But the Redmen found their footing and put together a 28-6 victory on the final night of this shortened football season.

On their first drive of the game, the Redmen moved the ball all the way to the Calumet’s 3-yard line but were stopped by the Copper Kings’ defense. It might have been Calumet’s finest defensive effort of the night because the game tilted towards Marquette from there on out.

“That was great right there as our defense did a heck of a job with our backs against the wall,” said Calumet head coach John Croze.

On Marquette’s next possession, they put together an 86-yard drive that resulted in an 5-yard touchdown scramble by their quarterback Austin Ridl.

Marquette’s David Eberhard (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against Calumet on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Calumet, Mich. (Adam Niemi/The Daily Mining Gazette)

The Redmen made it 14-0 off a blocked punt that punt them on Calumet’s 30. Ridl then hit receiver David Eberhard for a touchdown pass. The snow did not seem to be an obstacle for Ridl to throw the ball.

“I wasn’t sure if we were going to be able to play our game in the snow but we did a good job of adapting to the conditions,” he said. “It took me a little while to find my footing, but I wanted to throw the ball and I give credit to our receivers who went all out.”

The Copper Kings got their first score of the night that started with a 35-yard kickoff return by Dryden Nelson that put the offense on Marquette’s 40-yard line. Three plays later Tom Erkkila took it down the sideline for a 34-yard score.

It was Ridl to Eberhard again just before half time. At 4-10 on their own 45, Marquette’s head coach Eric Mason gambled and it payed off. Ridl fired a 45-yard pass to his receiver that made the score 21-6 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.

“We played well,” Mason said. “I was just happy with their effort and very proud of them. Austin (Ridl) took control and was fantastic.”

Marquette’s Kameron Karp (23) rushes against Calumet on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Calumet, Mich. (Adam Niemi/The Daily Mining Gazette)

In the third quarter, the Redmen added seven more points to the scoreboard thanks to a 47-yard scamper by Ridl out of the backfield. At 28-6 that is where the score remained as the clock ran out.

“They have a lot of good athletes and put pressure on us vertically and horizontally all night,” Croze said. “They are well-coached and play hard.”

The Copper Kings were missing three players because of disciplinary issues earlier in the week, but Croze said that wasn’t an excuse for the loss.

“Our kids our tough and gritty and showed it all night tonight against a very good football team,” he said. “We need to regroup and get ready for the playoffs.”

Marquette 0 21 7 0 — 28

Calumet’s Dryden Nelson (36) rushes as Marquette’s Kameron Karp (23) tries to make a tackle on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Calumet, Mich. (Adam Niemi/The Daily Mining Gazette)

Calumet 0 6 0 0 — 6

Second Quarter

MHS — Ridl, 5 run (PAT)

MHS — Eberhard 30 pass from Ridl (PAT)

CHS — Erkkila 34 run (2-pt failed)

MHS — Eberhard 45 pass from Ridl (PAT)

Third Quarter

MHS — Ridl 47 run (PAT)