Season Outlook
Under the steady guidance of head coach Jeff Niemi, the Negaunee Miners are entering their second year together, building on a 6‑4 record that hinted at untapped potential.
A narrow one‑point overtime defeat to Ogemaw Heights in the 2025 playoffs left the squad tasting both promise and disappointment, fueling a resolve to sharpen the details that slipped away.
The early weeks of practice have been devoted to mastering the fundamentals — blocking, tackling, and the crisp execution of set pieces — so that the team can translate its chemistry into wins when the season begins.
Senior linebacker and tight end David Juchemich, who has been a constant presence on the field since seventh grade, speaks of unity and the belief that this group can push deep into the postseason. Alongside him, quarterback Kyle Waterman, who overcame a knee injury in week four of the previous campaign, is eager to lead the offense with a fresh sense of purpose.
The Miners will open the 2026 schedule against Marquette on August 27, a matchup that will see the Diamond Jubilee Trophy on the line, setting the tone for a campaign that many hope will finally break the first‑round barrier.