The Kingsford Flivvers played the Marquette Redmen in the championship game of 2022-23 High School Bowl tournament and narrowly won by a score of 230-210. Starting in October, thirty-six schools from the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin fielded teams for WNMU-TV's single-elimination tournament this season. Northern Michigan University awarded scholarships to the first and second-place winners, with Kingsford receiving $2500 and Marquette $1500 in scholarship funds to be distributed by the schools.
Kingsford High School senior and team captain Hunter White was awarded WNMU-TV’s Dave Goldsmith Scholarship, which is given out annually to an outstanding team member. Hunter participated in High School Bowl for three seasons and was instrumental in leading the Flivvers to the championship. Hunter will receive $1500 to use towards his college education.
Kingsford's season began with a win over Brimley (340-100) in the first round, and another in their next game against Pickford (260-240). The Flivvers advanced through the quarter and semi finals with wins over Ironwood (270-140) and Houghton (250-180) to earn a coveted spot in the championship game.
Marquette started off strong by defeating Hancock (210-70) in this season's very first game, followed by wins over Norway (400-90) and Gladstone (210-200). They took down last year's champions, the Calumet Copper Kings (210-140) in the quarterfinals, and finally claimed their spot in the championship with a win over Manistique (240-180) in the semifinals.
The Kingsford Flivvers are first time High School Bowl championship winners! This is also the first time their team has made it to the final tournament round. We doubt it will be the last. Kingsford's team was comprised of players Mika Yuhasey, team captain Hunter White, Christopher Burie and John Goupell; with alternates Julia Bradley and Anya Bradley; and was coached by Colleen Driscoll.
The Marquette Redmen made their thirteenth appearance in the final game of the High School Bowl tournament this year. They last won the High School Bowl Championship in 1995 when they competed against Houghton.
There are a number of ways to watch High School Bowl. Aside from being broadcast on channel 13.1, the program is also available throughout the state of Michigan on the Michigan Learning Channel (13.4) Mondays at 1/12c and 8/7c from October through April. You can stream live anytime from our website, WNMU Passport, or the PBS App. Past episodes and seasons are also available online.