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Sports
Sports
By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER — The Wykons football team took on the Broncos from Bark River on Oct. 7. The Broncos entered the contest with a 3–3 record on the season while the Wykons were 1–5.
Unfortunately the Wykons were unable to match the Broncos.
The Wykons have had a rash of injuries and continue to have their numbers reduced on a weekly basis. Taking the field with only 13 varsity players in an 11-man football program is a herculean task for even the fittest of athletes. Being forced to play on both offense and defense, the Wykons had difficulty catching their breath.
Bark River scored three touchdowns in both the first and second quarters, while the Wykons could not muster positive yardage. The score at halftime was 40–0 and the Broncos were held scoreless until the fourth quarter, when they added a touchdown and went up 46–0.
Late into the final quarter of play, West Iron mustered a touchdown when Abel Lundin scored on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Bradly Jochem. As a junior, Jochem is garnering experience as he navigates the trials of a difficult year. His senior leadership will be important as the team returns to play next year.
“He does whatever I ask him to do, he runs the ball, he can pass and he’s all in for next year,” said Coach Mike Berutti.
Berutti remains positive about the prospects of next year being more competitive. It will be important the injuries be kept to a minimum if the Wykons hope to field a team in their final games of 2023.