NMU Football Invades Saginaw Valley Homecoming

When the Northern Michigan University Wildcats took the field at Wickes Stadium in University Center, Michigan on Saturday this football team had yet to see a real test. Opponents against so far this season had posted a 1-16 record. Sure the ‘Cats had avenged a regionally broadcasted loss from last year. They beat a Ferris State team that has haunted them for four straight years on homecoming. The team had been tested to a level it was comfortable with. But when the competition got tough and the #16 Saginaw Valley Cardinals brought a top notch defense to the forefront, those ‘Cats continued to claw away on offense.

Until finally, on the final drive of the game, the pain was just too much to handle.

With just four seconds remaining on the clock, Antonio Wallace followed his blocker into the Cardinals endzone. As time expired, so did the hope of a comeback for the #16 Cardinals.  Meanwhile, despite the Saginaw Valley defense holding Antonio Wallace and Mark Bossuah below their averages, the ‘Cats reinstalled a new hope. One week after dominating Ferris State University in their homecoming game, the Wildcats became the spoilers. One final drive and 3 more points later, The Wildcats have become one of the top Teams in a very competitive conference. And they have done it in more than one way.

This Saturday, it was by the play of sophomore signal caller Carter Kopach. He made plays when he had to through the air. When the rushing attack wasn’t working like it had all season, he did what it took to maintain possession and not turn the ball over. His 24 yard bomb early in the second half to receiver Brian Mitz set the tone early in the second half. In his second year under center, Kopach is becoming quite the leader. Someone that has calmed even veteran players like senior Mark Bossuah in the huddle.

“He doesn’t let us get to high, he doesn’t let us get too low. If there is a fumble, he will tell us we will get the ball back. When we score he reminds us it’s not over yet”, said senior running back Mark Bossuah.  “He has proven when he needs to make plays, that he can.”

Nathan Yelk led the Northern Michigan University defense, accumulating fourteen tackles and one interception. Fellow linebacker Zach Gauthier picked off a Saginaw Valley pass on their second drive of the second half, which ultimately led to a Wildcat touchdown when Kopach threw a bomb 24 yards to receiver Brian Mitz.

The Cardinals defense was led by  John Jacobs and Mike LeVand, who had 17 tackles each on the afternoon. Those solid performances were not enough to stop the Wildcats on the final drive of the game to salvage homecoming. The Cardinals will try to bounce back in the national picture next week against GLIAC conference opponent Tiffin.

The Wildcats will return to the Superior Dome to take on the Wayne State Warriors in a pivotal home match up. Both teams come into the game with a 4-1 record on the season.