ESCANABA — In the recent football poll voted on by the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, Gladstone earned top spot in the 11-player division.

The Braves were followed by Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, Kingsford, Iron Mountain, Negaunee, West Iron County and Calumet.

Last weekend, top-ranked Gladstone (2-0) earned a 28-26 victory at second-ranked Sault (2-1). Third-ranked Marquette (2-1) posted a 10-0 triumph at fourth-ranked Kingsford (2-1) and fifth-ranked Iron Mountain (2-0) settled for a forfeit victory over Calumet (1-2). Negaunee (2-1), which also received votes, beat L’Anse 29-6.

The eight-player division has Pickford earned first with just three votes over North Central. They were followed by Munising, Lake Linden-Hubbell, Stephenson and Cedarville.

Top-ranked Pickford (3-0) gained a 28-12 triumph at Rudyard (1-2). No. 2 North Central (3-0) romped to a 54-6 victory at Wausaukee, Wis. Third-ranked Munising (3-0) dispatched Superior Central 40-12. Fourth-ranked Lake Linden (2-1) forfeit its game to Ontonagon (1-2) due to Covid-19 concerns and No. 5 Stephenson (3-0) romped past Carney-Nadeau 60-12. Cedarville (2-1) also received votes after its 32-20 triumph over Rapid River (2-1).

In the recent Michigan AP prep football poll, Gladstone was ranked sixth in Division 6 with 16 votes.

In the eight-player division, Pickford was ranked first, just five votes more than second-ranked North Central.