ELY— The top seed in the Section 7 Nineman rankings was set to be decided Wednesday night as the Timberjay went to press. North Woods and Cook County both headed into their final game of the season with 6-1 records, with Cook County’s only loss coming at the hands of the Grizzlies. North Woods was on the road Wednesday, against the 4-3 Timberwolves, and the Timberjay will post results online following the game.

“With the way Cook County has been playing, we’ll have to win to be the top seed,” said North Woods Head Coach John Jirik on Monday. Cook County is no doubt looking at a similar calculation as the Grizzlies have won six straight after their season-opening loss to perennial powerhouse Cromwell.

The Grizzlies continued their winning ways last Thursday night, as they ran over the Floodwood defense on route to a z50-20 pounding before an enthusiastic home crowd.

For the Grizzlies, the winning formula again centered around a remarkably balanced offensive attack, with 262 yards rushing and 228 yards passing. Brendan Parson again led the rushing attack, racking up 101 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries. He had plenty of help from Jake Hyppa, with 55 yards on four carries, Garrett Abramson, with 46 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, and Nathan Crain, with 35 yards on eight carries.

Quarterback Tate Olson again proved effective behind the lines, completing 11 of 19 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Olson’s passing ability has improved noticeably over the season and he now regularly completes more than 50 percent of his passes. “That’s really excellent for high school,” said Jirik. “He has over 1,000 yards passing on the season, and I think he’s only thrown one interception.”

Olson has also enjoyed strong pass protection, notes Jirik. “Our line is pass blocking really well.”

While most coaches, including Jirik, are usually reluctant to heap too much praise on their players, he said he’s been pleased with his team’s play in recent games— and not just on offense. “We improved our outside run defense, which has also really helped,” said Jirik. “I just hope it continues as the weather changes and gets colder.”