Marquette MI – June 20th, 2026 – Three years ago, after longtime organizer Todd Goldbeck stepped away from the Upper Peninsula All-Star Football Game, the future of one of the region’s premier football traditions was suddenly in doubt. That’s when Dustin Brancheau, owner of AdvantEDGE Sports Training, decided to step in and ensure the game would continue for future generations of Upper Peninsula athletes.
The decision was inspired by the reaction of several Negaunee football players when they learned the game might no longer exist. In an interview with TV6, Brancheau recalled seeing the disappointment on the faces of players like Kai Lacar and Eli VanBuren. “At the time, I was training Negaunee football and I saw Kai Lacar,” Brancheau said. “I saw the look on his face. I saw Eli VanBuren. I saw a couple of those kids and I’m like, dang, this is going to be taken away from these guys if someone doesn’t step up and take it.”
Seeing what the opportunity meant to those athletes convinced Brancheau to take action. Rather than allow the tradition to disappear, he assumed responsibility for organizing the event and has continued to grow it over the last three years. Now entering its third year under Brancheau’s leadership, the U.P. Football All-Star Game remains a celebration of the area’s top graduating seniors and provides one final opportunity for them to compete on the football field.
The event is about more than just the game itself. Throughout the week, athletes from across the Upper Peninsula have the chance to build friendships with players they may have spent years competing against. Back in March, 80 seniors were selected and drafted onto Team Royal and Team White. Players arrived on the campus of Northern Michigan University earlier this week and have spent their time participating in skills challenges, media day activities, team-building events, and a community service project. They are also staying in NMU residence halls, where athletes are paired with someone from a different school, creating new connections that often last well beyond the week.
Last year’s game featured a dominant performance from Team Black, coached by Robin Marttila, which rolled to a 56-7 victory over Team Red. Ian Marttila was named Offensive MVP, while Sam Miller earned Defensive MVP honors. This year’s game is scheduled for Saturday at the Superior Dome on the campus of Northern Michigan University, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. The full roster, including jersey numbers and positions for this weekend’s game, can be found at the bottom of the article.
Team White will be led by head coach Bailey Lamb and assistants Aaron Sprague, Neil Clapp, Josh Ling, Travis Wiltzius, Caleb Adams, Grant Gholston, and Brad Wiljonen.
Team Royal will be coached by Josh Frantti along with Ivan Niemi, Sam Gilles, Jeff Niemi, Andy Mendina, Chris Berndt, and Frank Bonacorsi.
Fans unable to attend can listen to the live radio broadcast on Fox Sports Marquette 105.1 FM and 99.9 FM, with Tyler Young and Bob Nadeau on the call. Pregame coverage begins at 12:40 p.m. and will also be available online through Fox Sports Marquette. TV6 will provide live television coverage beginning at 1 p.m. The game will also be streamed live through Upper Michigan’s Source and the TV6+ app, available free on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.
Below is a complete roster for both teams, including player positions and jersey numbers, courtesy of AdvantEDGE Sports Training Instagram.
