The Vikings’ defense has been spectacular this year. Ely’s only score came on a kick-off return late in the game with the Vikings’ young players in the game. File photo/Brian Larsen
Up 8-0 in the first quarter, the Vikings looked to put more points on the board when Ethan Sporn broke free for a 39-yard run, taking the ball to the Timberwolves’ 4 yard line before being tackled.
But back-to-back penalties, a holding call, and an illegal motion call brought the ball all the way back to the Ely 22 yard line and it looked like the Vikings were headed in the wrong direction on a wet, sloppy Ely field.
After an incomplete pass, it was second down when Sporn took the hand-off and broke two tackles to gain nine yards. Prom carried to the 10-yard line, and the Vikings were stopped on fourth down.
There were six minutes left in the quarter. It was 36 degrees with a light rain falling on an already muddy field, and it looked like it was going to be a long night for the offense.
But of course, looks can be deceiving.
After Ely took over on downs, the Timberwolves ran twice for several yards before their quarterback tried to hit a wide receiver on a deep throw. Conner Somnis intercepted the ball, and the Vikings took over at the Ely 35 yard line.
On first down Prom faked a pitch to Sporn and ran 35 yards for a touchdown. Prom also carried the ball in for the two-point conversion and the Vikings led 16-0 at the end of the first quarter.
A resilient Viking defense held Ely in check on the Timberwolves’ next offensive series, and the Timberwolves were forced to punt.
With the Vikings back on offense Prom carried for 16, pitched the ball to Jack Haussner who ran for six yards and then Prom handed off to Sporn, who bolted 45 yards through and around Ely defenders before being stopped at the 2 yard line.
Prom carried the ball across the goal line on the next play, and the extra point conversion run failed. The Vikings led 22-0.
Andrew Miller kicked off, and the Timberwolves took the ball to their 36 yard line. By now Ely realized running the ball was almost impossible on the Vikings’ defense, so they decided to take to the air. That meant that Joe Deschampe and the rest of the Viking linemen and linebackers could rush the quarterback, who was often running for his life in the backfield. Andrew Miller had an interception in his mitts on this series but juggled and dropped it.
Ely punted, and the Vikings took over near their goal line.
Ely’s defense held the Vikings, and after a short punt, the Timberwolves took over on their 42 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Sporn and Keenan Hingos put a big hit on Nick Mattila, who was stopped for no gain.
On second down Tristen Bockovich and Sporn teamed up on a quarterback sack. The Ely running back ran into a wall of Viking defenders on third down and Ely punted.
With four minutes to go in the first half, Haussner ran the punt 22 yards to the Ely 47.
On first down Sporn gained five yards, Miller dropped a pass, and then Sporn ran to the 37 after being sprung by a nice block from Haussner. Prom promptly repaid Haussner for his nice block with a pass to the speedy wideout who raced to a 37-yard touchdown.
The two-point conversion failed, and the Vikings were up 28-0.
With 2:20 left in the first half the Vikings held Ely to three plays without a gain and Ely punted the ball, which was blocked. Sporn picked up the loose ball and ran for a touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, and the Vikings led 34-0.
Desperate to score, the Ely quarterback launched a deep pass that was intercepted by Haussner who ran 55 yards to score. Miller ran in the two-point conversion, and the Vikings led 42-0 at halftime.
The Vikings would score two more touchdowns in the second half, and Ely would get its lone touchdown against the Vikings’ second team.
The Vikings won 56-6.
With the victory, the Vikings’ record is now 6-0. They are tied with South Ridge for first place in the conference.
One-loss Mountain Iron-Buhl comes to Grand Marais tonight (Oct. 12) in what should be the Vikings’ toughest game to date. The game starts at 7 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
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