory marked the return of winning football to Nelson Field.
“It was great to see the hometown fans and hear the roar again on Nelson Field,” Berutti said. “We are all hopeful this is the first of many great things for our team.”
Playing without four of their starters, the Wykons had a number of players step up in the victory.
Junior Colton Holm was named Wykon of the Week, while Noah DeSousa was Offensive Player of the Week and Braedon Anderson was recognized for his defensive prowess.
“I could not be prouder of everyone who contributed after a number of players were injured,” Berutti said, recognizing the team was forced to play short-handed. “We still found a way to win.”
Forest Park recorded their victory on the road in a game against Munising on Sept. 8.
The Trojans went up eight points when Gabe Quevedo took the ball 12 yards to the endzone in the first quarter, and the Trojans followed up with the two point conversion.
Quarterback Nik Stephens scored Forest Park’s second touchdown when he took the ball in from the one-yard line. The Trojans were up 14–0 after they failed to capitalize on the two-point conversion.
In the second half, both Forest Park and Munising were held scoreless in the third quarter, and both came on strong in the fourth.
The Trojans scored their final touchdown of the night when left-handed quarterback Nik Stephens hit Gaven Rintala for a 51-yard touchdown.
Munising scored twice in the fourth quarter on touchdown passes of five and 10 yards. Despite the late game rally, the Trojan defense held with the final score 22–12.
Felix Quevedo, the speedy Trojan senior, had a season high 132 yards on 18 carries, while Nik Stephens led the team with eight tackles and completed three of his seven passes for 62 yards.
“I am very happy with how the team responded in a tight ball game,” said Trojan Coach Brian Fabbri. “We had players step up and make plays all over the field.”
It would take quite some time to determine the last date when both the Wykons and Trojans recorded football victories on the same night by scoring the exact same number of points, but in the meantime, let the celebrations be had.