Rogers City looks for revenge against Newberry in playoff opener

ROGERS CITY -- For as good as last year was for Rogers City, there was one glaring setback: A 44-36 week nine loss against Newberry that spoiled the Hurons' bid for an undefeated regular season.

"Last year we played them well enough to come out on top," Rogers City coach Jesse Fenstermaker said. "I really think that is one that they wish they could have back."

Funny how things work out that way sometimes.

When the opening round 8-player Division 1 playoff match-ups were announced on Sunday, it set up tonight's home contest with Newberry.

"Now they have it back," Fenstermaker said.

And for it to come in their playoff opener?

"It means more this year than it did last year," Fenstermaker said. "If we don't win this one, we are done. We are not going to let this opportunity get away. They have been talking about this one for a week now and they really want to leave our mark on our home field."

Rogers City used its perfect 9-0 season to win the North Star League Big Dipper and climb as high as fifth in the final Associated Press rankings. Newberry isn't far off either though, as it enter the contest 8-1 and are ranked seventh. The Indians' lone loss came back in week two, a 14-0 setback against a highly touted Munising team.

"Newberry is definitely a tough team, they ended our perfect season last year and they bring a lot of guys back," Fenstermaker said. "They are very fast and they can score just like we can. I feel like we can score on any play and I am sure they believe the same thing. They are just well built, are put together well and they are very well coached. I am expecting a dog fight."

Newberry has averaged 42 points per game this year, and conversely have given up an average of just over seven a game. Their defense has posted five shutouts this year, including in each of their final three games. Those facts haven't cost Fenstermaker any sleep this week though, not when he has his Hurons to counter with.

"Mentally the team is prepared for anything that comes their way," he said. "They really work hard, study a lot of film and they have no quit in them. We expected to be here, my guys just from day one, have put in so much work to be better than they were last year. I am so proud of the way these guys play together and work together."

The Hurons love the thought of earning their first postseason win since 2001; they've lost seven straight postseason games since a 2001 playoff win over Mio.

"They are excited and I'm super excited because I know what these guys are capable of," Fenstermaker said. "The excitement from the fans and the whole town is just so cool to see. It is buzzing big time."

Playing on their home field is just icing on the cake.

"That definitely means a lot," Fenstermaker said. "We played our last regular season game at home two weeks ago but they definitely wanted to play at home again. The support we get from everyone here at home is just on another level."

Revenge from last year. Their first playoff win in over 20 years. It is all on the table for the Hurons.

"It is going to be a lot of fun," Fenstermaker said.