GLADWIN
One and done, not this year for the Flying G’s. Gladwin hosted the visiting Ogemaw-Heights Falcons Friday night for their first playoff game of the 2022 season. The Falcons fought hard, diligently, and moved the ball well but Gladwin walked away rising to dominance after the first quarter. The final score, 2035.
Both, Gladwin and Ogemaw entered the contest riding hot. Gladwin went undefeated in the regular season, entering with a nine-game win streak. Ogemaw entered, winners of their last six, their last defeat occurring on September 9 against the Kingsley Stags, 20-30.
Eruption from the Ogemaw bleachers opened the game as the Falcons stormed the field, rumbling to a touchdown after three plays. The ignition had been lit. How would the Flying G’s respond?
Gladwin moved the ball fluidly on a good mix of run and pass but then a holding penalty plagued their efforts.
“It was just that one play, where we had a holding penalty, and now it was second and 25. That’s hard to get back ahead of the sticks for any team,” coach Marc Jarstfer stated. The Flying G’s attempted a revival from the penalty; however, a turnover ended the drive five yards short of a first down. Quarterback Nick Wheeler rolled right looking for his receiver down the sideline. Unfortunately, Ogemaw played the ball with excellent timing and snatched the interception, effectively ending Gladwin’s opening drive. The first quarter closed with a 7-0 led for Ogemaw, not the ideal start for the Flying G’s.
The Flying G’s bounced back scoring 28 unanswered points to take a 28-7 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Gladwin exploded in their second possession, scoring in two plays. The drive, capped off with a 17-yard reception by Kaden McDonald, pushing through tackles enroute to a touchdown.
Wheeler finished the game 10 for 11 on completions. He threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown came late in the fourth quarter, a 13-yard pass to receiver Lucas Mead. Wheeler’s favorite target of the night was Earl Esiline in the slot. Esiline caught four balls for 70 yards, his longest, a 33-yard reception.
Wheeler’s uncanny ability to run was well utilized by Gladwin as well. The dual-threat quarterback rushed for two touchdowns, his first a oneyard run in the final minutes of the second quarter. His second rushing touchdown came late in the third on a seven-yard run. Wheeler finished with 87 yards rushing on 19 carries.
Logan Kokotovich, Gladwin’s other threat on the ground also had a productive night. Kokotovich ran for 154 yards on 17 carries, an average of 9.1 yards a carry. His best run of the night came on a 60-yard touchdown run, a one-play drive to open the second half.
“When you get in the playoffs you have to be okay with three and four yard gains,” Jarstfer said after the game when asked about the Flying G’s slower tempo.
Gladwin has been spoiled throughout the course of the season with quick, explosive drives; a fact that the team, and fans, may have grown accustomed to. Coach Jarstfer encourage his team with positivity during halftime, reminding his guys that it’s still okay to have short positive plays as you work your way down the field.
“It was just consistency, moving the ball down the field and not getting behind the sticks, that allowed us success,” Jarstfer stated.
Gladwin edged out the Falcons on third down conversions going six of nine; a 66.6 conversion percentage compared to the Falcons 57.1 percent. Ogemaw, however, masterfully orchestrated fourth down’s, converting on three of their four attempts.
“Ogemaw, offensively, did an outstanding job killing the clock with first downs, grinding and pounding over the course of that first half, limiting our possessions,” coach Jarstfer replied when asked about Ogemaw’s performance.
Ogemaw’s final two scores came in the fourth quarter. After falling to a 28-7 deficit, Ogemaw scored on a 22-yard touchdown run in the early moments of the fourth. Their final touchdown, following a huge kickoff return, closed out the game with only 49 seconds left in regulation.
Gladwin takes the field again this Saturday when they host Kingsford in the District Finals. Kingsford finished the regular season 6-3 and defeated Kingsley last week, 34-30. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.