Inland Lakes-Pellston football clash on Saturday; Cheboygan, Onaway hit road for Week 7

CHEBOYGAN – It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the regular season when it feels like it just started .

But here we are, entering Week 7 and a couple teams still with an opportunity to reach the postseason. Of course, the Inland Lakes Bulldogs look destined for playoff football once more after their resounding Homecoming victory last week, but the Cheboygan Chiefs are also hanging in there well.

As we prepare for the final third of this campaign, here’s what we should watch out for in Week 7.

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INLAND LAKES (6-0)

Last Week: The Bulldogs had no problem in building a gigantic early lead and hammering Rogers City in front of a huge home crowd. In addition to their stars showing up, I-L's youngsters got plenty of time and delivered. There were no Homecoming distractions as Inland Lakes kept pace for an undefeated season and playoff berth.

This Week: It’ll be a Cheboygan-area rivalry clash as the Bulldogs travel to struggling Pellston on Saturday afternoon. Inland Lakes keeps rolling, while the Hornets are reeling after a fifth consecutive loss. One thing is certain and that’s the Bulldogs aren’t overlooking anybody right now.

CHEBOYGAN (3-3)

Last Week: It was always going to be difficult, and last Friday was for the Chiefs, who couldn’t keep up with an excellent Traverse City St. Francis team at home. It was the second consecutive lopsided defeat for a Cheboygan team that’s facing a really daunting three-game stretch.

This Week: The last of a murderer's row of Cheboygan opponents is defending Division 6 state champion Kingsley, which has won four out of its last five after losing to Reed City in its opener. The Stags can pile up points in a hurry, so this is going to be another challenge for Cheboygan’s defense. On offense, the Chiefs need to get back to finishing off drives like they did during their three-game winning streak earlier this fall.

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PELLSTON (1-5)

Last Week: Falling behind early wasn’t good for the Hornets, who were blown out at Gaylord St. Mary in a Saturday contest. Despite scoring a couple touchdowns on special teams, Pellston had no answers for a potent Snowbirds offense, while their own offense had trouble generating points.

This week: Does it get harder for the Hornets? Yes, it absolutely does as they’ll welcome undefeated and three-time reigning Ski Valley 8-Player Conference champion Inland Lakes on Saturday. Pellston’s had problems stopping multiple offenses, but the Bulldogs likely present the toughest matchup of the bunch.

ONAWAY (2-4)

Last week: It was a Friday to forget for the Cardinals, who had the doors blown off them by Fennville in a matchup downstate. Whether it was offense or defense, Onaway couldn’t get anything going. It just seems like consistency has been an issue for the Cardinals all season long.

This Week: After two difficult weeks, Onaway has another shot to redeem itself when it goes to Central Lake for Ski Valley action. The Trojans aren’t having a good season, but they do have weapons that could hurt the Cardinals. On the Onaway side, it’s a chance to get back on track. Easier said than done, though.

CHEBOYGAN-AREA FOOTBALL WEEK 7 MATCHUPS

Cheboygan (3-3) at Kingsley (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

Onaway (2-4) at Central Lake (1-5), Friday, 7 p.m.

Inland Lakes (6-0) at Pellston (1-5), Saturday, 1 p.m.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Inland Lakes-Pellston football clash on Saturday; Cheboygan, Onaway hit road for Week 7