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Bearcats Avenge Regular Season Loss, Secure District Title over Patriots
November 06, 2026 — MHSAA Division 08 Playoffs — Ubly, Michigan
The Ubly Bearcats not only tamed their opponent but also the weather, scoring four times despite cold, rainy and blustery conditions on Friday, November 06, 2026 to win a district championship over USA, 32-8.
Ubly’s defense recovered two fumbles, forced a turnover on downs and stifled any USA production, while scoring on four of its first five drives. Blake Soule scored the first touchdown nine minutes into the game from 13 yards out, Jordan Maurer ran in the two-point conversion to put the Bearcats up 8-0. The very first offensive play for USA resulted in a fumble, which Ubly turned into six points just three plays later when Soule scored his second touchdown, a five-yard run. Tyreke Essenmacher’s two-point conversion put the Bearcats up 16-0 with 1:25 remaining in the first quarter.
USA responded with a drive that saw the Patriots march down to the Bearcat 15-yard line, but a fumble on fourth down kept USA out of the endzone yet again. The score would remain 16-0 through halftime. Ubly began the second half with a classic 16-play, eight-minute drive with Maurer diving in the score from the one-yard line. Langenburg’s QB sneak put the Bearcats up 24-0 with 4:10 left in the third quarter. The next drive for the Patriots stalled at the Ubly 46-yard line after seven plays, giving the Bearcats favorable field position, turning into points five plays later. Maurer broke loose for a 43-yard scamper into the end zone. Weston Bambach ran in the two-point try to put Ubly up 32-0 at the 10:34 mark in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots finally found the end zone halfway through the fourth quarter after a nine-play drive, capped off with a Noah Howard two-yard run for the score. Howard also ran in the two-point conversion. Ubly ran out the clock on the next drive, to secure the district championship with a score of 32-8.
Ubly was led by Weston Bambach’s 71 yards. Jordan Maurer scored twice on seven carries for 69 total yards. He also led the team in tackles with five and one sack. Maurer was named the Ameriprise Financial Player of the Game. The game featured three combined pass attempts, all of which were incomplete and rain-drenched. USA’s offensive production was paced by Noah Howard’s 97 yards on 13 carries for the lone Patriot touchdown. Hamilton finished with 57 yards and two fumbles.
The Bearcats now advance to the regional championship for the first time since 2023. They now travel to face the New Lothrop Hornets on Friday, November 13 at 7:00pm. Pregame coverage will begin on the WLEW Sports Network at 6:00pm.
