Football team faces off against undefeated SES

For high school football fans, this season has been an interesting one. For USD 327 fans, the Bearcats have been on a roll and included on that small list of undefeated teams.

Also on that list is the Bearcats’ upcoming opponent, Southeast of Saline. This showdown between the two 2A powerhouses will kick off at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

“We currently have a veteran team,” Ellsworth Head Coach Josh Homolka said. “Many of the seniors on our team have started since they were freshmen. We have a lot of experience in game situations. We have had a really good run the last two seasons. A lot of it has to do with the experience we have been able to gain the last few seasons.”

Homolka grew up north of Claflin and attended school there. He, along with wife Jessica and children Johnnie and Ryker, now live in Ellsworth. The family moved here in 2017 after Josh’s football career. Now, he is a coach and teacher at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School and helps out on his parents’ farm.

“At Claflin, we were really lucky while I was there to win a state championship in football my junior and senior year,” he said. “I went on to play in the Shrine Bowl after my senior season in the summer of 1999.”

After that, he played football from 1999 to 2003 for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, where he lettered his junior and senior years and was a part of the 2003 Tangerine Bowl team.

From there, he went on to Pittsburg State University as the football graduate assistant from 2004 to 2006.

“While I was there, Pitt State won a conference championship and played for the 2004 Division II National Championship,” Homolka said.

He coached at Dakota State University, Northern Illinois University and Ottawa University. Ottawa had a notable 2015 season with Homolka, and due to that, he was named Assistant Coach of the Year in the conference and was a finalist for National Assistant Coach of the year.

“We won four conference championships and won the first playoff game in school history,” he said.

Now, Homolka works with the coaching staff of USD 327 in hopes of a legacy in Ellsworth too. Though he has seen his fair share of success and experience, he knows when and from where he is receiving help.

“I feel we have one of the best coaching staffs in the state,” he said. “I really appreciate the time of Kenny Cravens, Craig Batchman and Jason McWilliams. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that not a lot of high school football staff have.

“Our junior high program is no different. I really appreciate the time that Scott Hipp, Brandon Turnipseed and Tanner Rippen have dedicated to the junior high. They make sure our junior high student athletes have a very good base of knowledge before they ever hit the high school field. I have been very lucky to have a lot of continuity within our coaching staff, and I think that plays into the success we have been fortunate enough to have.”

Right now, Homolka is now focused on the Bearcats’ immediate future. The coming game will be important, and could be the determining factor in obtaining a high seed in the playoffs. For him, it’s important, but doesn’t take away from the success the team has already achieved.

“We would love nothing more than to have a couple home playoff games,” he said. “No matter what happens the rest of the season, I am beyond proud of this team and appreciate everyone who has been involved.”

So much positive energy is being directed towards the team from off the field. Stands are filled with red and black and the team feels the good vibes. In any case, it has been a great season for players, fans and coaches alike - one to be proud of.

“The support we have within the community is second to none. Home games at Shanelec Field are a special experience, and one of the best atmospheres in Kansas high school football,” Homolka said. “No matter how this season ends, I have really enjoyed coaching this team. They are a dedicated bunch who want to perform at their highest potential. I am just really proud of them. It has been a really great group of young men to be around.”