Ellsworth's Season Ends with First Round Loss at Hoisington
HOISINGTON-Rhen Galla rushed for two touchdowns and the Hoisington defense recorded two interceptions as the Cardinals defeated Ellsworth 28-15 in the first round of the Class 2A Football Playoffs Friday evening at Elton Brown Field.
Hoisington won the opening coin toss but elected to defer until the second half, allowing Ellsworth start the game with possession. The Bearcats gained two first downs before turning the ball over on downs at midfield, allowing the Cardinals to take over. Hoisington then marched 50 yards in eight plays highlighted by a 34-yard pass from Galla to Carson Mason that set up the Redbirds on the Ellsworth four-yard line. Two plays later Galla rushed into the end zone from four yards out and Taylen Morales' extra point put Hoisington up 7-0.
The Cardinals then surprised the Bearcats with an onsides kick and started their next drive at the 39-yard line of Ellsworth. Hoisington then drove down to the six-yard line before stalling and then got nothing out of the possession when Morales missed a 23-yard field goal attempt.
The score remained 7-0 at halftime in favor of the home team as both squads struggled to generate much offense. The Cardinals extended the lead to 14-0 by the end of the third quarter on a six-yard run by Jason Robinson and Morales' extra point.
Hoisington upped their lead to 21-0 with 8:25 left to play in the fourth period as Galla completed a nine-play, 41-yard drive with an eight-yard run and the extra point by Gabe Pawlowski. Ellsworth then got on the scoreboard when Dax Leiker returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown and Bo Kyler's extra point cut the deficit to 21-7.
Ellsworth then had an opportunity to draw closer after forcing a Hoisington punt and was set up on the Cardinal 35-yard line after a personal foul penalty. The drive was thwarted however when Donley threw his second interception of the game and Robinson returned the miscue to the Hoisington 42-yard line. The Cardinals for all intents and purposes put the game away with a six-play 58-yard march that concluded with a 38-yard run by Kyler Russell and Morales' point after increased Hoisington's advantage to 28-7 with just 1:16 left on the clock. A three-yard run in the final minute by Ellsworth's Landin Johnson provided the final margin of 28-15 after Tucker Goss ran in the two-point conversion.
The Hoisington defense held Ellsworth (5-4) to 176 yards of total offense and just 54 yards rushing. Donley finished the game completing eight of 11 pass attempts for 122 yards and two interceptions.
Hoisington (5-4) rushed for 204 yards with Russell accounting for exactly 100 yards on 16 carries and his one touchdown.
The Cardinals, who defeated Ellsworth for the ninth consecutive time and 11th time in the last 12 meetings will advance into the Regional round where they will face Haven at home on Friday, November 8. The Wildcats rolled past Cimarron on Friday, 38-7.
Ellsworth which advanced to the Sectional or Quarterfinal round last season sees this year's playoff run end in the first round. Friday's game was the final one in a Bearcat uniform for seven seniors.