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Rally to support Negaunee football team for its trip to regional playoff game

Wearing his patriotic mask, Negaunee football head coach Paul Jacobson watches the Miners’ game against Manistique on Sept. 18 in Negaunee. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

NEGAUNEE — Organizers are hoping for a big turnout early Friday evening when a community pep rally will be held for the Negaunee High School varsity football team.

The rally is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. at the high school parking lot in preparation for the team’s departure early the next morning for downstate Grayling.

The Miners play the Vikings at 2 p.m. Saturday in the regional championship, or fourth, round of the MHSAA Division 6 playoffs. Each team has compiled a 6-3 record in this coronavirus-shortened season.

These teams are among just eight left in Division 6, meaning Negaunee needs three more wins, including Saturday, to capture its first state title since 2002. That was current head coach Paul Jacobson’s third year in that position.

The Miners haven’t been farther than this in the playoffs since 2003, when they reached the Division 6 semifinals. They also made regional finals appearances in 2004, 2012 and 2013.

The rally will be held with the coronavirus pandemic in mind as the players will loop around the high school driveway-parking lot bowl, according to rally organizers.

They encourage fans to bring posters, noisemakers and “Miner Pride” to the gathering, along with the ever-present masks.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.

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