PLUM CITY — Game by game, the Elmwood/Plum City Wolves have seen improvement on both sides of the ball, and after three tough losses to open the year, EPC beat Colfax 16-0 and played solid against a strong Turtle Lake team in a 49-20 loss.

“I thought we made progress in the Colfax game, we did some good things. Our defense played very well,” EPC Head Coach Mike Birtzer said. “We had miscues though where we had a couple turnovers that hurt us.”

The defense had its breakout game, playing tough throughout and showing flashes of flawless execution. Junior running back Logan Auth broke off some huge runs including one for 87 yards and the game’s opening score and another score from 55 yards out. The defense also forced a safety along the way. Offensively, the Wolves showed flashes, but mistakes and turnovers cost them a breeze of a win.

“We were rallying to the ball and we played good, sound fundamental defense,” Birtzer said. “We were where we were supposed to be, so the kids did their jobs with that.”

Friday against Turtle Lake was the offense’s turn to have its best game of the year. The play of the game was a fourth and seven 12-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Robbie Duffy who pulled off a great toe tap to finish the play. After averaging under 10 points in the team’s first four games of the year, they started to play loose and take flight north and south down the field. They did not turn the ball over like they had in the past, and the offense did what they are taught to do.

“We’re finding the right fit of personnel. Part of it is just executing the plays,” Birtzer said. “When we do execute, we’re in good shape.”

A noticeable difference when things are going right for the Wolves is when they get a nice push on the interior offensive line. Being tackled for a no gain or a loss on a first down run has halted a fair share of EPC drives, but when the line moves the defense and gets to the second level, that’s where the flashes of brilliance have shown.

Next up is the annual Dunn-St. Croix rivalry game against Spring Valley in Elmwood. This game is going to be about more than just the fundamentals. While the execution certainly will have to be there to beat the defending conference champions that are making another run at the top spot, they will have to win the physicality battle.

“This is a big rivalry game, and it’s something that everybody understands that there’s going to be a lot of emotions,” Birtzer said. “We have to block and tackle.