By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
For the second time in as many years it’s been a perfect start for the Ellsworth football team, who will enter the back half of the season ranked #5 in Class 2A with a 5-0 record.
Those wins have come in convincing fashion, as the Bearcats have outscored their first five opponents by a combined score of 238-44.
While their record at this point a season ago was identical, there’s no mistaking that this year’s team has found another gear, and will look to be a force to be reckoned with come November.
“We’ve really started clicking on both sides of the ball and our physical play on defense continues to be a linchpin for us,” Homolka said. “We were a good, physical team a year ago but this year we look like a real deal football team. We have some good size and good speed and we look the part.”
Offensively, the Bearcats have been able to wear teams down with a deep stable of backs that has seen five different players carry the ball at least 19 yards for 96 yards or more.
That balanced rushing attack, led by Ian Andalon, Loden West, and Landin Johnson, has helped the Bearcats stay ready to pound their opponents on the ground all season long to the tune of 1,113 yards through five games.
“From top to bottom, our backs don’t get as tired and it’s been a good thing for us, especially late in games,” Homolka said. “For them to be able to keep their legs fresh has been huge.”
Will Cravens has reprised his role as the engineer of that offense, adding 426 yards and seven scores through the air to his 288 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
“Will is definitely someone you want on your team,” he said. “He’s the kind of guy that everybody would want as an ambassador in the school and in the community.”
While another hot start is certainly welcome, Ellsworth has their sights set on something bigger, and will be eager to make some noise come November.
“Our goal has been to make the playoffs but now we need to play our best ball and achieve the best seed that we can,” Homolka said. “We need to finish these last 21 days out right to make sure we’re set up in a positive way for the playoffs.”
The Bearcats will resume their season on Friday, October 6th when they play host to the 3-2 Russell Broncos.