Astrong dose of senior leadership resulted in a conference championship in 2017 for the Ellsworth High School football team.

Head coach Josh Homolka hopes lightning can strike again.

“We will again be heavy on seniors,” said Homolka, who will enter his third year with the Bearcats with an 8-10 overall record.

“If they will harness the leadership aspect we will have a chance to really compete.”

The ‘Cats start the 2019 season Sept. 6 at home against Russell. Ellsworth had a 2-7 season and a trip to playoffs in 2018. The ‘Cats record in the North Central Activities Association League was 1-3.

The ‘Cats lost two players, Grant Gwinner and Bransen Schulte, to graduation.

Returning players are:

• Morgan Kelley, who finished the 2018 season as the team’s leading rushers and passer.

In nine games, he rushed for 145 carries, 415 yards and eight touchdowns.

As a passer, Kelley completed 93 throw out of 184 attempts for 991 yards and eight touchdowns.

• Luke Dunn, who in nine games caught 12 passes for 123 yards.

Also returning are:

Brendan Tripp (OL and DL); Gavin Tully (OL and DL); Sam Farthing (OL and DL); Tyler Walford (OL and DL); Clayton Vague (FB); Kash Travnichek (VVR and LB); and Avery Haxton (LB).

“We were young in many spots last year, which gave us an opportunity to get experience,” Homolka said.

“This should be valuable experience for those players who are returning for us.”

Homolka considers Beloit the Bearcats’ chief rival and the best team — along with Southeast of Saline — in league.

He taps Phillipsburg as the best team in district.

Homolka’s ‘Cats will be looking for a better night than they had a year ago in their season opener with the Broncos.

Ellsworth fell to Russell Broncos, 24-13. The game, that was originally scheduled to be played at Russell, was moved to Great Bend due to an electrical power failure at Russell.

The first quarter consisted mostly of static between the two teams as both were able to keep the other from moving forward.

Ellsworth totaled 107 yards on the ground and 58 yards through the air. The Broncos totaled 100 yards on the ground and 151 yards through the air.

Ellsworth’s junior varsity football team opens its 2019 season Sept. 9 against Russell at Russell. Junior high players travel to Sterling today (Thursday).