The Ellsworth football team ended an eventful day Sept. 29 with a big win against the Lyons Lions, 72-6, bringing their season record to 5-0.

“Homecoming is a good time for the student body,” Head Coach Josh Homolka said. “It brings attention, not only to the football team, but the entire school district. Everyone from the elementary school to the seniors is involved. It just makes a great atmosphere.”

The game kicked off with a punt return by senior Layton Leiker and only 19 seconds into the first quarter, senior Will Cravens ran into the end zone for a Bearcat touchdown. The extra point was good.

The Cats battled Lyons’ defense and early penalties, but with 4 minutes left in the quarter, senior Ian Andalon-Silva scooped up a Lyons fumble and scored. The crowd went wild as the Cats bumped the score to 14-0.

The Bearcats scored once again in the first quarter. Senior Loden West ran a 2-yard touchdown and Cravens kicked the extra point. The quarter ended 21-0, Bearcats.

The Cats fought through the second quarter and were up an impressive 56 points by halftime, showing no signs of slowing down. The Cats were able to put the junior varsity out on the field, and younger players stepped up after difficulty throughout the season.

“The injury bug has hit us,” Homolka said.

Mid-season, three seniors have suffered injuries that benched them for the homecoming game.

“We have had some young players like (sophomores) Tucker Goss and Ethan Tully really step up and help us not miss a beat,” Homolka said.

Cravens commented on the injuries as well, but was optimistic about the skill of younger players.

“I learned that our younger guys can step up and play if we need them,” he said. “(Senior) Brendan Anderson went out against Hillsboro and Ethan Tully, who is a sophomore, has stepped up big.”

“We are mindful as a football staff to do our best to help student athletes heal while preparing others to play,” Homolka said. “Hopefully this is something that helps us in the playoffs.”

During the game, underclassman players headed out on the field after halftime. With a large number of seniors, Homolka has been grateful to give junior varsity the opportunity to play.

“When you are able to play a high volume of players each week, the goal is to set yourself up for success in the future, so, our young guys playing is a huge benefit,” he said.

With new athletes on the field and a sizable lead against Lyons, the Cats headed into the second half ready to win. With 7:39 left in the third quarter, sophomore Jackson Minear ran 29-yards to score the ninth Bearcat touchdown of the game. Minear also went for the 2-point conversion, which was good, bringing the score to 64-0, Cats.

The Lions were able to put points on the board for the first time after a touchdown pass. With about two minutes left in the third quarter, the score was 64-6, Bearcats.

About halfway through the fourth quarter, the Cats scored double-digits with their 10th touchdown by junior Dax Leiker. With the extra point good, that brought the scoreboard to 72-6, making it the fifth win in as many games for the Bearcat football team.

With seasoned seniors alongside promising young players, the Bearcats are looking forward to the rest of their season. Their next game is Oct. 6 as they face off against the Russell Broncos at home.