BOYNE CITY — Certain programs just carry a label with them year after year.

But in the case of the Upper Peninsula, there’s a term that likes to be thrown around on the field and chanted from the stands: “U.P. Power!”

Well, at Boyne City, there’s a little thing called, “Boyne Tough.”

And on Friday night at Earl Brotherton stadium, “Boyne Tough” overpowered one of the best out of the U.P. in the opening round of the MHSAA Division 6 playoffs as the host Ramblers earned a 23-16 win over Negaunee.

Boyne City (8-2) put up 248 yards rushing and won the turnover battle 2-0, advancing them into a district championship matchup next week.

Boyne City was led on the ground by senior Ryan Spate with 28 carries for 177 yards and a touchdown, with the score coming on a 37-yarder in the fourth quarter, which brought the Ramblers out of a 16-15 deficit.

Owen Hewitt added the 2-point conversion and the Ramblers forced a turnover on downs on the Miners’ next possession, which led to Boyne running out the clock behind Spate.

Hewitt added 17 carries for 73 yards and two scores, along with two catches for 34 yards. Ben Stanek also had two grabs for 32 yards and Drew Neer was 3 of 4 passing for 65 yards.

Stanek also intercepted a pass defensively, Ryan Chapp forced a fumble, Jaden Ager led with seven tackles and Spate had six.