By John Raffel
Jimmy Lehman, like his Pewamo-Westphalia teammates, was deeply disappointed when the Pirates were unable to pull out victory in the Division 7 title game, which they lost, 22-16, to Ishpeming.
But Lehman, a 6’3,” 200-pound quarterback, is a sophomore who has two years remaining, while record-setting running back Jared Smith will return for his senior season in 2016.
Lehman threw a two-point conversion pass to Bryce Thelen for an 8-0 lead, after Smith scored from 25 yards out in the second quarter. Lehman threw 50 yards to Thelen for a touchdown for a 16-0 lead early in the second quarter. But Ishpeming scored 22 unanswered points to win the game.
“They’re real scrappy, and they’re real tough guys,” Lehman said. “They showed it, and that’s why they came up with the W.”
With time winding down, Lehman threw the ball toward the end zone, hoping to get the tying touchdown. “Our running back was going to go on a wheel route, and I looked over and Jared was covered,” he said. “I found one of our taller and more athletic receivers and gave him a chance.”
“I always feel when we’re on offense, I have to do my best and get us to score, so I can contribute to the team,” he said.
The Pirates were making their second appearance in a state title game and obviously are hoping to return very soon. “We have to get back to work,” Lehman said. “We thought of all the fun we had, but it came to a bitter end.”
But being a sophomore, Lehman had to admit it was the opportunity of a lifetime. “We were blessed and thankful we got to come here,” he said. “But I wish we could have come out with a W.’ I was really excited. I think I was more excited than nervous.”
Lehman was a varsity quarterback for the first time. “It was very fun,” he said. “I was very thankful for this.”
Lehman takes pride in his leadership and in his ability to throw the deep ball, especially the one that resulted in a touchdown against Ishpeming.
“I was so hyped,” he smiled.