Groups gather to cheer on Trojans.

CRYSTAL FALLS -- Forget shopping and Black Friday sales.  Residents in Crystal Falls spent the morning after Thanksgiving watching the Forest Park Trojans play for the State Football Championship.

It's become somewhat of a tradition.  This is sixth consecutive year the Trojans have played for the title; this year against the Beal City Aggies.  They lost to Beal City, 41-23.

Jeff and Sarah Haggland have opened their home on game day for the past two years to friends, family and fans.

"Black Friday," said Crystal Falls native, Katie Kudwa, "we don't do that here.  We come watch football."

Almost all the fans at the Hagglands have been down to Ford Field for one of the championship games.  They say gathering here helps them feel like they're there on the sidelines, cheering the team to win.

"It almost feels like a professional football team that you're cheering on every year," Kudwa said.  "But it's guys you know, grew up with, and with their families."

The guests include several Forest Park graduates, the guy everyone calls the "super-fan," Nathaniel Kudwa, and even a former football player, who played in the championship game a few years ago.

"It's really astonishing to know that you're playing on the same field as a professional team," said Matt Sundquist.  "It really lets you know you've accomplished something.  So, it's fun."

Even with a halftime score of 27-8 in favor of Beal City, the fans remained optimistic that the Trojans could rally.

"I think it's possible," Sundquist said.  "It's all momentum and just how we're going to play today.  You never know with the Trojans."

After all, that's what it's all about:  good food, good friends, and a lot of school spirit.

10:30 a.m - Haggland House -

About 35 people have shown up so far and they are eager for the Trojans to score their first touchdown.  The guest list includes former Trojan football players who participated in past championship games.  I hope to talk to one of them.  Check back later for an update.

8:15 a.m. - November 27th - Newsroom -

I'm headed to Crystal Falls today to join up with a group of people who are watching the Forest Park Trojan's take on Beal City H.S. in the State Football Championship.  They've gathered for the past six years to cheer on the team that is playing at Ford Field in Detroit.   Actually I'm glad to avoid the Black Friday craziness because shopping for hours does not sound like fun.