Football Recap: North Central Drops Highest Score of Season Against Ontonagon + How To Watch

Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask North Central). They strolled past the Ontonagon Gladiators with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 60-42. The victory continues a trend for the Jets in their matchups with the Gladiators: they've now won seven in a row.

Ben Stage

Passing Touchdowns (Career)

10/10/25 vs Ontonagon	4
09/26/25 @ Wright	3
09/12/25 @ Stephenson	3
10/05/24 @ Lake Linden-Hubbell	3
08/28/25 @ Munising	2

Ben Stage had another great game (as he tends to do), rushing for 112 yards and one touchdown on only 12 carries, while also throwing for 70 yards and four TDs while completing 80% of his passes. Those four passing touchdowns gave him a new career-high. Pryar LaBonte was another key player, gaining 111 total yards and two touchdowns.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: North Central was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 349 rushing yards. They are a perfect 4-0 when they've run for more than 200 yards.

North Central didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Kaden Malone and Stage.

North Central's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Ontonagon, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-4.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. North Central will challenge Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The Jets will need to watch out since the Miners have now posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season. As for Ontonagon, they will face off against Forest Park at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The Gladiators will be up against the Trojans' rather soft defense (which has allowed 32.17 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.