The Manitowoc County Mariners have clinched a playoff spot and will conclude the regular season this afternoon by hosting the Wisconsin Ravens in a Northern Lights Football League game at Ron Rubick Field in Manitowoc.
The Mariners improved to 4 and 2 on the season with a convincing 51-6 victory over the Tri-City Bulldogs last Saturday as the defense led the way with 4 interception returns for touchdowns, two by rookie linebacker Austin Shaw, who has a club-leading 8 picks this season.
Defense has been the Mariners’ calling card this season as they’ve allowed just 42 points, while recording 17 sacks and 16 interceptions in six games.
They also love playing at Ron Rubick Field this season, where they are undefeated (3-0) and have outscored their opponents by a combined 134-6.
Meanwhile, the Ravens from Winneconne come to town needing a victory to secure a playoff spot.
They come to town with a record of 3-3 and are tied with the Central Wisconsin Wolves, a game behind the third-place Mariners.
The Ravens also have a stout defense that has recorded a total of 7 interceptions and 15 sacks.
Offensively, they’ve struggled a bit, but can hit you with the big play as wide receiver Richard Micheaux III has just 8 catches but for 203 yards and two touchdowns. The top four teams make postseason play.
The Rock River Rampage and Fox River Raiders are both in as they’ll meet for the regular-season title this afternoon.
The Ravens need a victory over the Mariners to qualify, and would clinch the three seed, and the Mariners would be the four seed.
They would be eliminated with a loss, giving the Mariners the three-seed, and the Central Wisconsin Wolves out of Stevens Point will clinch the fourth and final seed.
The game will benefit NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Manitowoc County, as the family of Cole Oestrich will be selling concessions and holding bucket raffles.
All proceeds will benefit the local branch of an organization of families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by illness.
The kickoff is scheduled for noon.
