MINNEAPOLIS — In the final league game of the season, the Ellsworth Bearcats beat the Minneapolis Lions, 21-12.

The ‘Cats were eager to win so that they could go into districts with a lot of momentum. Ellsworth’s district includes Hoisington, Phillipsburg, Norton, and Thomas More Prep-Marian.

The Bearcats’ defense started off strong, including a sack for loss of yards by Tyler Walford to bring up fourth down. The Lions were forced to punt.

The ‘Cats were the first to score, with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Morgan Kelley. The PAT kick by Alberto Socorro de Fuente was good. With 6:33 remaining in the first quarter, Ellsworth led Minneapolis, 7-0.

Fifteen seconds later, the Bearcat defense increased the lead with a spectacular 74-yard interception touchdown by Luke Sharp. The extra point attempt by Socorro was good, giving the ‘Cats a quick 14-0 lead.

To start the second quarter, the Lions responded with a 14-yard touchdown run. The PAT kick was no good. With 9:01 remaining in the second quarter, the ‘Cats led the Lions, 14-6.

The ‘Cats next possession was unsuccessful and concluded with a punt to the Lions.

Minneapolis marched all the way down the field, including some impressive pass receptions. With 40.3 seconds remaining in the half, the Lions decreased the Bearcats’ lead with a fiveyard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion was stopped short of the goal line, giving Ellsworth a 14-12 lead going into halftime.

The beginning of the third quarter consisted of many defensive stops and punts.

Sharp helped the Bearcat offense move the ball down the field with three impressive pass receptions. With 4:05 remaining in the third quarter, Sharp ran it in for a seven-yard touchdown run. Socorro’s kick was good, giving the ‘Cats a 21-12 lead going into the final quarter.

Within the last few minutes of the game, Ellsworth’s Kash Travnichek sealed the win with an interception in Minneapolis’ end zone.

The ‘Cats concluded the game with a kneel to run the clock and give Ellsworth a 21-12 win.

The win improved the Bearcats’ record to 4-0, continuing their unbeaten season. Ellsworth will return home to play the Hoisington Cardinals on Friday night. The Cardinals are 4-0 on the season as well. The game begins at 7 p.m.