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Qualifying for the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year was at the top of the list, however. And getting to host the opening round game was a big time moment, too.

The Ramblers couldn't contain Calumet's high-powered offense, or penetrate its steel-armored defense, and lost, 34-7. But, the loss couldn't detract from their great season, either.

Robby Jensen was one of two 1,000-yard rushers for the Ramblers this season, and received the team's Most Valuable Player award presented at Sunday's banquet.

Boyne City's other 1,000-yard rusher, Trevor Kruzel, was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player.

Nick Simeri received the Defensive Most Valuable Player award. Steve Robinson was named the Offensive Most Improved Player, while Josh Konecki took home the Defensive Most Improved Player plaque. Jensen also returned kicks and punts, which earned him the Special Teams Most Valuable Player award.

Frankie Spencer was named the Most Outstanding Lineman. Winning the Boyne Tough award was Mitchell Chipman.

Selected to the LMC All-Conference First Team were Jensen, Kruzel, Spencer and Simeri.

Named to the Honorable Mention list were Jacob Peck, Robinson, Ryan Musser and Konecki.

"It was a nice season," coach Dave Hills said. "We had two 1,000-yard rushers this year, and finished second in the Lake Michigan Conference. "The big thing for us was qualifying for the playoffs for the seventh straight year."

Boyne City will be hit especially hard by graduation losses next June. "It's a good group of seniors," he said. "We had a lot of them that were returning starters this year. We'll have plenty of holes to fill next year." Which makes the challenge of making the playoffs for an eighth straight season even tougher.

A lot of players who will be new to the starting lineup will have to step up if the Ramblers are to make it again.

The Ramblers knocked off Elk Rapids, 26-15, to clinch a playoff spot and went into the St. Francis game with a shot a claiming a share of the league title.

St. Francis defeated the Ramblers to win the league outright this season. Elk Rapids loses 14 seniors off this year's team which finished 8-3, including quarterback Brandon Gualtiere.

"It'll be interesting to see how everyone deals with graduation losses," Hills said. "St. Francis just seems to reload every year, but the other teams will be harder pressed to replace the seniors who started for them.

"We're going to have to find some guys who can carry the ball for us. And we'll have some new guys on the offensive line blocking for them. "But, that's what makes high school football so exciting. The changes every year. We had a great group this year, and they did a tremendous job.

"Now, it's time for someone else to pick up the baton and run with it."