PICKFORD - It was a rematch that two schools and communities were waiting for.
The 11-0 Indian River - Inland Lakes Bulldogs matched up with the 11-0 Pickford Panthers with the winner heading to the Superior Done next Saturday to play in the Division 1 8-man Championship Game.
Last year, the Bulldogs came to Pickford and shut them out 12-0 to advance to the title game.
The Panthers, this time, come out ahead, winning 34-18. They will play Deckerville next Saturday 11a.m. in Marquette for the D-1 8-man State Title.
Coach Josh Rader could not be any prouder of his players.
“We just talked about grit all year long. And being tested. Answering the bell. Every game has momentum swings and our team is a team that has grit. They answer every single time. We are not as physically big as other teams but that doesn’t matter to them and we just come out and play aggressive and control the ball, which we try to do. and we did that tonight as well,” Radar said.