The Road to Ford Field came to a crashing halt for the Harbor Beach Pirates as they fell to the Fowler Eagles, 26-7 on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Fowler controlled nearly every aspect of the game, holding Harbor Beach to just one score and forcing two turnovers. With the win, the Eagles now improve to 12-0 and advance to the State Semi-Finals against Beal City.

The Pirates were limited to just 18 yards in the first half and one first down, yet only trailed Fowler, 13-0. After winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, Harbor Beach's first play from scrimmage resulted in a tipped pass and interception and another score from Fowler to make it 19-0.

Dustin Emerick would score the only touchdown for the Pirates on a two-yard run to cut the deficit to 19-7, but Fower would respond with a nearly 10-minute drive and ended with a Jacob Halfmann six-yard touchdown pass to Nate Spicer, pushing their lead to 26-7.

Harbor Beach was held to 23 plays of offense and 84 yards, while Fowler ran 68 plays from scrimmage for 394 yards and four scores. The Pirates finish the season with an 11-1 record.

The Harbor Beach Pirates dominated the line of scrimmage, backfield, downfield and more, while defeating Everest Collegiate 37-7 to secure their first district championship since 2018.

Harbor Beach connected for scores on each of their four drives in the first half to lead 30-0 at halftime. The Pirates did have two turnovers to start the third quarter; the ball was popped loose from Rogan Messing's hands just before he crossed the endzone line and Bucholtz's only incomplete pass was intercepted on the following drive. The defense limited Everest's ability to move the ball, especially in the redzone, forcing two turnovers-on-downs and one fumble recovery. Jack Smaglinski finished the night with 5 tackles, including one tackle for a loss, one sack and the game's only fumble recovery.

Caden Bucholtz threw three touchdowns and ran for another, while Benson Harper finished the night with 112 yards and two touchdowns on just two receptions and was the game's leading rusher with 86 yards on eight totes with one rushing score. Andrew Kabban brought in the other touchdown reception for 30 yards.

With the win, Harbor Beach now improves to 11-0 and advances to play Fowler for the regional championship. That game will be played on Saturday at 1pm in Fowler, MI.

The Harbor Beach Pirates scored through the air, on the ground and forced three turnovers while defeating the Ubly Bearcats 35-0 in the first round of the MHSAA Division 08 Playoffs. With the win, Harbor Beach now advances to the District Championship to take on Everest Collegiate in Clarkston, MI.

Benson Harper led the way for the Pirates as the leading rusher, leading receiver and leader on defense with two interceptions. Harper finished with 79 yards on 16 carries with one rushing touchdown. He also brought in both completed passes from Caden Bucholtz for 20 yards each for a touchdown, as well. Bucholtz ran the ball eight times for 69 yards and was 2-4 in the passing attack for two scores.

Ubly was limited to 77 total yards on offense with three turnovers, all of which Harbor Beach capitalized on for touchdowns on the ensuing drives. Colton Oswald carried the ball 14 times for 38 yards, while TJ Barnes ran a total of six times for 28 yards and one fumble. The Bearcats finish the 2024 season with a 6-4 record, making the playoffs after starting the season at 0-3.