When Did Arthur Hill High School Saginaw Open

SAULT STE. MARIE — Sault High starts the football playoffs at home for a second straight year, playing host to the Saginaw Arthur Hill Lumberjacks in a Division 4 district game at 2 p.m. Saturday at VanCitters field.

The Blue Devils (4-2) are the No. 3-seeded team, while Arthur Hill (1-5) is the sixth seed in a 7-team district. The expanded districts include three rounds this season, with the highest ranked teams hosting.

Saginaw Arthur Hill notched its first of the season last week, a 56-19 victory over rival Saginaw. Arthur Hill is making its first playoff appearance since 2008, and they will visit Sault Ste. Marie for three first time.

"They come in at 1-5, but they are playing a lot of really big schools," Sault High coach Scott Menard said. "I don't know if their record is indicative of how good they are because of their schedule. We'll have to be ready and expect a tough challenge.

"They are very athletic and pose some potential problems for us with their speed," Menard said. "They run a spread offense, and have a good athlete at quarterback. Formation-wise they are closest to Marquette as far as team's we've faced this season. They probably throw it even a little more than Marquette does. It's a new challenge for our defense."

Sault High has forged a solid body of work, going 4-2 in the coronavirus-shortened 6-game regular season. The Blue Devils made a smashing debut in the Northern Michigan Football League Legends division with an impressive 14-7 road win at Traverse City St. Francis in the season opener. The next week, Sault High dealt Great Northern Conference champion Marquette what proved to be its only loss, 22-16.

There were some ups and downs for the Blue Devils after that — losses against Gladstone and Kingsley, in-between wins over Benzie Central and Cheboygan. Sault High finished strong, shutting out Cheboygan 60-0 in the regular season finale last week. The Blue Devils finished ranked No. 2 in the Upper Peninsula 11-Player division poll.

"We've had some good wins, but as a team the feeling that there is still more work to be done," Menard said. "It's a tough district, where we'll have to win three games to win it. At this point, we've learned what we're good at. When we can run the ball and avoid penalties and turnovers, we've had success. It's a matter of going out and executing our game plan."

Weather conditions could play a factor in any game this time of the season. The Blue Devils have been in many games in the rain and cold, and last year's district final was played in the snow. Saturday's forecast calls for temperatures in the 40s.

"It seems like it rained almost every day this month," Menard said. "Our field is still pretty wet. Protecting the ball becomes so important in these cold weather games. We've been used to it, so hopefully that is one of our advantages. We wouldn't mind seeing some snow."

Among Sault's High strengths have been its running game, defense and veteran leadership. The Blue Devils are coming off a 7-4 season in which they reached the district finals last year.

Senior Kris Pearce and juniors John Robinson and Ryan Laplaunt lead the Blue Devils in rushing. Pearce has 608 yards and eight touchdowns, while Robinson has 486 yards and six TDs. Laplaunt hasn't had as many carries, but leads the team in overall yards per rush at 7.3, while also being one of the team's best blockers.

Freshman tight end Callen Campbell leads the receiving corps with seven catches for 107 yards and two TDs, while senior Bennette Swanson has four catches for 92 yards and two TDs.

On defense, senior linebacker Daylan Lujan paces the Blue Devils with 51 total tackles. Senior linebacker Riddick LaPine, junior DBs Robinson and sophomore DB Tim Garland are also among the tackling leaders. Campbell has four quarterback sacks, while senior defensive tackle Vinnie Febles has three sacks.

The Sault-Saginaw Arthur Hill winner advances to play the Bay City John Glenn-Ludington winner next week. Sault High would have another home playoff game if it wins, and if the lower seed Bay City John Glenn beats Ludington.

Division 4, Region I playoff bracket

Cadillac (4-2) 45.500 — Bye

Escanaba (1-2) 18.600 at Alma (2-4) 24.333, Sat. 11 a.m.

Bay City John Glenn (1-5) 14.833 at Ludington (4-2) 37.667, Fri. 6:30 p.m.

Saginaw Arthur Hill (1-5) 18.500 at Sault Ste Marie (4-2) 37.467, Sat. 2 p.m.

When Did Arthur Hill High School Saginaw Open

Source: https://www.sooeveningnews.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/10/29/blue-devils-open-playoffs-at-home-against-saginaw-arthur-hill/114534538/

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