PETOSKEY — The Petoskey Northmen football team delivered a powerful performance in their home opener against Sault Ste. Marie, winning decisively with a score of 52-8. This victory marks an impressive start to their 2026 season, as they improve to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big North Conference.
The game kicked off with an immediate defensive stop by Petoskey, setting the tone for the evening. A blocked punt by Braden Fralick quickly transitioned into a touchdown on the very first offensive play for quarterback Lukas Nemec. This early momentum was indicative of how the night would unfold for the Northmen.
Petoskey's offensive prowess was evident as they built a commanding lead, reaching 28-0 before the first quarter concluded. Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Jared Webb noted the significance of this win, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy and preparing for future challenges. "It’ll be good to come off this," Webb remarked, highlighting the positive implications of the victory.
Despite the loss of junior wide receiver Parker Ward to a season-ending knee injury just a week prior, the Northmen showcased a variety of emerging playmakers. Junior Keaton Pethers caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Nemec, and the duo had another touchdown called back. Sophomore Mikey Parker made significant contributions, while running back Sean Hopf showcased his speed with a 52-yard swing pass. Fralick, known for his defensive skills, also made an impact on offense by catching a 12-yard touchdown pass.
Nemec had an efficient night, completing 7 of 8 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 18 yards and two scores. Hopf contributed with 65 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Trevin Boyce added 68 yards on nine carries. The depth of the Northmen's offensive options is promising, as Webb noted, "We’ve got a lot of playmakers on offense obviously. Nemec is good obviously. We’ve got a lot of good weapons, and that’s part of it, just trying to get those guys the ball easier."
Defensively, Petoskey was equally impressive, allowing only eight points, which came in the fourth quarter against backup players. The Northmen's defense has been a strong point this season, totaling nine tackles for loss in their first game and seven more against Sault Ste. Marie. Junior Stuart Borowski led the defense with five tackles, including two for a loss, and also recovered a fumble. Webb praised the defensive unit, stating, "We’ve got a good group of guys stepping up. The defensive line is playing well, the ‘backers are playing well, it’s great to see."
Looking ahead, Petoskey will face a tougher challenge in Week 3 when they host a 2-0 Coopersville team. Webb acknowledged the need for preparation, saying, "Like I told the guys, enjoy the win and everything, but we’ve got to come ready to work Monday. It’s probably one of the toughest tests we’ll have all year." The Northmen will need to maintain their momentum as they prepare for this upcoming matchup, aiming to continue their strong performance in the season.
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