Houghton Lake Returns to Postseason with Rivalry Game

HOUGHTON LAKE – The football program was one of 38 northern Michigan schools to hear its name called Sunday for the 2016 MHSAA state playoffs.

Getting in at 5-4, the Bobcats will face rival and eighth-ranked (8-1) in a Division 6 pre-district next week, setting up a rematch of Roscommon’s 36-34 Week 5 win.

“The focus for our guys has been making the playoffs and you know, the second part has been getting another shot. Getting another shot and trying to make that pain go away a little bit,” Houghton Lake coach Joe Holloway said. “We’re happy where we’re at right now. We love the fact that we’re in.”

One of five Jack Pine Conference schools to make the postseason, Houghton Lake is in the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The Bobcats and Bucks are joined by league foes , and , which has made the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

“I think that deep down that we knew it and I think deep down we knew that we were going to see them again,” senior Gavin Masse said. “I think it’s a good chance for redemption. It’s a rivalry game and it has been my whole career. Roscommon’s the neighbor, so we’ve got to go out with a bang.”

The winner will face either Tawas (6-2) or No. 6 (7-2) for the district title.