PHILLIPSBURG — In 30-degree weather on Friday night, the Ellsworth Bearcats beat the Phillipsburg Panthers in a stunning, low-scoring game, 14-13.

Phillipsburg won the toss and chose to defer. Ellsworth began possession on their own 34-yard line.

The Bearcat offense started off strong. With help from quarterback Morgan Kelley and running back Luke Sharp, Ellsworth marched all the way down the field in under 10 minutes. The ‘Cats drive ended with a four-yard touchdown run by Kelley. The PAT kick was good by Alberto Socorro de la Fuente, giving the Bearcats an early 7-0 lead.

Ellsworth did not keep the lead for long, however. The Panthers needed just three minutes to tie up the ballgame with a 55-yard touchdown run by Ty Sides and a successful extra point attempt.

The second quarter was filled with several penalties, defensive stops, and punts. Ellsworth picked up a couple of sacks including a 5-yard sack from Tyler Walford.

The score was tied at 7-7 going into halftime.

The Panthers began with possession in the second half. Ellsworth’s defense stepped up and forced a quick four-andout. Phillipsburg punted to Bearcat territory.

Defense proved to be key in the following drives for both teams. However, the Bearcat offense finally found a way to move the ball down the field with 5:54 remaining in the third quarter. The drive ended with a beautiful 53-yard pass touchdown from Kelley to Sharp. Socorro’s extra point was good, giving the ‘Cats a seven point lead.

Phillipsburg’s next possession was again stopped quickly by the Bearcat defense. The Panthers quickly regained possession with an interception on their 10-yard line.

To begin the final quarter, Phillipsburg decreased the Bearcat lead with a 12-yard touchdown run. The PAT kick was blocked by Ellsworth’s front line.

With 9:13 remaining in the game, the Bearcats led the Panthers 14-13.

The remainder of the game was filled with many defensive stops, including an interception by Trey Anderson.

Within the final minutes of the game, the Panthers marched the ball into Bearcat territory. With six seconds remaining, Phillipsburg took one last shot with a field goal from Ellsworth’s 20-yard line. The field goal was badly missed, giving the ‘Cats their fifth win of the season.

The win improved Ellsworth’s record to 5-1 on the season, with two regular season games remaining. The ‘Cats are currently 2-1 and third place in District

8. Ellsworth returns home to play the Norton Bluejays on Friday night. The Bluejays are 4-2 on the season, 3-0 in district play. The game will begin at 7 p.m.