In a chilly, breathtaking homecoming game on Friday night, the Ellsworth Bearcats were victorious over the Norton Bluejays, 27-20. The home crowd and team were filled with energy throughout the entire game, giving the ‘Cats their first win of the season.

Ellsworth began with possession. Junior Bradley Vopat started the game off strong with a big kickoff return to the Bearcat 48 yard line. It did not take Ellsworth long to score, with a 3 yard touchdown run by Homecoming King Eryk Andalon. The point after touchdown by kicker Dayton Davis was no good, giving the ‘Cats an early six point lead. The Bluejays reacted quickly with a touchdown of their own. The Bearcat defense was unable to stop the 55 yard touchdown run, making the score tied up. However, less than a minute later, Senior Trey Anderson took back the lead with a long kickoff return for touchdown. Davis’ kick was complete. The quarter ended with a fumble recovered by the Bluejays on the Bearcat 12 yard line, putting Norton in a good position to score.

The Bluejays started the second quarter with a 12 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good, tying the score back up. On the next play, Norton regained possession with a forced fumble on the kickoff on the Bearcat 27 yard line. Soon after, the Bluejays took the lead with a 2 yard touchdown run and successful PAT attempt.

Ellsworth did not want to settle with losing again, though. With three minutes left in the first half, Davis intercepted the ball on Ellsworth’s 30 yard line. With 35 seconds left in the second quarter, a spectacular pass from quarterback Dawson Kratzer to Anderson was successful for a 38 yard touchdown. Davis’ kick was good, making the score 20-20 going into halftime.

Norton began with possession in the second half. The Bearcat defense stepped up again with an interception by Anderson 5 minutes into the quarter. However, Norton responded immediately with an interception of their own. The Bearcats then forced a turnover on downs. With one minute left in the third quarter, Ellsworth regained the lead with a 2 yard touchdown run by running back Luke Sharp. Davis’ extra point was good, making the score 27-20.

The fourth quarter began with a huge sack by freshman Josh Rodriguez, creating a huge energy booster. Both defenses rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter, forcing many stops. The Bearcats sealed the win with another interception by Davis and then ran down the clock.

The win improved Ellsworth’s record to 1-3. The Bearcats travel to Hoisington to face the Cardinals on Friday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Hoisington is 5-0 on the season.

The Class 2A District 8 standings are: Hoisington, 2-0; Beloit, 1-1; Minneapolis, 1-1; Phillipsburg, 1-1; Ellsworth, 1-1; and Norton, 0-2.