Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] is on a five-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while North Central is on a seven-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Miners will challenge the Jets at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 31 points or more in their past seven games -- so hopefully North Central likes a good challenge.
On Saturday, Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] took their contest with ease, bagging a 42-12 victory over Lake Linden-Hubbell. Fans of the Miners have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 20+ points.
Cory Aspinwall
| 10/11/25 @ Lake Linden-Hubbell | 2 |
| 10/03/25 @ Forest Park | 1 |
| 09/19/25 vs Superior Central | 1 |
| 09/20/24 vs Carney-Nadeau | 1 |
| 09/06/24 @ Norway | 1 |
Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield]'s win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Cory Aspinwall, who rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries. Those two rushing touchdowns gave Aspinwall a new career-high. Jayden Verrett was another key player, rushing for 133 yards and one TD.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 374 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 201 rushing yards in eight consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Cayden Harju and Verrett. Verrett's rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 106 rushing yards. Another thorn in Lake Linden-Hubbell's side was Matthew Switzer, who picked up a sack, forced two fumbles, and made nine total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask North Central). They strolled past Ontonagon with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 60-42. The Jets pushed the score to 60-30 by the end of the third, a deficit the Gladiators cut but never quite recovered from.
Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] better keep an eye on Ben Stage. He was instrumental in North Central's win, rushing for 112 yards and one score on only 12 carries, while also throwing for 70 yards and four touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes. Another player making a difference was Pryar LaBonte, who gained 111 total yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to North Central's defensive line and their three sacks. Jacob Plunger was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two himself.
North Central's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield], their victory bumped their record up to 7-0.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 272.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like North Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 225.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Gogebic [Johnston/Wakefield] took a serious blow against North Central when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 40-13. Thankfully for the Miners, Lane Gorzinski (who rushed for 235 yards and three TDs while picking up 11.8 yards per carry, and also threw for 71 yards and one touchdown while completing 75% of his passes) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
