The frost may have melted in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but the attitudes of the Artic Blast were still cold.
The Superior Stampede made sure no warm, fuzzy feelings were afforded to their opponent Saturday at Ishpeming High School Field as the Stampede won the football game 44-17.
The Stampede let the Blast hang around for a half, leading 14-10. Then Superior scored 30 unanswered points before allowing a late touchdown.
With the win, the Stampede clinched a playoff berth. They will face the Eau Claire Crush in Eau Claire on July 18, due to the Crush losing to the Chippewa Valley Predators.
Offensively, the Stampede had another big game. They totaled 403 yards of offense, 275 on the ground and 128 through the air.
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Kevin Guillory and Jalon Hopkins led the rushing attack, with 108 and 111 yards, respectively. Each had a touchdown.
Joe Dupree and Matt Grammer also scored on the ground for the Stampede and LaShawn Bullock continued his strong return, having another five-catch, two-touchdown game.
Quarterback Dave White was 10-of-17 passing for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
The Stampede defense hammered the Blast offense all day, as the physical defense the Stampede is known for found its return.
Leading the defense were linebackers Nick Farrell and Tim Manns, who had 13 and 12 tackles, respectively. Free safety Ryan DeZurik added eight tackles and an interception. Strong safety Nate Glinski and cornerback Tony Murray each added six tackles. Murray added an interception and defensive tackle Dan Rossow had five tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Stampede are off this weekend, then return to action July 11 to face the Northwest Wisconsin Wolverines. This game is also Stampede "Family Fun Day."
The Stampede have partnered with the March of Dimes and they will be hosting a chili cook-off before the game and a street dance at the Keyport after the game. For more details go to www.stampedefootball.com .
