Whiteford vs. Ubly: First glance

Whiteford will take on Ubly in the Division 8 state championship game at 10 a.m. Saturday.

It’s the only state finals of the weekend to feature two 13-0 teams.

Here’s a quick look at the matchup:

UBLY

Record: 13-0            

League: Greater Thumb Conference, 5-0, first place

Playoff history: The Bearcats have reached at least the semifinals for four straight seasons and have been in the playoffs 21 of the past 22 seasons. They are 0-3 all-time in state championship games, including a 26-20 loss to Whiteford last year.

Coach: Eric Sweeney, fourth season, 47-5. Sweeney has announced this is his final game as head coach.

Ubly statistical leaders: Canden Peruski 145 rushes for 1,558 yards and 21 touchdowns, 111 tackles; Seth Maurer 152 carries for 967 yards and 18 touchdowns; Luke Volmering 93 rushes for 599 yards and 11 touchdowns, 6-for-11 passing 190 yards; Collin Osantowski 51 carries for 530 yards and 12 touchdowns; Brett Mueller 14 receptions for 461 yards and 6 touchdowns, 73 extra points in 78 attempts, 2-for-4 field goal attempts; Evan Peruski 13-for-20 passing for 379 yards and four touchdowns; Ryan Learman 4 interceptions.

WHITEFORD

Record: 13-0, 27-game winning streak

League: Tri-County Conference, 3-0, first place

Playoff history: The Bobcats are 34-21 all-time in playoff games and won state titles in 2017 and 2022. They have won nine consecutive playoff games.  

Coach: Todd Thieken, second season, 27-0.

Whiteford statistical leaders: Jake Iott 132 rushes for 897 yards and nine touchdowns, 146 tackles and two defensive touchdowns; Hunter DeBarr 113 rushes for 832 yards and 12 touchdowns, 14 receptions for 277 yards and four touchdowns, 3-for-3 on field goals; Kolby Masserant 43 receptions for 956 yards and 13 touchdowns; Tre Eitniear 43-for-86 passing for 995 yards and 15 touchdowns; Ryin Ruddy 417 yards rushing, 459 yards passing, 136 yards receiving.

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