The Ellsworth Bearcats crushed the Haven Wildcats 42-0 in their first playoff game Oct. 27 at home. The team bounced back after the first loss of the season against Southeast of Saline the week before, and exceeded expectations on the field.

“We were able to play fast and physical,” Head Coach Josh Homolka said.

The scoreboard reflected the grit and determination of the players, especially the seniors. As the team enters post-season, the pressure mounts to perform well.

Wide receiver, senior Cole Webber, said it was difficult to be a senior entering the playoffs.

“You know any game could be your last, but that makes us play that much harder,” he said.

The first touchdown was a quarterback keeper by senior Will Cravens. Senior Ian Andalon then raced down the sideline and scored again. With the Bearcats firmly ahead, the game picked up momentum. Sophomore Tucker Goss had a quarterback sack that pinned Haven deep and forced them to punt.

With 4:45 left in the first quarter, junior Dax Leiker blocked the punt and rushed into the end zone, bringing the score to 21-0.

In the first play of the second quarter, Cravens scored again and brought the score to 28-0. The Cats’ defense was successful in preventing a Haven touchdown. Sophomore Cooper McGowan knocked down a Haven pass on 4 and 4 and forced a turnover on downs.

With 7:31 left in the first half, Andalon had a 4-yard touchdown run. Shortly after, Webber intercepted a pass and the Bearcats began play at the 1-yard line. The half ended 35-0.

“We continued to play well on defense,” Homolka said. “Our offense was much more efficient and on time. I feel like this was the first week since Sacred Heart that our offensive line was as healthy as you can be at this time of the year. I think that made a huge difference.”

Webber agreed the offensive performance was a highlight of the game.

“We made a significant improvement in our offense, and we did a great job of getting up on them early,” he said.

Defensive teams were strong in the third quarter until the last 38 seconds, when the Cats pushed through with a pass to senior Layton Leiker for a 25-yard touchdown run. This brought the scoreboard to 42-0.

The Wildcats inched down the field, but sophomore Jackson Minear had a goal line interception that kept Haven out of the end zone. The game ended with a shutout by the Bearcats.

The team will travel to Garden Plain Nov. 3 for the next playoff match-up in regional play.

“Garden Plain is a really well-coached team,” Homolka said. “They started a lot of young guys last year, so they are a year older and stronger. We will need to be on top of our game and play really physically, which is something we have done this season.”

“I feel like this was the first week since Sacred Heart that our offensive line was as healthy as you can be at this time of year.”

Josh Homolka Head Coach