The game takes place on a Wednesday, but the “Friday Night Lights” are back in Babbitt.
For the first time since 2020, high school football will be played in Babbitt as the Ely/Northeast Range Timberwolves take on the East Central Eagles.
The game is slated for 6 p.m. Wednesday, at Babbitt’s Joe Boffa Field.
Since 2021, Northeast Range has not fielded its own football team and has had a cooperative agreement with Ely.
During that timeframe, all home games have been played in Ely, but efforts have ramped up to play a game in Babbitt - given the number of Northeast Range athletes on the team.
John Vukmanich, principal at Northeast Range, stepped up on several fronts to bring a game to Babbitt - including organizing and coordinating some upkeep to bring the dormant field back to life.
School officials have also tested the lights and scoreboard to make sure everything is working and plans for Wednesday’s game have come together over the course of the last several weeks.
Northeast Range is going all out - with the school band set to perform before and during the game.
Concessions will be provided as well by the Ely TD Club and organizers are hoping for good weather as the Wolves host the Eagles.
The last time the field was used extensively was during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, when the Nighthawks hosted three varsity games in Babbitt.
Other than Pony League youth football, the field has been quiet ever since but Wednesday’s game could bring new life to the facility.
Given the cooperative agreement and participation by Northeast Range athletes in football, the Babbitt Bowl may be an annual staple on the Timberwolves’ scheduled.
Admission for Wednesday’s game is $7 for adults, and $5 for students, and season-long Ely athletic passes will be honored at the contest.
Given the limited bleacher seating, spectators are also welcome to bring lawn chairs or other portable chairs for the game.
• The Wolves fell to 0-5 last week as Class A powerhouse Deer River dominated in a 60-0 rout.
The Warriors seemed to score in every way possible in the first half, building a 54-0 lead by halftime.
Deer River returned a punt for a touchdown, blocked a punt for a touchdown and returned an interception for a touchdown during the opening half.
Ely also botched a punt attempt that resulted in another easy Warrior score.
On offense, the Wolves were unable to get anything going, and the final quarter was played in running time.
• After Wednesday’s game, the Wolves finish with an Oct. 21 tilt at Braham and open Section 7AA playoff action on Tuesday Oct. 27, on the road.
