The Miners ran 36 offensive plays compared to Gladstone’s 15 prior to halftime.

“It was a great game all the way around,” said Negaunee coach Paul Jacobson, whose Miners moved into the No. 1 position in the U.P. Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association poll just a week ago. “Gladstone has a very potent offense. They can score from anywhere on the field.

“It was a physical, hard-fought game both ways. I was impressed with the way both teams played.”

Braves junior quarterback Nate Young tossed a 71-yard touchdown pass to senior Tyler Darmogray along the left sideline, enabling their team to tie the score 6-6 halfway through the first quarter of Gladstone’s homecoming contest.

The Negaunee Miners offense, right, lines up ready to snap the ball on a fourth down, as shown on the yard marker at center, with the Gladstone defense across the line of scrimmage during their high school football game played in Gladstone on Friday. (Escanaba Daily Press photo by Ilsa Minor)

Negaunee (7-0) opened the game by marching 55 yards in nine plays, taking a 6-0 lead on an 8-yard run up the middle by Kai Lacar.

The Braves (5-2) needed just three plays to tie the score on their opening possession.

“This is two weeks in a row we ran into a power running team,” Gladstone coach Craig Ness said. “They’re big up front and controlled the line of scrimmage. They had nine in the box and we couldn’t get a consistent push.

“You come in with a game plan and when you fall behind, it kind of takes you out of your game plan.”

The previous week, the Braves traveled to the Flint area and lost a close 28-24 decision to another Associated Press Division 6 top-10 team in Durand.

The Negaunee Miners' defense, right, lines up when Gladstone has the ball during their high school football game played in Gladstone on Friday. (Escanaba Daily Press photo by Ilsa Minor)

Gladstone kept the ball for just three plays during its second possession prior to losing the ball on a fumble on its 43-yard line late in the opening quarter.

Nico Lukkarinen, who recovered the fumble, moved over to offense and gave the Miners a 14-6 lead on a 1-yard run off right tackle just 6 seconds into the second stanza.

Lacar made it 21-6 on an 8-yard run off right tackle with 4:40 remaining in the first half, while Philip Nelson booted a 33-yard field goal to end the scoring 14.8 seconds before the half.

Negaunee rushed for 197 yards in the first half, but was limited to 39 in the second half.

“The kids responded very well,” Ness said. “Our defense was much better in the second half. The guys played their tails off.

“(Negaunee) didn’t complete a pass all night, although they didn’t have to pass.”

The Braves mounted a drive early in the third quarter. That threat, however, ended on an interception by James Thomson at the Negaunee 14.

But the Miners’ next possession was brief as Young recovered a fumble on his own 34.

Gladstone, however, couldn’t capitalize either and turned the ball over on downs at the 33.

“We were glad to get that cushion,” Jacobson said of the first half burst of offense. “This is a very good Gladstone team. They made good adjustments at halftime.

“We still have some work to do. We have to keep our nose to the grindstone and get better.”

The Braves finished with 210 yards total offense. Young hit 10 of 23 passes for 170 yards.

Negaunee finished with 264 yards, all rushing as Lukkarinen had 143 yards in 24 attempts and Lacar piled up 90 yards in 17 tries. QB Ty Jacobson was 0 for 4 passing with an interception.

Both teams resume Friday night. The Braves travel to Gaylord and the Miners visit Houghton.