Jets too fast, knock off stingy Gogebic squad

North Central junior Ben Stage rolls out to survey the defense against Rapid River on Sept. 20, 2024 at North Central High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

SPALDING — Powers North Central’s speed proved to be the difference here Friday night as it broke away for a 40-13 eight-player football triumph over the Gogebic Miners.

The victory enabled the No. 3 ranked Jets to improve to 7-1. The Miners dropped to 4-4.

Senior quarterback Lane Gorzinski scored on a keeper around left end and tossed a 44-yard touchdown pass to senior Aidyn Burton in the last 1:49 of the second quarter, helping the Jets take a 22-7 lead into the halftime locker room.

“We needed that score before the half,” Jets’ coach Leo Gorzinski said. “It felt like they were right on our tail. That was a big momentum shift. Hats off to Gogebic. That’s the best team we’ve faced outside of Pickford. We had to stay in our best offensive sets.”

The Jets needed just four plays to cover 70 yards on their opening drive, taking an 8-0 lead on Lane Gorzinski’s keeper around left end.

Gogebic got on the board with 3:42 left in the opening frame on senior quarterback Bode Lynott’s pass through the middle to junior tight end Leland Hollenback, trimming its deficit to 8-7.

The Miners had a chance to go ahead midway through the second stanza. Hollenbeck, however, missed a field goal from 32 yards, enabling the Jets to maintain their lead.

After allowing two scores late in the second frame, the Miners attempted an onside kick to begin the third.

They were penalized for illegal touching, however, enabling the Jets to set up shop on their four-yard line.

On the next play, sophomore Kaden Malone showed his speed on a dash around left end for a 28-7 cushion.

North Central’s speed also became a factor on its next scoring play as Lane Gorzinski dashed 46 yards around left end for a 34-7 advantage with 3:20 remaining in the third.

The Miners showed some speed of their own when Lynott broke through the middle for a 23-yard TD to make it 34-13 midway through the fourth. North Central concluded the scoring on Ben Stage’s QB sneak with 1:52 left to play.

“I’m absolutely happy with the effort,” Gogebic coach Nick Heikkila said. “We played tough even when things didn’t go our way. We were able to take a few things away from them. They’re fast. Gorzinski is shifty and can change direction and (Spencer) Willa is a tough player. His downfield blocks opened some holes.”

Lane Gorzinski burned the Miners on the ground, rushing for 244 yards on 21 carries. The Jets finished with 323 yards in total offense, running for 287.

Gogebic tallied 220 yards. Lynott ran 12 times for 71 yards and sophomore Jayden Verrett caught three passes for 109.

“We played a little off tonight,” coach Gorzinski said. “They were able to go toe-to-toe with us. They didn’t back down on anything which was a testament to them. They were strong up front and blocked well. We were going to ride Willa and Burton and Kaden took some of the load off Lane.”

Both teams finished their regular season Friday. The Jets visit No. 1 Crystal Falls Forest Park. The Miners will try to keep their playoff hopes alive when they host Ironwood at Bessemer.