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Ishpeming Upsets Undefeated Detroit Loyola To Win Their First Division 7 State Title Since 1979
In a game that many people expected undefeated Detroit Loyola to win, Ishpeming was able to pull off the upset behind solid rushing performance of Ishpeming’s Eric Kostreva (128 yards and 3 touchdowns). In a game that was dominated by the running game and defense, the 4th quarter is where Ishpeming drove the hardest, took the lead and then turned up the D for the 20-14 win.
In the first half, Detroit Loyola received the ball first but was unable to accomplish anything. And with 8:22 on the clock, Ishpeming running back Eric Kostreva broke free for a 55 yard touchdown. Ishpeming attempted a two point conversion but were unable to convert it, leaving the score at 6-0. Late in the second quarter Loyola was able to finally get on the board. With 3:14 left in the first half, Loyola quarterback Toby Sharpe connected with running back Keymonne Gabriel on a play action pass for a touchdown. Loyola decided to go for two and was able to convert, making it 8-6, with Loyola leading Ishpeming at halftime.
Going into the second half, Ishpeming received the ball first but was unable to score on their first drive. However later in the third quarter with five minutes on the clock, Ishpeming running back Eric Kostreva drove it in for a 2 yard rushing touchdown. Ishpeming then attempted the two point conversion but were unable to convert again, leading Detroit Loyola 12-8. Then in the final play of the third quarter, after driving across mid field, Loyola running back Keymonne Gabriel answered the call with a 20 yard rushing touchdown. Loyola missed the two point conversion, leading Ishpeming 14-12.
Entering the fourth quarter Ishpeming didn’t waste any time getting back on the board. With 10:36 left in the game, Ishpeming running back Eric Kostreva rushed for a 3 yard touchdown and after converting the two point attempt, took the lead over Loyola 20-14. Loyola had a number of toher possesions but Ishpemings defense, dug in, bending but not letting Detroit Loyola score, clinching the 20-14 victory and their first State Football Championship since 1979.
