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by Tom Coombe
Ely’s high school football team has a pair of all-district honorees and a third who gained honorable mention.
Seniors Alex Merriman and Garrett Rohr were selected to the North All-District Team, as picked by league coaches.
A third Ely senior - Brady Eaton - received gained honorable mention.
The Ely trio gained honors in an up-and-down season for the Wolves, one which ended with a 1-8 record.
Although the Wolves lost seven straight contests after beating East Central in early-September, they had close defeats to South Ridge and Chisholm in September before stumbling against more difficult competition in October.
Merriman, a three-year starter for the Wolves, was Ely’s go-to running back while also helping to anchor the defense.
During the 2024 campaign, Merriman chewed up a team-best 757 yards on the ground with four touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions.
“Alex’s biggest impact came in the backfield,”said Ely Head Coach Louie Gerzin. “He had unmatched vision and hit cutback lanes better than any back I’ve coached. He solidified the backfield which makes my job easier as the play caller.”
Rohr was one of the Timberwolves’ top defenders, serving on the line and notching 55 tackles with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
And though he ran for just 50 yards and a touchdown, the two-way starter also made his mark in the Ely backfield.
“Garrett was the guy we wanted to run behind on crucial downs because I knew he was going to make the block,” said Gerzin. “On the defensive side, Garrett was taking on double teams almost all game and was still able to make tackles.”
Eaton was a third Ely two-way starter to be recognized.
He finished with 212 yards rushing and three touchdowns and compiled 70 tackles with a fumble recovery.
“Brady was equally effective on both sides of the ball,” said Gerzin. “Second leading tackler at linebacker and a hard-nosed blocker at fullback. He wasn’t afraid to play fast and touch.”
The senior trio also contributed in other ways, according to Gerzin.
“All of them are leaders on and off the field,” said Gerzin. “It’s their character and leadership that we’ll miss the most. Many of our young guys will continue to work hard because of the impact those three had on them.”
