Braves leave opportunities on the field in loss to Calumet

Gladstone senior Austin Pepin (22) throws a pass against Calumet on Oct. 18, 2024 at Marble Athletic Field in Gladstone. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

GLADSTONE — They had their chances Friday night.

Gladstone football could only capitalize on one of the three Calumet turnovers as it fell 19-6 to the Copper Kings.

With 5:05 to go in the first quarter with Calumet leading 7-0. Copper Kings quarterback Ted Loukus looked to add to the lead, but his pass was picked off by Braves senior Casey Alworden to end the drive.

“This year hasn’t gone the way we wanted it,” Alworden said. “Our team feeds off those big plays and we made some big plays that forced turnovers but we just couldn’t capitalize on them.”

The Braves drove into Copper Kings’ territory, but missed on a 38-yard field goal try by Luke Inghram.

With 11:47 to go in the fourth quarter after the Copper Kings intercepted Braves quarterback Austin Pepin. The next play Loukus fumbled the snap and Spencer Harvey would recover for the Braves setting them up just outside the red zone but Calumet forced a turnover on downs as the Braves came up empty again.

“We got behind the chains,” Braves coach Craig Ness said. “Then penalties put us in third and long and you don’t have a lot of plays for third and 20.”

With 6:55 to go in the fourth, with Calumet leading 19-0. Erik Loukus caught a pass from Ted Loukus but fumbled near the sideline and the Braves recovered.

Gladstone marched the ball down the field and Pepin hooked up with Nehemiah Blair on a 21-yard touchdown pass to put the Braves on the board.

The Braves attempted an onside kick but did not recover.

The Braves were led on the ground by Issac Ketchum who had 24 carries for 142 yards. Blair led all receivers with three catches for 31 yards and a score. Pepin completed 7 of 19 passes for 44 yards, one TD and one interception.

Calumet was led by a powerful rushing attack as Ben Anderson had 25 carries for 191 yards and two TD’s. Quarterback Ted Loukus had nine carries for 94 yards and one TD.

The Braves close their season next week as they host Escanaba at 7 p.m. Friday.