Mt. Pleasant defeats Petoskey for the second time; move on to district finals

In week one Mt. Pleasant took the journey north to take on Petoskey. The Oilers walked out of Petoskey with a 13 to 0 win in rain storm. This time Petoskey came to Mt. Pleasant looking for a different result in the pre-district matchup.

The result would be the same as Mt. Pleasant beat Petoskey 35 to 6.

“We beat a good team and week one,” Oilers head coach Jason McIntyre said. “We had a few bounces go our way and you need that in these big games.”

This was Mt. Pleasant’s first playoff victory since 2015 when the Oilers defeated Petoskey 16 to 13 in the district final.

Seniors lead the way

The common theme for this Mt. Pleasant team has been leadership.

“This senior class has really led the way for us,” McIntyre said. “These guys have wanted to bring this program back.”

One key part has been senior quarterback Jackson Ostrowsky.

“This community has really brought us in,” Ostrowsky said. “Being able to be a part of this tradition really means a lot to us.”

Jackson and his brother Joseph moved from Marquette when their father Chris was named the offensive coordinator for Central Michigan University.

Jackson finished 7 for 9 passing for 78 yards and two touchdowns and intercepted a pass on defense.

“Jackson has been a big key,” McIntyre said. “Jackson is one part of a big senior class including guys like Hunter Norris and Damien Loya.”

Mogg has big game on the ground

Along with senior leadership the ground game has been a major key for Mt. Pleasant. Zach Mogg has been key to the ground game for the Oilers.

“I have to give all the credit to my line,” Mogg said. “We go out there and play as a team and it feels good when it pays off.”

Mogg finished the game with 182 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns. This has become a theme for Mogg.

“When you are put in that position with the starter going down it is big to step up like that,” Mogg said. “Again, it’s all my line and teammates credit for the way I am able to run the ball.”

Defense stays strong for the Oilers

Mt. Pleasant held Petoskey scoreless in week one and it took until 4:38 left in the third quarter for Petoskey to score.

“We’ve played multiple offenses like that this season,” McIntyre said. “You have to keep an offense like that to second and third in long.”

The Oilers allowed 209 yards and forced three turnovers against Petoskey.

“Turnovers are big,” McIntyre said. “Big games usually come down to turnovers and they went our way tonight.”

A play by the defense that stood out was a 72-yard interception return by Joseph Ostrowsky that set up a Carter Nostrant touchdown from his brother Jackson.

“I was just reading it and made a play,” Ostrowsky said. “After that I just followed my blocks for a big play.”

Defense will be big for the Oilers heading into their district title matchup against Cedar Springs.

Looking forward

The Oilers will host Cedar Springs next week as they look for their first district title since 2015.

“This will be our biggest challenge of the year.” McIntyre said. “They play a good schedule and shut out their last three opponents of the regular season.”

Cedar Springs will be coming off a 46 to 7 win over Gaylord. The Red Hawks have now outscored their opponents 378 to 102 as they have now won nine straight following a week one loss to Saginaw Swan Valley.

The date and time of the game has yet to be set by the MHSAA, but will more than likely be on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Community Memorial Stadium in Mt. Pleasant.