Ellsworth Community College football got its second win of the season Saturday in there homecoming game against Fort Scott Community College. The Panthers were down a couple of key players, but the team rallied to win 32-14.
Two passes from the Panthers' JuJuan Young-Battle in the first quarter propelled the Panthers to a 16-0 lead. Young-Battle connected with Marcel Williams on a 35-yard pass and then with Jaleel Scott for a 4-yard touchdown pass.
Young-Battle went out of the game with an injury in the second quarter, and Mitch Weiland took over for the Panthers. Fort Scott tried to answer the Panthers' first two touchdowns with one of their own in the second. ECC kept the lead, still up two touchdowns with a pass from Wieland to Williams to end the first half 22-7.
"Mitch did a good job coming in off the bench," commented ECC Head Football Coach Jesse Montalto. "He threw for a touchdown on his first pass. He managed the rest of the game for us."
The Panthers were held scoreless in the third quarter, while Fort Scott scored one touchdown. ECC got the momentum going again in the fourth quarter when defensive lineman Tyler Chaudoin sacked the Fort Scott quarterback in the end zone for a 2-point safety. The Panthers scored another touchdown with a carry from Solomon Cooper for 25 yards to make the final score 32-14.
"Tyler's safety was the difference maker for us," commented Montalto. "It took us to a two score game, from 8 to 10 points. The guys could relax and finish the game off after that."
Young-Battle is currently leading the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) in passing yards per game (290.1) and touchdowns (17). Jerry Jones is leading the ICCAC in receiving yards per game with 87.6.
"This was a great win for the kids after everything they have been through. We are proud of their perseverance. They were able to over come a lot and get the win for homecoming."
The Panthers will be on the road for their next three games. The next stop will be at Independence Community College on Oct. 17, with a 1 pm kickoff time.
