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But, fortunately, Duerksen wasn't seriously hurt on the play and was able to return for last Thursday night'sÊcontest with Onaway. That was definitely not good news for Onaway in the opening Ski Valley Conference tilt of the season.

Duerksen was attended to on the sidelines by EMT personnel two weeks ago, who reportedly put him in a neck brace to limit his motion. They transported him to the hospital by ambulance.

All of that is regular procedure, however, and does not necessarily mean a player has suffered a significant injury.

In this case, Duerksen was fine, if a little woozy from the lick laid on him by the Elk Rapids defender following his reception of a 22-yard pass. Cleared to play by the medical staff, Duerksen punished Onaway in the Ironmen's 18-6 victory last week.

Onaway couldn't find a way to stop Duerksen.

He finished the game with 186 yards rushing, and scored three touchdowns in showing no ill effects from the previous week's jarring tackle that made him lose his grip on the football.

The Ironmen still have aspirations of winning the Ski Valley this season, and Duerksen's offensive display last Thursday kept those hopes very much alive.

Duerksen had two touchdown runs that covered over 60 yards, one for 62 and the other 61. He added a short two-yard blast for good measure. James McDowell spoiled the Ironmen's shutout bid with an 11-yard scoring run for Onaway.

Mancelona's staunch defense was led by Cody Sehl, who amassed 11 tackles on the night. Mike Herczak contributed seven tackles for the Ironmen.

The Ironmen (1-1, 1-0)are on the road again this week, playing at Gaylord St. Mary on Friday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.