The Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devils played the Ironwood Red Devils in the 2018 High School Bowl Championship and won by a score of 250-210. Forty schools from the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin field teams for Public TV 13’s High School Bowl tournament, now celebrating 40 years on the air. Northern Michigan University awarded scholarships to the first and second-place winners, with Sault Ste. Marie receiving $2,500 and Ironwood $1,500 in scholarship funds to be distributed by the schools. Sault Ste. Marie’s road to the championship began with a win over Negaunee (370-150) in the second round; and in the third round they defeated Republic-Michigamme (390-20). The Blue Devils advanced through the next two rounds with wins over Escanaba (290-200) and Marquette (430-120) to earn a coveted spot in the championship game. Ironwood began the 2017-2018 High School Bowl season by defeating L’Anse (320-80) in the second round, and Cedarville (350-50) in the third round. They clinched their spot in the championship with wins over Kingsford (220-110) and Westwood (220-120) in the semifinals. The Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devils have appeared in the final High School Bowl tournament once before in 2003 when they won against Ewen-Trout Creek. The Ironwood Red Devils made their fifth appearance in the championship game of the High School Bowl Tournament this year. They have been runners up in the tournament for four years in a row. Representing Sault Ste. Marie, seated from left, are players Sydney Kuenzer, John Shackleton, team captain Nicholas Natzke and Elaine Anderson. Standing is Coach Paul Pioszak. Players for Ironwood are, seated from left, Rico Braucher, team captain Zane Ozzello, Ian Bentley and Kinley Lyons. Standing are alternates Dylan Taivalmaa and Travis Collins with Coach Steven Boyd. High School Bowl host Jim Koski is standing at lower left.