Marquette MI, – December 2nd, 2025 – The Maroons dominated throughout the regular season, finishing with a flawless 9–0 record. Their closest matchup came against Calumet, where they earned a 25–15 victory. Menominee went on to secure the West Pac Conference title with an undefeated 7–0 conference slate. The team was powered by U.P. Mr. Football and West Pac Copper Offensive Player of the Year, Tanner Theuerkauf, as well as Nathan Nelson, the West Pac Copper Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Chad Brandt, now in his fourth season at the helm, was also honored as the West Pac Copper Coach of the Year.
Their playoff journey began against Manton, a matchup they controlled from start to finish, winning 48–17. In the district championship, they hosted McBain and dominated again, this time 49–6, advancing to the regional round. Menominee played their final home game of the season, giving the Maroon faithful a show with a 43–0 shutout over Shelby.
The semifinal brought a clash with perennial powerhouse, Pewamo-Westphalia, at Gaylord High School. It was the first road game in about a month, and it demanded a second-half comeback. Trailing 28–14 entering the fourth quarter, Menominee put together three scoring drives in the final 10 minutes (32-28). Theuerkauf found Dawson Bardowski for the go-ahead touchdown with just 30 seconds left, and Maverick Geniesse sealed the trip to Ford Field with a game-clinching interception.
Making their second trip to Detroit in three seasons—and seeking revenge for the 2023 loss—the Maroons struck early. On the opening drive, Clayton Miller scored to give Menominee a 7–0 lead. Early in the second quarter, Miller found the end zone again on a direct snap. After a defensive stop to begin the second half, Miller completed the hat trick just five plays later, stretching the lead to 21–0.
In the final quarter, Menominee let Theuerkauf air it out, connecting with Geniesse for another touchdown. The shutout ended when Schoolcraft scored with six minutes remaining, but the Maroons answered with one final score. Jackson Myszak took a direct snap in for a touchdown, sealing a 34–6 win.
Menominee capped off an incredible season by claiming the Division 7 State Championship. The Maroons became the first Upper Peninsula team to win a state title since the Ishpeming Hematites accomplished it in 2015.
