Gladwin Flying G’s football, regional champions once more

MUSKEGON

It wasn’t all smooth sailing but Gladwin returned from Muskegon regional champions after defeating the Muskegon Oakridge Eagles 26-8. The victory marked only the second time in school history the Flying G’s football program has captured a regional title, and their first since 1998.

“It’s a great accomplishment for the team and our staff,” Gladwin coach Marc Jarstfer replied after Gladwin’s return from Muskegon. “It is cool for everyone involved. To see all the hard work that goes into competing at a high level and to witness such a rewarding payoff,” Jarstfer continued.

Gladwin’s great run goes beyond just the players and staff.

The Flying G’s fanbase has been miraculous as well the past few seasons, dedicated and loyal to long distance traveling to cheer their Flying G’s to victory.

“I’m really happy for our community,” Jarstfer emphasized. “They have traveled well all year and have been really supportive of everything,” Jarstfer praised. “We have a really good support system as far as people pulling for us, investing resources to allow the football program to be successful,” Jarstfer finished.

The Flying G’s were escorted by parade this week in celebration of their great accomplishments this season.

The game wasn’t always pretty. The Flying G’s found themselves trailing the Eagles 6-8 at halftime, after a missed extra point attempt by Gladwin’s special teams.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIERSTIN HALE “They outmatched us in terms of physicality in the first half,” Jarstfer stated after the game. “Our guys did a really good job responding to the challenge in the second half, coming out the aggressors and changing the course of the game. That’s what good teams do,” Jarstfer continued.

Gladwin returned from halftime with an explosion, scoring on a 60-plus yard touchdown run from Earl Esiline on the second half’s very first play from scrimmage. The touchdown gave Gladwin the lead 14-8, the Flying G’s never looked back.

The victory advances the Flying G’s to the semi-finals, one win away from competing in Gladwin’s first State Finals Championship.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars are no strangers to the State Championship game, presenting Gladwin with possibly their toughest hurdle to date.

“They are on an historic run and have a great dynasty going,” coach Jarstfer replied when asked about Gladwin’s next opponent.

The Cougars have played at Ford Field the last three seasons, winning three straight state championships. Over the course of the teams last six seasons, the Cougars have accumulated five state titles in total.

“None of that matters,” coach Jarstfer stated. “They don’t get any extra points for their success. It just comes down to whatever team plays better, whichever team wants it more,” Jarstfer continued.

With such success, the Cougars can be an intimidating team to face. “Forty-eight minutes,” coach Jarstfer emphasized, telling his boys they have 48 minutes to play the best game they can possibly play. Jarstfer feels confident his boys can come away with the victory, if they play to what they are capable of doing.

“We are in the final four, there is no easy game anymore,” coach Jarstfer stated. “It just comes down to executing and doing what we need to do to be successful,” Jarstfer continued. Gladwin will play Grand Rapids Catholic Central Saturday afternoon at Ithaca Stadium in Ithaca, gametime of 1 p.m. The winner will advance to the 2022 Division 5 State Finals Championship game.