The Ellsworth Community College football team played an exciting game Saturday against rival Iowa Central, but the Panthers collected the 35-28 victory in overtime.
ECC was outscored in only the first quarter, in spite of tallying a touchdown on a 24-yard pass from Paris Chambers to Drew Greenhaw; Iowa Central had two touchdowns in the first quarter.
The Panthers tenaciously put a touchdown on the board each remaining quarter in the game to claim the victory. The Panthers' touchdown in the second quarter came on a 1-yard pass from Chambers to Isaiah Thomas. The third quarter saw Josh Belle score on a 45-yard interception return, and the fourth quarter touchdown came from Ben Rooney with a 28-yard catch from Chambers.
With a tied score going into overtime the Panthers scored on a 21-yard pass from Chambers to Thomas to get the win.
Chambers completed on 17 passes for a total of 203 yards. Tekendrick Roberson led the Panthers in rushing for 85 yards. ECC receivers were led by Rooney, who had 96 yards and 1 touchdown. He was followed by Greenhaw with 51 yards and 1 touchdown, and Thomas with 26 yards and two touchdowns.
Kicker Jack Lemke had a perfect game, going 5-for-5 with extra points kicks.
Three Panthers led the defense with 7 tackles each: Javonte Arius, had 6 of 7 solo tackles, and Naeem Smith and Keonte Schad each had 7. Deanjelo Anderson had two sacks in the game, and Demetrius Caddell had one sack. Elijah Jones had two interceptions, and Belle had one interception that was returned for a touchdown.
With the win, Coach Jesse Montalto improves to 4-0 over Iowa Central.
The Panthers will host Dodge City Community College for Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 1 pm.
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Photo Caption: Ben Rooney with a carry for the Panthers.
