ELY – A big first half helped the Timberwolves improve to 2-6 as they closed out the regular season here with a 32-16 win over Lake of the Woods. It was a fitting conclusion on a cold and drizzly Parents Night that included a pre-game recognition of the team’s seniors, who were playing in the final home game of their football careers.

Ely racked up a 24-point lead by halftime and that helped them hang on as the Bears showed life in the second half.

Ely quarterback Bryce Longwell connected with Mason Davis on a five-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to open the scoring. Tjae Banks scored his first touchdown of the night with a 29-yard run in the second quarter, and quickly followed that up with a one-yard run to give the Timberwolves an 18-0 lead.

“There was a feeling early in the game, when Lake of the Woods was stacking the box, that we could spring some big plays,” said Coach Cory Lassi. “We had a great screen pass play where Mason hit Jason Kerntz on a 55-yard catch and run and we took a good lead into the locker room at the half.”

Lake of the Woods came out in the third quarter with a comeback on their minds and scored 16 unanswered points to trim Ely’s margin to eight points.

“The momentum definitely shifted,” Lassi said. “I told our guys that somebody had to step up to lead us to a win, and (junior defensive tackle) Lance Anderson threw the team on his back for the rest of the game. He really upped his game like I knew he could.” Anderson tallied 11 tackles for the night, including five in the Bears’ backfield, forcing losses.

Meanwhile, Kerntz scored on a 42-yard run late in the game, and Longwell ran in the conversion to halt the Bears’ momentum.

Kerntz had 14 carries for 72 yards, two receptions for 61 yards, and rushing and receiving touchdowns. Banks had 41 yards on nine carries. Longwell and Davis each threw a touchdown pass.