Royal Secures Dominant Victory in All‑Star Finale
The 18th annual Upper Peninsula Football All‑Star Game wrapped up Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette, drawing a crowd of alumni, coaches and community members eager to see the region’s top senior talent tested in a week‑long series of practices and scrimmages.
Team Royal surged ahead early, with Tanner Theuerkauf connecting on a 14‑yard strike to Owen Baij that put the Royals up 21‑6. Theuerkauf later added a 13‑yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 28‑6 and forcing Team White into a deep hole.
White refused to fold. Daniel Connor, Jr., broke loose for a 47‑yard dash that trimmed the deficit to 28‑12, and later Dawson Bardowski found Nick Miskovich on a 28‑yard pass that pulled the White squad within nine points. Garrett Lewicki also contributed a second‑quarter touchdown, briefly tying the game at 7‑6 before Royal’s momentum took over.
Royal’s offense kept the pressure on. Brayden Goudge broke a 62‑yard run that pushed the score to 35‑12, while Steven Kirschner capped the night with a 50‑yard field goal during Wednesday’s skills competition, underscoring the team’s all‑around proficiency.
Coach Josh Frantti of Team Royal praised the squad’s execution and the bonds forged during the week, noting that the experience would serve the players well beyond high school. Bailey Lamb, who guided Team White, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the defensive effort and the competitive spirit displayed by his charges.
Beyond the scoreboard, the event served as a showcase for Northern Michigan University, which hosted the festivities and provided a venue that highlighted the region’s football heritage. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the talent pool emerging from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.