Ending the Ellsworth football team’s seven- game winning streak, the Southeast of Saline Trojans came to town Oct. 20 and beat the Bearcats, 30-0, bringing the Trojans’ record to 8-0 and the Cats’ to 7-1.

Before the game, the community honored the seniors of girls’ tennis, cheerleading and football for senior night.

“I am not sure senior night changed their mindset,” Head Coach Josh Homolka said. “What it did do was put a reality in the seniors’ minds that there is a finality to high school sports. They understand what is on the line from here on out.”

Leading up to the last game of the regular season, anticipation was high. Regardless of the outcome, the team knew it would be a big game.

Senior Jordan Rodriguez knew that whether or not it was senior night, the crowd and atmosphere would make the game “100 times better.”

“My favorite part (of the game) was the energy before kickoff with the amount of people,” he said.

The game began with the Bearcats on defense. Strong defensive stops in the first half kept the Cats within striking distance. Tackles by sophomores Tucker Goss and Cooper McGowan contributed to forced turnovers on downs for Southeast. Southeast scored to end the first quarter 8-0.

The Cats still fought strong, and players and coaches recognized the success of the Bearcats’ first half defense.

“I think we played really efficient defense in the first half, especially when we really needed to,” senior Riley Stone said.

“We played pretty well on defense at times. We got worn down; that was more of an issue of not moving the ball on offense,” Homolka said. “Us not moving the ball on offense was more of a coaching issue on my part than it was the players not playing well. I really didn’t set them up to be successful this week.”

The team worked hard to push back the Southeast offense. An interception by senior Cole Webber held the line and ended the half 8-0, Southeast.

Southeast pushed through and scored touchdowns in the second half, ending the game 30-0.

Playoffs begin for the Bearcats Oct. 27 as they face off against Haven at home in district play.

“I am excited to get a home playoff game and get back to our ultimate goal. Everything we want to do is still out in front of us,” Homolka said. “Playoffs is win or go home. There will be more strain from student athletes across the state to make sure they get a shot to play until the end.”

Despite the loss, the Cats are ready to take on playoffs, and they’re staying optimistic about their performance on the field.

“I just loved being out there,” Stone said.