MANISTIQUE — The Manistique Emeralds broke into the win column here Thursday night in a 24-16 football victory over the Gwinn Modeltowners.

Manistique improved to 1-1 overall and in the WestPAC Conference Iron Division. Gwinn is 0-2 on both counts.

“It was tough in the end,” said Emeralds’ coach Todd Kangas. “We had three starters out. It was good for our guys to hang in there and get a W.”

Parker Graphos scored on a 65-yard run, and Wyatt Demers added a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving the Emeralds a 16-0 lead in the first quarter.

Manistique then had a chance to add to its lead when it moved inside Gwinn’s 10-yard line but turned the ball over on downs.

Gwinn responded with a TD of its own, pulling within 16-8 in the second stanza.

The Emeralds continued to struggle in the red zone in the second half, turning the ball over inside the 20 and 10.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Alex Noble swiped a pass and returned it to the Modeltowners’ three.

Graphos scored two plays later, and the Emeralds enjoyed a 24-8 advantage.

Gwinn scored again with nine seconds left in the contest before the Emeralds recovered the onside kick.

“We had to throw some things together,” said Kangas. “The kids performed well, although we certainly have a lot of things we can work on. We need to get some guys healthy. This was a good win for us.”

Both teams resume Sept. 10 when Manistique travels to West Iron County, and Gwinn visits L’Anse.