Stakes were high Friday night as the Ellsworth Bearcats played the Norton Bluejays in the fourth week of district play. Norton defeated the Bearcats, 36-14, giving Ellsworth their second loss of the season.

The game did not get off to a fast start. The first quarter was filled with many defensive stops and punts.

The first points of the game were scored in the beginning of the second quarter. Ellsworth was the first to score with a 6-yard pass touchdown from quarterback Morgan Kelley to Luke Dunn. The pass gave senior leader Dunn his first touchdown in his four year career at Ellsworth. The extra point by Alberto Socorro de la Fuente was good, giving the ‘Cats a seven point advantage.

Ten minutes later, the Bluejays decreased the Bearcat lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass. The PAT kick was no good. Shortly after, following a quick four-and-out for Ellsworth, Norton scored again with a 25 yard touchdown pass. The Bluejays’ two-point conversion was successful.

Going into halftime, Norton led Ellsworth, 14-7.

Norton began with possession at the start of the second half. They were quickly stopped by the Bearcat defense. Following a 54-yard run by Kelley, the Norton defense intercepted the ball at their 13-yard line.

After a couple of drives for both offenses, the Bluejays increased their lead with an 8-yard touchdown pass with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter. The PAT kick was good.

To begin the fourth quarter, Norton scored again with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point was successful. Three minutes later, the Bluejays scored again with an 8-yard touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion.

The Bearcats were the last to score with an incredible 34-yard touchdown pass from Kelley to Trey Anderson. The PAT kick was good by Socorro.

Norton ran the clock for the final minute of the game, to give the Bluejays a 36-14 win.

The loss gave the Bearcats’ a 5-2 record for the season, 2-2 in district play. Ellsworth will travel to Hays next Thursday to play the Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs. The Monarchs are 1-6 on the season, 0-4 in district play. The game will be played at Lewis Field Stadium at 7 p.m.

The District 8 standings are: Hoisington, 4-0; Norton, 4-0; Ellsworth, 2-2; Phillipsburg, 1-3; Minneapolis, 1-3; Thomas More Prep-Marian, 0-4.