October 24, 2006

Congrats to the Elks

- Article written by Mark Urban of the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

"This is a football town that has been locked up for a number of years," said Standerfer, a former quarterback for Elk Rapids who, by the way, played against Schindler. "Everyone is flying high around this town."

Elks take their time for first playoffs

TRAVERSE CITY — After waiting years for its first playoff appearance, what's another day ... another hour ... another time zone?

Elk Rapids (6-3), which earned its first postseason berth since the football playoffs began in 1975, will play at Menominee (9-0) on Saturday. The game will begin at 1 p.m. — Central Standard Time.

"That's how far we've got to go," Elk Rapids athletic director Jim Standerfer joked about playing out of the Eastern time zone. "But it doesn't matter where we go. We're tickled. I'm so excited for the kids and they're all pumped up. It's nice to see the program turned around and headed in the right direction."

The winning record under first-year coach Ed Schindler is the first for the Elks since they went 5-4 in 1996. Elk Rapids was undefeated in 1979 (7-0-1) and 1978 (8-0), but didn't make the postseason under the old — and more strict — playoff format.

Elk Rapids is one of three area teams that will wait until Saturday to open the playoffs. Each of the others will also feature area squads travelling across the Mackinaw Bridge to the Upper Peninsula.

Cheboygan (6-3) will play at Kingsford (7-2) in a Division 4 district semifinal set to begin at 3 p.m.

Mancelona, in the playoffs for the first time since 1977, will also play a time zone away for its Division 7 tilt. The Ironmen (6-3) will be at Norway (7-2) for a 2 p.m. kickoff.

The other eight playoff games involving area teams will be under the lights on Friday. All the Friday night games begin at 7 p.m.

At Thirlby Field in Traverse City, defending state champion St. Francis (8-1) will host Onekama (6-3) in Division 7.

In Division 1, Traverse City West (6-3) will put its six-game winning streak on the line at Holt (8-1).

There will be a Big North Conference rematch in Cadillac when the Vikings (6-3) host Petoskey (5-4) in Division 3. Petoskey beat Cadillac 6-0 in a five-overtime game played in the cold and snow two weeks ago.

Two games in Division 6 will pit Northwest Conference foes against Lake Michigan Conference teams. Suttons Bay (9-0) hosts Boyne City (6-3) while defending state champion Kingsley (7-2) will open at Charlevoix (8-1).

There will be three Division 8 games involving area teams, all in separate districts.

Onaway (5-4) travels to Ski Valley Conference champion Central Lake (9-0) in a repeat of Friday's match-up, a 32-15 triumph by the Trojans.

Hillman (6-3) plays at Gaylord St. Mary (8-1) in another Division 8 game on Friday night while Frankfort (5-4) takes to the road to play Marion (6-3).

By the time area teams take the field on Friday night, Elk Rapids will already be on its way to the southernmost tip of the Upper Peninsula. And the Elks will have a lot of support on their way out of Antrim County.

"This is a football town that has been locked up for a number of years," said Standerfer, a former quarterback for Elk Rapids who, by the way, played against Schindler. "Everyone is flying high around this town."

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