ISHPEMING -- Ishpeming won Class C state football titles in 1975 and '79 and came very close to the 2010 Division Seven crown.  The Hematites played Hudson in a pseudo rematch of the 1975 title contest.  Ishpeming had a late fourth quarter touchdown pass from Daniel Olson to Gabe Eppert to bring the Hematite's within two points, but the Tigers spoiled the two point conversion and held on to win 28-26.

So it's time to turn the clock ahead to 2011.  Coach Jeff Olson has a number of holes to fill thanks to talented to seniors graduating, but Olson believes his lineman will lead the way, especially early in the season.

"We have Jacob Finegan, Jordan Windahl, Caleb Simula all returning from last year, and you add another senior with Gunnar Meyer," said Olson.  "There's a couple good juniors in Cody Kugler and Brad Wootke, tight end Seppi Bertuicci.  It's a very intelligent line."

That line will try to protect a new quarterback after Daniel Olson graduated.  Senior Mike Hill says even in high school, playing QB is no picnic.

"Quarterback's mainly about focus and how well you work under composure.  It's a tough position, but you can almost be as good as you want to be."

As usual, the Hematite's don't waste any time getting to the meat of the schedule.  They have to be in stride when they open the campaign Friday, August 26, at home against Iron Mountain.