By Dan Hardenbrook
The Newberry High School Football program and the Luce County Veteran Services Office are teaming up again to host the Newberry High School Football Patriot Game. This year’s event will have a little extra excitement: it’s part of the 2023 season opening doubleheader when the Indians JV and Varsity host Brimley on Friday, August 25.
Last year’s event was a major success, with funds raised benefitting local veteran service organizations. The Indians defeated Rapid River in front of one of their largest crowds of the season, picking up a dominant 59-0 win as part of their 10-2 record for the season.
Expectations are high again this year, as both the JV and Varsity are expected to have strong campaigns and continue their recent runs of success. In the season opening matchup with Brimley last August, the JV game was called off at halftime with the Indians up 38-0. Brimley chose to concede that game as they were running low on players, and call up those who were healthy to fill in during the varsity game later that evening. The reinforcements were limited; the Indians ran away from the Bays, 58-0.
As part of the second annual event, all veterans will receive free admission to the game and Styes Guys BBQ will provide each vet with a special meal, also free of charge. Additional meals for families and friends can be purchased and portions of the proceeds from all of the evening’s activities will benefit groups who assist veterans with needs in the community.
Shirts commemorating the event will also be for sale at the game and in advance of the contest. For more information, or to donate to support the event, contact the Veteran Services Officer Rick Minard at the Luce County Veteran’s Service Office at (906)-293-4890.
