The Manistique Emeralds varsity football team took their first step towards a district title by beating Mancalona 28 – 6 here Saturday at A.F. Hall stadium. The Ironmen, who played without their starting running back and losing their starting quarterback just before halftime, could manage only one score against a much stronger and deeper Emerald defense. Alex Rubick, who seemed to be in on every play,  lead the way defensively with a blocked punt that led to an Emerald score and also had a sack for an eight yard loss.

The Emeralds never trailed and moved the the ball at will, despite three turnovers and a couple of dropped passes, winning the contest 28-6. Manistique now travels west to Iron River to take on the Wykons for the district championship game on Friday.