Progress is coming in small but measurable steps for the Ely Timberwolves.
A year ago, section powerhouse Barnum dominated the high school football team and rolled to a 46-0 win, but the rematch in this year’s season- opener was more tightly contested.
Ely was competitive for much of the first half and reached the end zone twice in a more respectable, 38-14 defeat in this year’s clash, held Sept. 3 at Barnum.
The Timberwolves displayed more offense than they did in 2025 and had some moments on defense as well against the larger, deeper Bombers.
A few mistakes cost Ely dearly and a break or two could have resulted in an even closer affair.
“We played well but we’ve got to clean up the penalties and tackling on defense,” said Ely Head Coach Louie Gerzin. “We had too many missed tackles and too many penalties that stalled momentum- shifting drives.”
The Wolves got on the board in the first half on a touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback DJ Johnson to senior Sean Merriman, but they were foiled on other possessions and the Bombers reached paydirt three times on the way to a 22-8 lead at the break.
Barnum, which reached the 7A title game last season, added two more scores in the second half but Ely got on the board again with a scoring run by Cyle Merhar.
Gerzin utilized several backs, and Ely showed some depth, running for 236 yards in the game.
Johnson led the way with 53 yards on 13 attempts while junior fullback Arturo Cameron bulled his way to 42 yards on 10 carries.
A newcomer to the program, senior Tyde Brecke, ran for 33 yards while Merriman finished with 28 yards on the ground and sophomore Gunnar Skager added 26.
Johnson also completed three-of-six passes for 32 yards, with Merriman (two catches, 25 yards) and Kooper Dostert (one catch, seven yards).
On defense, Merhar and Sawyer Hegman led the for Ely with six tackles each, while Cameron and Lucas Stalboerger both recorded four stops. Skager, Owen Marolt, Kasen Dostert and Leo McKrahl contributed three apiece, and Merriman, Skager and Max Brandriet all broke up passes.
Sterling Carter had Ely’s only fumble recovery on a night when the Wolves showed promising signs.
“Barnum is well coached and athletic,” said Gerzin. “Credit to them for playing well. We just need to finetune some things.”
The Wolves were set to take on International Falls Friday at Ely School Stadium in the home debut and the first of three straight contests at Ely School Stadium.
Next up is the Fall Homecoming game with perennial powerhouse Mt. Iron-Buhl, set for Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
