INTERNATIONAL FALLS— The Broncos bucked the Timberwolves here in the opener of the Section 7A high school football season last Friday, cruising to a 54-0 win.
“We just couldn’t get the ball moving,” said Ely Head Coach Louie Gerzin.
With a limited roster of just 23 players in 11-man competition, most of the Ely players were on the field throughout the game, even on special teams. The Broncos took full advantage as they dominated in time of possession and yardage, with 475 yards of total offense.
The Broncos scored nearly at will, racking up 27 points by the half, and adding 27 more in the second.
Ely simply had no answer. “We never really had any momentum on offense,” said Gerzin. “We struggled to build any kind of drive. If we picked up five yards on a play, we’d lose two on the next.”
With seven seniors on the roster, the Wolves would seem to have the experience to compete this year, but Gerzin notes that many of the seniors have little previous football experience. Given the lopsided score, some of Ely’s younger players saw some playing time in their opening contest. “Some of the freshmen and sophomores got their first taste of varsity football,” said Gerzin. “I think some were surprised at the intensity, but they settled into it.”
The Wolves will be hoping to regroup when they host East Central in their home opener this Friday. Last year, the Wolves lost 16-0 to the Eagles but kept the contest close throughout. “We’re hoping to build on that,” said Gerzin.