North Central junior Ben Stage will leave to survey the defense against Rapid River on September 20, 2024 at North Central High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)
Spalding — Powers North Central’s speed proved the difference here Friday night, leading to a 40-13 win over the Gojibic Miners in eight-man soccer.
With this victory, the Jets, who are ranked third in the standings, improved to 7 wins and 1 loss. The Miners fell to 4-4.
Senior quarterback Lane Godzinski caught a keeper near the left side and threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to senior Aidin Barton with 1:49 left in the second quarter, giving the Jets a 22-7 lead. He helped get into the locker room at halftime.
“We needed that score before the first half,” Jets coach Leo Godzinski said. “It felt like they were right on our heels. It was a huge momentum change. Hats off to Gojbic. They’re the best team we’ve played against other than Pickford. We’re the best. We had to maintain our attack set.”
The Jets needed just four plays to cover 70 yards on their first drive, beating Lane Godzinski’s keeper near left end for an 8-0 lead.
Gojevich came on with 3:42 left in the opening frame after receiving a pass from senior QB Bode Lynott up the middle to junior tight end Leland Hollenback, closing the gap to 8-7.
The Miners had a chance to win midway through the second round. However, Hollenbeck missed a field goal from 32 yards, allowing the Jets to maintain the lead.
After allowing two points late in the second frame, the Miners attempted an onside kick to start the third frame.
However, a penalty was called for an illegal touch, allowing the Jets to take control at their own 4-yard line.
On the next play, sophomore Kayden Malone showed off his speed by running around left end and creating a cushion at 28-7.
North Central’s speed was also a factor in its next scoring play, with Lane Godzinski dashing 46 yards near the left end for a 34-7 advantage with 3:20 left in the third.
The Miners showed their own speed midway through the fourth when Lynott ran through the middle for a 23-yard TD to make it 34-13. With 1:52 left, North Central scored on a QB sneak by Ben Stage.
“I’m really happy with the effort,” Gojwicz’s coach, Nick Heikkila, said. “Even when things didn’t go our way, we played tough. We were able to take some things away from them. They’re fast. Godzinski is agile and can change direction. (Spencer) Willa is a tough guy. His downfield blocks opened up some holes.”
Lane Godzinski torched the Miners on the ground, running for 244 yards on 21 carries. The Jets finished with 323 yards of total offense and 287 yards rushing.
Gojvic finished with 220 yards. Lynott ran 12 times for 71 yards, and sophomore Jayden Verrett caught three passes for 109 yards.
“We were a little off tonight,” Coach Gorzynski said. “They were able to go head-to-head with us. They didn’t back down from anything which is their hallmark. They were strong up front and their blocking was good. and Burton, so Kayden took on some of the burden for Lane.”
Both teams concluded their regular seasons on Friday. The Jets visit No. 1 Crystal Falls Forest Park. The Miners will look to keep their playoff hopes alive by hosting Ironwood in Bessemer.
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