Big Rapids, Kingsford's foe today in a Division 4 district final at Flivver Field, shows two football playoff victories in the past six years.

One came last week, a 40-7 rout of the Fremont Packers.

The other came in 2003, one of the wildest and wackiest football games this writer has witnessed in my 33 years on the job.

Big Rapids and Kingsford did their best in helping each other with a multitude of mistakes. But the great plays also stood out as the Cardinals built a 38-21 lead in the fourth quarter and held on for a 38-35 district final victory at Flivver Field.

Flivver quarterback Steve Short and running back Daron Erickson led the Flivvers, who might have pulled off the comeback if the Cardinals' Matt Hansen didn't strip the football on a possible scoring run.

Big Rapids' Cole Meredith pulled in a 73-yard touchdown pass and returned a punt 66 yards.

Wonder how much excitement we'll see today? ...

From Stephenson Coach Craig Hartges, after his Eagles failed on nine of 58 serves in a 3-0 district volleyball loss to Iron Mountain: "It's hard to stomach knowing you can play better than this." ...

Menominee Coach Ken Hofer reasons his Maroons will face a stiff district final football test today against Negaunee.

"We better get ready for Negaunee," Hofer told Tom (Richie) Kaeser of The EagleHerald. "Negaunee beat Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain beat Kingsford and Kingsford beat us."

Menominee manhandled Elk Rapids 42-15, with Coach Ed Schindler noting his team needs more than a three-month promise to football.

"Until our kids make a commitment to the weight room, they'll (Menominee) continue to push us around," Schindler said ...

Much appreciate the City of Kingsford keeping the Lodal and Ford nets intact for Jack and Ruby, Connie, Mary and yours truly to play Wednesday.

One thing for sure this tennis season: Ol' Scuttle didn't have a backhand in July or November ...

Iron Mountain's Chris Hartman, quickly joining the ranks of my favorite athletic directors, served up a hospitality room for the district volleyball tournament ...

Wondered if my cable TV bill would increase with FOX U.P., home of the Detroit Lions, added to the system. Sure enough! $5 more in December ...

Yes, we do have a Twin City boys soccer rivalry!

Our season-ending Iron Mountain story mentioned a Mountaineer win and tie with the Flivvers. A reader noted that Kingsford also beat Iron Mountain twice this fall.

"Congratulations to both teams for the beginnings of another great sports debate among local fans," noted the Flivver backer ...

Doug Lunney of the Winnipeg Sun, on Canadian scientists attempting to determine the age of a 19th-century sugar-maple hockey stick: "It's believed to be the first one used by Chris Chelios." ...

(bangeli@ironmountaindailynews.com)