Houghton's Henry Lounibos kicks the ball up field in a game Saturday against Iron Mountain at Houghton High School’s Alumni Field. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins boys’ soccer team opened the season on Saturday with two wins and a trophy to go with it.

They defeated Iron Mountain, 8-0, in the opening game of their fifth-annual Houghton tournament and tied at zero against the Escanaba-Bayside team. It was Houghton’s second year in a row in winning the tourney.

In the opening game against Iron Mountain, the Gremlins scored early and often. All of their eight goals came in the first half, and the game early due to the mercy rule.

Scoring in the game were Henry Lounibos and Ethan Heckel. They both had two goals apiece. Braden Kari had a goal and two assists, as did Lucas Mayra.

Arobindo Ghosh and Ben Waite rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.

Coach Mark Lounibos liked the effort his Gremlins gave.

“We put our best foot forward. We were composed and didn’t get down on ourselves,” he said. “We played as a team, communicated well, and our defense was solid. It was a complete-game win.”

The second game against Escanaba proved to be more competitive, ending with no goals scored.

“We controlled that one as well,” noted Mark. “We out shot them, and I thought we played our game. It was a good start to the season, and I am excited as we have a lot of talent to build on. We have a good mix of seniors and younger players.”

Tony Carey, coach of the Escanaba team, welcomed the chance for some real competition.

“I like the effort,” he stated, in regards to his team. “Everybody played, and it was a good start.”

Up next

The Gremlins have two games at home this week. Iron Mountain will be back on Monday, and Marquette will be in town on Thursday. Both games will start at 6 p.m.