By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
After decimating Lyons 72-6 last week, the Ellsworth Bearcats will get to spend another week at home, this time looking to defend their turf against a much-improved Russell Bronco squad.
The Bearcats come into this contest ranked 4th in Class 2A with a perfect 5-0 record while the Broncos enter at 3-2, fresh off a win over Hays TMP last week.
While these two programs saw plenty of each other back when Russell was a member of the NCAA, both programs are a far cry from their former selves, which should make for an intriguing matchup on Friday night.
“They’ve done a good job and their coach has them rolling,” Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka said. “Russell has some talented guys and it feels like they’ve turned a corner. They’re well-coached with good schemes and they’re young this year but they’re very talented.”
One of the biggest keys for the Bearcats tonight will be in containing dual-threat quarterback Mason Rohr, who leads the Broncos in both passing (69-118, 990 yds, 9 TD), and rushing (51 car, 265 yds, 3 TD).
“They like to spread it out and our defense will have to find routes,” Homolka said. “That was our focus in practice this week and we’ll have to be good about that.”
That volume for Rohr has not come without its downside however, as the Junior has turned the ball over seven times, already, and will have to be wary of a Bearcat defense hungry for more turnovers.
On the other side of the matchup, Ellsworth will look to continue feeding it’s stable of backs, as the Bearcats have five different rushers with over 100 yards and at least 19 carries already this year.
“I feel like our offense matches up well against a lot of people,” Homolka said. “We have a lot of size up front and a lot of talent in the backfield. I’m more focused on our strengths as an offense this week.”
For Russell, their keys will lie in finding a way to limit the playmaking ability of quarterback Will Cravens as well, who has over 700 yards of total offense and 12 scores to his name already.
Kickoff between the Bearcats and Broncos is set for 7:00 at Ellsworth High School and the game will be broadcast live on our Salina Post Game of the Week.
This broadcast is 100% free to stream and will feature both live audio commentary and video. To tune in click HERE.