Fresh from a big season- opening win against Beloit 22-14 the previous Friday, the atmosphere was electric as fans and players alike looked forward to the first home game of the season Friday night against the Republic County Buffs.

Anticipation was high as bells tolled, Bearcats charged the field and the fight song played. Fans took to their seats, but weren’t sitting long, as the game began with a kickoff return for a touchdown by senior Ian Andalon.

“I was beyond pumped and ready, embracing the moment as much as I could,” Andalon said. “The highlight of the game for me was the opening kickoff. (It is) always great to start the game like that and just set the tone for how we were coming the rest of the night.”

The extra point by senior Will Cravens was good, bringing the score to a swift 7-0.

With about 10:45 left in the first quarter, the team tore through the Republic County defense for a touchdown by Cravens. The senior scored another quarterback keeper after that, and after about 3 minutes of play, the Bearcats were up 21-0. They continued to score and brought the score to 56-0 by the end of the second quarter.

At halftime, the VFW Missing Man Table Ceremony shone a spotlight on missing and captured soldiers and honored the significance of 9/11.

When the game resumed, junior varsity players got their chance to shine under the Friday night lights.

“Being able to play everyone on the team was a big highlight for me,” Head Coach Josh Homolka said. “That is a big deal for the program and for all the younger players who put in time over the summer.”

With 2:51 left in the third quarter, Republic County scored their first touchdown. They went for 2, but fell short, bringing the score to 56-6. Sophomore Jackson Minear scored the final touchdown of the game and the night ended with a victory for the Ellsworth Bearcats, 62-6.

“We are a really experienced team,” Homolka said. “Republic County is a young team, and we have been in those shoes not so long ago.”

Coaches hold high expectations for the success of the team.

“Our goal is to get 2 percent better every day. Ultimately, we want to be a playoff team and see where that takes us,” Assistant Coach Jason McWilliams said.

He hoped the team could “compete at the highest level every week.”

Returning for his ninth year of tackle football, wide receiver senior Layton Leiker was looking forward to the matchup.

“It felt great to come into our first game at home this season. We had great support from our community showing up in the crowd and we kept it loud all game.”

Leiker supported his teammates as well. “The highlight of the game, in my eyes, was Ian Andalon returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. From that point, we never looked back.”

Hard work and a sense of family contributed to the success of the night.

“I don’t have a role model on the team, but I have a group of brothers who’ve played together since fourth grade,” Andalon said. “Football is really a thing that has brought us together, and that bond is something we continue to have. This is a team beyond football, it’s become a family.”

The Cats’ next game is Friday at Sacred Heart.