Wolves combat numbers sport – The Ely Echo

The Ely Timberwolves should be ironmen of types this fall.
Quick on expertise, firepower and sheer numbers, the highschool soccer staff will likely be underdogs in most if not all of their contests this fall, beginning with Friday’s season-opener towards Barnum at Ely Faculty Stadium.
The Timberwolves want to enhance after 4 consecutive one-win seasons, however which may be a tall order, each as a result of numbers and their opposition.
Ely solely has about 25 gamers in grades 9-12, with a roster heavy on freshmen, and due to faculty enrollment, the Wolves are categorized as a Class AA program.
Cooperative agreements with each Northeast Vary and the Vermilion Nation Faculty have pushed the Wolves to the upper stage, though the schedule contains six Class A opponents amongst eight video games.
Head Coach Louie Gerzin, who begins his fifth season accountable for this system, is taking the obstacles in stride and is optimistic about his staff after virtually two weeks of follow.
“Issues have been fairly good,” stated Gerzin. “After all, there are decrease numbers than we’d like, however the group that we now have, they’re enthusiastic and laborious working. It’s been a pleasure.”
Scoring factors could also be a problem for the Wolves once more, after they put solely 12 touchdowns on the board your complete 2024 season.
The offense will run by way of junior quarterback Max Brandriet.
“Max is skilled and is aware of what he’s doing on the market,” stated Gerzin.
Ely figures to ascertain a robust floor sport, with junior Sean Merriman and senior Jesse Oelke getting the majority of the carries.
“I feel Sean will get large yardage, after which Jesse, ” stated Gerzin. “We’ll depend on these guys to drive that ball.”
Jayden Zemke and Summit Smith, each seniors, will anchor the Ely offensive line.
“We’ve acquired some youth throughout the road combined in with these seniors and so they’ve been jelling properly,” stated Gerzin. “Jayden and Summit will lead that cost.”
On protection, the Wolves will rely on lots of the similar names, with Zemke and Oelke anchoring the protection at linebacker and Merriman understanding of the robust security place.
“We’ll depend on these guys to get good reads and go downhill and make some hits,” stated Gerzin.
Freshmen are practically sure to see a while within the Ely lineup, and Gerzin stated Parker Niskala, Sawyer Hegman and Trynn Weisinger are three who might make a right away influence.
“So long as they keep wholesome and make some strides, they are going to be on the market,” stated Gerzin.
One other senior Makana Bodas, has stepped up and will likely be a key a part of the Ely line on each side of the ball.
Given the Wolves’ challenges, Gerzin stated Ely will depend on a easy system to try to keep aggressive.
“Ball management goes to be necessary,” stated Gerzin. “We’re going to have to keep up management of the soccer. Defensively if we will win the turnover battle I’ll like our possibilities much more. We have to simply make certain we’re doing our assignments and counting on the linemen to hammer blocks.”
The Wolves will likely be battle- examined all season, with Barnum and Worldwide Falls, two a lot bigger packages, serving as the primary two opponents.
The slate additionally contains two robust nine-man packages which have moved to the 11-man ranks this fall – Mt. Iron-Buhl and Cherry.
Chisholm will likely be Ely’s Fall Homecoming foe on Oct. 3.

15 E. Chapman Road, Ely, MN 55731
218-365-3141
[email protected]
218-365-3142

source