Gladiators win at Newberry

By JASON JUNO

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Ontonagon — After two blowout wins to start the season, Ontonagon won a close one 46-40 at Newberry last week.

“It was a heartstopper for sure,” Ontonagon coach Kadin Mustafa said. “We shot ourselves in the foot a few times, but we held it together. It was a good test for us.”

The Gladiators were voted No. 4 in the first U.P. poll after the big win and the strong first third of the season.

Caden Besonen finished with 430 all-purpose yards and he accounted for five of Ontonagon’s touchdowns.

He caught three from Austin Gordon — 72, 63 and eight yards — he rushed for one and he returned a kick 90 yards into the end zone.

Gordon and Besonen each accounted for fourth-quarter touchdowns when they outscored

Newberry 12-6 to win what had been a tie game at 34-34 entering the final period.

Gordon hit Brody Bobula for their first touchdown of the game.

Gordon threw for 480 yards and four scores.

Newberry lost a couple of early-season games, one to No. 1 Crystal Falls Forest Park and another to downstate power Climax-Scotts.

“They knew going in this team was no joke,” Mustafa said. “They had a couple tough teams on their schedule.”

The reigning Mr. Football in the U.P., Matthew Rahilly, ran for five of Newberry’s six touchdowns.

“He’s just a stud,” Mustafa said. “Then their line was double the size of ours. But it’s like we preach to these kids, technique kills.”

Ontonagon wraps a stretch of three long road trips with a Friday night game in Rudyard.

Rudyard beat Brimley 36-30 last week but lost to Gaylord St. Mary 8-0 and North Dickinson 50-20.

“They have a very solid line from what it looks like on film,” Mustafa said. “They’re no slouches either, so it’s another test. We’ll be slightly shorthanded that game.

“But it’s not one or two that makes the team, it’s all eight.”

Ontonagon improved to 3-0 with the win while Newberry dropped to 0-3.