SILVER BAY— After three straight losses, the Timberwolves desperately needed a win last Friday to hang onto hopes for home field advantage when the Section 7 Nineman playoffs get underway next Tuesday. Playing on the road, they regained their footing and their post-season prospects, shutting out the 2-4 Mariners, 38-0.

Following a quick three and out by the Mariners, Carter Gaulke connected with sophomore Josh Larson on a 30-yard touchdown strike. A two-point conversion run by senior Matt Gerzin put the Wolves on top for good. Silver Bay punted in its next possession and the Wolves drove to the Mariners’ four-yard line where Gerzin punched it in for six more. Carter Gaulke took it in for the conversion, leaving the Wolves up 16 – 0 to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Gaulke picked off a Silver Bay pass attempt and took it down to the 15-yard line. He completed the possession with a one-yard plunge for the touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Wolves leading at halftime 22 – 0.

The third quarter featured defensive adjustments from halftime as both teams had drives that stalled. Ely finally completed a long pass to set up first and goal at the Mariners’ five-yard line. Gerzin took it on the next play followed by a Eli Conaway conversion to put the Wolves up 30 – 0.

Ely scored the capper in the fourth quarter, set up by a Blaise Lah interception with 8:51 remaining, which he returned to the Mariners’ 35-yard line. Gerzin scored his third touchdown on the night on a run, with a Conaway conversion leaving the score 38 – 0.

“Defense played well and gave us another shutout,” said Ely Head Coach Brian Lamppa. “The offense was able to move the ball and score some points.”

On offense, Ely was led by Gerzin, with 126 yards rushing, followed by Conaway, who added 102 yards. On defense, Gerzin and Conaway had 10 tackles apiece to lead defensively.

Ely was hoping to boost its chances in the race for home field advantage as the Timberjay went to press. They were set to host 6-1 North Woods on Wednesday. The Timberjay will post results online following the game and will feature a complete write-up in next week’s issue.