The biggest rivalry in Division II football is set to take place this weekend and is sure to be another game for the history books in its 22nd annual contest.
The Anchor Bone Classic has provided countless classic games and memories since its formation in 2002. For many fans, it began before the official date as well. The Bulldog versus Laker matchup stems back to 1972 alongside many historical performances throughout the 50-plus showdowns. There are many Bulldog performances that helped Ferris along the way.
1982- Quarterback Steve Piotraczk
Despite the Bulldogs’ 38-35 loss with a walk-off field goal by the Lakers, Piotraczk brought life to the Bulldogs with a 22-point fourth-quarter comeback. Piotraczk completed 47% of his passes (16-34) with three touchdowns.
1999- Quarterback Matt McCarthy
In the ’99 installment of the rivalry, Ferris took control of the game behind a stellar performance from McCarthy beating the Lakers 48-23. McCarthy was 67% (23-34) for 315 yards with a whopping four touchdown passes alongside a rushing touchdown. This was the Bulldog’s last win over the Lakers until 2012 when current head coach Tony Annese joined the squad.
2012- Quarterback Jason Vander Laan
Vander Laan led the way to a 40-24 Bulldogs comeback victory with rookie coach Annese. While Vander Laan couldn’t get things going through the air, he made up for it with his legs, rushing for 191 yards on 23 attempts. He was one of three Bulldogs to eclipse 100 yards rushing in the game.
2014- Wide receiver Shakur Sanders
A 42-17 win brought the Bulldogs the Anchor Bone trophy for a third straight year thanks to a monster showing from Sanders. Despite only four receptions in the game, Sanders scored three receiving touchdowns with 103 yards.
2018- Linebacker Delon Stephenson
Despite another high-scoring affair finishing in a 35-31 win for Ferris, the defense made their mark on the win. Stephenson had two interceptions, one being a pick-six to give the Bulldogs the lead late in the third quarter. Four total tackles filled out his stat line as well.
2023- Wide receiver Tyrese Hunt-Thompson
Last season, an early 35-0 deficit was too much for the Bulldogs to overcome despite big contributions from Thompson to keep Ferris in the game. Thompson brought in eight catches for 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
This year’s Anchor Bone Classic will look to add to the list of iconic moments throughout the rivalry’s history.