Columns

Four takeaways from a wild Week 6

Football

Four takeaways from a wild Week 6

10/8/2019 | Football | By Bryce Derouin |

When it comes to marquee matchups, Week 6 was one of the best in the UP so far. There were four games between teams ranked in the previous Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Poll, and each contest had major conference implications. Here are four things that stood out this past weekend.

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Four takeaways from Negaunee's 40-20 win over Ishpeming

Football

Four takeaways from Negaunee's 40-20 win over Ishpeming

9/30/2019 | Football | By Bryce Derouin |

There may not be a team more ravaged by injuries than the Negaunee Miners. In Friday’s 40-20 win over Ishpeming, seniors Drew DuShane (WR/DB), Eric Etelmaki (RB/LB) and Leo Helppi (LB/OL) watched from the sideline. That’s three two-way starters. Plus, Kevin Jacobson was making his head coaching debut by filling in for his brother, Paul, who was at his son’s...

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Five storylines that stick out so far

Football

Five storylines that stick out so far

9/16/2019 | Football | By Bryce Derouin |

With Week 3 in the books, we’re already one-third through the high school football regular season. Some teams are already halfway to clinching a playoff berth, while others deal with injuries or prepare for key conference showdowns. Things are beginning to take shape across the UP, and these are five storylines that stick out. 

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Now covering football; plus updates on new subscription options for 2019-20

Football

Now covering football; plus updates on new subscription options for 2019-20

8/27/2019 | Football | By Bryce Derouin

Around a year ago at this time, Upbeat had just finalized its name and logo. We were excited to bring the UP its first digital coverage of high school basketball and feature the passionate athletes and coaches with in-depth stories. Now, we want to do the same for football. 

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The Way-Too-Early rankings: Division 1-3 Girls

Girls Basketball

The Way-Too-Early rankings: Division 1-3 Girls

7/31/2019 | Girls Basketball | By Eden Laase |

For our final installment of the Way-Too-Early Rankings, I’m taking over for Bryce because frankly, I’m too pumped about the Division 1-3 girls teams this season.   Last season’s Division 3 Regional Semifinal between Westwood and West Iron County was one of the best games of the year. The two teams attacked each other’s weaknesses for a back-and-forth contest that...

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The Way-Too-Early rankings: Division 1-3 Boys

Boys Basketball

The Way-Too-Early rankings: Division 1-3 Boys

7/30/2019 | Boys Basketball | By Bryce Derouin |

After last season’s dramatic and controversial ending in the Division 3 state final, it’s not an exaggeration to say Iron Mountain will have the state’s attention in 2019-20. There will be those interested in how the Mountaineers bounce back on their revenge tour after having what many feel was a state title robbed from them, and others who will track...

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