In a hard-fought homecoming game Friday night against the Sacred Heart Knights, the Ellsworth Bearcats won 38-13.

The Knights started off strong with a 20-yard touchdown run five minutes into the game.

The PAT kick was good, giving the Knights a quick 7-0 lead.

The ‘Cats responded quickly. Ellsworth tied the game, 7-7, with a 16-yard pick six by Kash Travnichek. The PAT kick by Alberto Socorro de Fuente was good.

Immediately following the Bearcat touchdown, the Knights silenced the home crowd with an 83-yard kickoff return touchdown. The PAT kick was no good, giving the Knights a six-point lead.

A 17-yard touchdown run by Morgan Kelley and successful PAT attempt by Socorro three minutes into the second quarter started a high-scoring quarter for the ‘Cats.

Two more touchdown runs by Kelley and two successful extra points by Socorro gave the ‘Cats a comfortable 28-13 lead to end the first half.

The third quarter was filled with very limited action, including many defensive stops and punts.

The ‘Cats were the first to score in the second half. Socorro’s 12-yard field goal was good, giving Ellsworth a 31-13 lead with 10:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Ellsworth sealed the win with a 2-yard touchdown run by Luke Sharp.

The PAT kick was good by Socorro, giving the ‘Cats a 38-13 lead with 5:33 remaining in the game.

The ‘Cats had several defensive stops and ran the clock to end the game.

The win improved Ellsworth’s record to 3-0. The ‘Cats will travel to Minneapolis Friday night to play the Lions in the final league game of the season. The Lions are 2-1 on the season. The game begins at 7 p.m.