By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
2023 was a statement year for the Ellsworth Bearcats.
In addition to posting their first nine-win season since 1987, Ellsworth marched into the playoffs, winning two postseason games en route to a 2A quarterfinal appearance.
Much of that success came on the back of a huge senior class, which saw nine starters on offense and eight on defense graduate this fall.
While many around the 2A world have questioned what the Bearcats will be capable of this year, those concerns are not echoed in the Ellsworth locker room, where a veteran-heavy lineup is ready for their moment in the limelight.
“Our seniors last year did a lot for the program,” Bearcat head coach Josh Homolka said. “They put us on the map but we’re not starting over, those guys made a template and they’ve helped our guys grow. We’ll be playing a lot of juniors and seniors tonight and we won’t have to play many underclassmen.”
A quick glance at the Bearcat depth chart is enough to reassure the Ellsworth faithful, with program stalwarts like Cooper McGowan (DE/TE), Tucker Goss (MLB/FB), Dax Leiker (DB), Caleb Hays (DL), Tyler Conley (OL), and Ethan Tully (OL), all returning for another year.
That’s to say nothing of other talented returners like Landin Johnson and Jackson Minear, who will carry the brunt of the rushing load in the Bearcat offense this season.
“We have a lot of good football players who got some reps for us, but they had seniors in front of them, and they’ve been waiting for their turn,” Homolka said. “It’s exciting to see the work they’ve put in and knowing that they’ll get their chance this season.”
Perhaps the biggest change for Ellsworth will come at quarterback, where senior Will Donley takes the keys from three-year starter Will Cravens under center.
“Will knows our scheme, and he’s taken reps with the varsity and has watched Will Cravens for three years,” he said. “He’s been in some pressure situations for us and he’s done some good things since he was a freshman.”
While it may take a few weeks for the new-look Bearcats to settle into their new roles, Ellsworth fully expects to contend at the top of the NCAA, and in their district once again in 2024.
“We should continue to be pretty good on defense even if we look different, and we’re going to run the football well again this year,” Homolka said. “Maybe some of the little things change, but as of right now, we’re going to stay the same until we really see what our strengths are.”
Although much with this team remains to be seen, those in the Ellsworth locker room would caution everyone to discount them at their own risk.
“The sky is the limit for us and I think we’re going to be a lot better than people think we are this year,” Homolka said.
Ellsworth opens their 2024 campaign in Salina when they take on league rival Sacred Heart at 7:00
2024 Ellsworth Football Schedule
9/6: at Sacred Heart
9/13: at Republic County
9/20: vs. Minneapolis
9/27: at Lyons
10/4: vs. Hillsboro
10/11: at Halstead
10/18: vs. Beloit
10/25: vs. Southeast of Saline