The Jets’ Adrian Mercier (3) is brought down by the Lakes’ Isaac Daavettilla during a game at Werner Field on Saturday in Lake Linden. (Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette)

LAKE LINDEN — It was an historic day in eight-man football on Saturday in Lake Linden. Unfortunately, it was marked with a loss by the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes (3-2) to the visiting North Central Jets (5-0). With a 50-0 shutout, the Jets won their 28th consecutive game in a row – a new MHSAA record for consecutive wins in eight-person football.

Their last loss was a playoff game to Pickford in 2019.

That winning streak has included two state titles in 2020 and 2021, and they are busy making their case that they will be tough to beat again in 2022.

Saturday’s victory against the Lakes was their third shutout of this season. The Jets have outscored their four opponents this year by a combined total of 256-3. The only points scored against them was a field goal by Gogebic in a game against them earlier this season in a 65-3 win.

What is the secret to their unique success? According to their head coach Leo Gorzinski, it’s the boys’ work ethic. On his Jets’ 18-man roster, 12 of the players are seniors.

“A lot of work goes into the off season with these guys,” he said. “This is a really tight group of guys and a lot of seniors who have been playing together. They want to win and so today’s win is special and something they can always be proud of.”

The Jets came out flying with their first possession of the game, which ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Gorzinski to Dillon Rabb.

The two would connect again in the second quarter for a 19-yard touchdown combo. As well, Raab would go on to have a seven-yard run for a score.

While his three first-half tds were impressive, his coach was equally grateful for Raab’s play on defense.

“The game ball goes to Dylan,” said Gorzinski. “He led the team in tackles and was all over the field today.”

The Jets’ air attack was quite impressive. They were 11-15 in passing attempts for a grand total of 233 yards. In comparison LL-H was 0-7 resulting in zero passing yardage for the game.

However, that was the least of the Lakes’ problems on Saturday according to their coach Brett Gervais.

“We knew what we were getting into,” he said with a smile. “They have a high-powered offense and defensively they do not make many mistakes.”

The one positive takeaway for Gervais was that the Lakes were able to mount 75 positive yards against the Jets – a new high for a North Central opponent this year.

“We were able to run the ball some, but not nearly like we are used to,” he said. “That was frustrating, but our guys hung in there.”

Gervais added that he was pleased with the complete game his team gave on the gridiron despite a lopsided score.

“We competed and we didn’t give up, and I would much rather play competition like this and learn,” he said. “A high competition like North Central is good for us. We want to get better.”

The Lakes head to Crystal Falls next Saturday.