UPDATE: In a thrilling Week 5 of the Jack Pine Conference, the Gladwin Flying G’s soared to a spectacular 35-0 victory over Standish-Sterling, signaling a resurgence after a rough start to the season. The game, held on October 7, 2023, showcased Gladwin’s offensive and defensive prowess, igniting excitement among fans and setting the tone for the rest of the conference.
Gladwin’s coach, Marc Jarstfer, expressed confidence in his team, stating, “Our offensive line played a really physical and tough brand of football. And the defense was lights-out all night.” The Flying G’s, now boasting a record of 2-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference, are clearly gaining momentum.
The match kicked off with a stunning 70-yard punt return touchdown by Bronson Bigham, igniting the scoreboard early. Quarterback Colton Pfenninger completed 5 of 11 passes for 62 yards and added a rushing touchdown, while Bigham also snagged two interceptions on defense and caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. The Flying G’s led 29-0 at halftime, leaving Standish-Sterling struggling at 0-5 this season.
In another pivotal matchup, Ogemaw Heights displayed dominance, defeating Clare 41-7. Ogemaw, ranked No. 9, controlled the game, scoring the last 34 points. Running back Calvin Marshall rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying Ogemaw’s position with a record of 4-1 and 3-0 in the conference. Clare’s defeat drops them to 3-2 overall.
Meanwhile, Harrison’s explosive ground game overwhelmed St. Louis in a 52-32 victory, racking up an astonishing 490 rushing yards. Star player Clayten Austin put on a show with 302 yards and three touchdowns, keeping Harrison’s title hopes alive with a 4-1 record.
In a significant upset, Farwell secured its first league victory since 2019, defeating Pinconning 20-7. Farwell’s resilience in the face of adversity was evident as they handed Pinconning its fourth consecutive loss.
Lastly, Sanford Meridian continued its quest for the conference crown by overcoming Beaverton 48-28. Despite falling behind, Beaverton showed tenacity, but Sanford Meridian’s dual-threat QB Landon Love dominated with three rushing touchdowns and a passing score, boosting their record to 3-2.
As the Jack Pine Conference heats up, all eyes will be on the upcoming matchups, with teams eager to claim their spots in the standings. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the season progresses. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!
