As we approach a new year and a new decade, MISportsNow is looking back at the top 10 area sports stories for 2019. This is the 10th in a 10-part series.

Pickford’s senior class capped off a historic four-year campaign in the grandest way possible on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019.

Senior quarterback Jimmy Storey rushed for three touchdowns and added two more through the air as Pickford cruised to a 48-15 victory over Portland St. Patrick in the MHSAA 8-player Division 2 state final at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome.

After falling to Morrice a year ago in the 8-player Division 1 state final, Pickford was more determined than ever to get back to the state finals for the second time and capture the program’s first-ever state championship.

“You know, after last year losing that game, left that empty feeling in that stomach,” Pickford coach Josh Rader said following the win. “A lot of those juniors, they felt it. Our goal coming in here was to be able to get back and finish that business. It felt good to be able to come back here and cap off that season with that win.”

The Panther senior class posted a 45-5 record in four years with a state championship, one state runner-up finish, four state semifinal appearances and three conference titles.