BRAHAM— The Timberwolves largely held their own in the early going of their Section 7A playoff opener here, but a big Bombers’ third quarter put a cap on a disappointing season for Ely.
“We played a hard-fought first half,” said Head Coach Louie Gerzin in the wake of the 46-8 shellacking, which ended the Wolves season at 1-8. “The second half, Braham started to throw the ball and we had a hard time keeping up with that.”
The Wolves showed some ability to move the ball but maintaining a drive proved to be the same challenge for Ely that it’s been all season. The Wolves’ defense showed some promise in the first half, holding Braham to 14 points as of the break.
Seniors Brady Eaton, Garrett Rohr, and junior Jesse Oelke put the hurt on the Bombers’ offense with ten tackles apiece, while seniors Alex Merriman posted six and Kohner Baltich five.
But the Bombers regrouped during the half and came out fast, putting up 22 points in the third quarter. They added ten more in the fourth, while Merriman took it home for Ely in the final stanza on a 20-yard pass reception from Brady Eaton. Baltich wrapped up his high school football career with a five-yard pass to Merriman good for the two-point conversion.
Merriman had one of his best performances of the season on offense, rushing for 82 yards along with his touchdown and conversion receptions. Eaton added 28 yards rushing for the Wolves.
“Overall, I’m very happy with our effort,” said Gerzin.
Playing at Milaca last Wednesday, it was more of the same for Ely as Milaca ran roughshod over the Timberwolves, winning 44-6.
“We came off the bus really slow,” said Ely Head Coach Louie Gerzin. “It took us a few drives to get into the game and by that time it was too late.”
Milaca racked up 16 points in the first quarter and coasted to a 23-0 lead by halftime. They added another seven in the third and two more touchdowns in the fourth. The Timberwolves went scoreless until late in the game, when Sean Merriman, who rushed for 25 yards in the game, took it in for six.
“We had a couple guys who played well but overall we didn’t play our best football,” said Gerzin.
Senior Brady Eaton had a strong night, racking up 30 yards rushing and 12 tackles. Fellow senior Alex Merriman led the way offensively with 48 yards rushing, while adding eight tackles. Junior Jesse Oelke added 11 tackles and caught Ely’s only completed pass, a strike from quarterback Max Brandriet good for 17 yards. Senior Garrett Rohr notched seven tackles while senior Tory Hughley tallied five.