IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Ellsworth's only scoring came on a pair of field goals as the Panthers lost their season-opener to College of DuPage, 17-6, Thursday night at Cadet Field. Turnovers and penalties hurt the Panthers in their first-game defeat, including a costly fumble on a first-and-goal play in the 4th quarter with ECC trailing by 11.
Ellsworth opened the scoring on a 28-yard field goal by Andrew Walters late in the first quarter. Panther QB Sean Stephens was 14-of-32 passing for 225 yards. Stephens was intercepted twice and the first of those picks was returned for a touchdown in the second period to give DuPage a 7-3 lead. They increased the advantage to 10-3 on a field goal later in the period.
Walters capped a 56-yard drive for ECC in the third quarter with a 23-yard field goal to make it 17-6. The visitors then added to their lead with a TD on the first play of the final quarter. Defensive tackle Malcolm Bryant set the Panthers up for what would have been a huge touchdown midway through the final period when the big DT picked off a pass and rambled 16 yards to the COD 15 yard line. After a 13-yard run by Marice Whitlock gave Ellsworth a first-and-goal at the two, a fumble thwarted the opportunity and Ellsworth then came up empty on their final possession.
In addition to his 225 yards through the air, Stephens also ran for 28 yards on 12 attempts. Whitlock was the leading ground gainer with 27 yards on 9 carries. He also caught 3 passes for 47 yards. Tate Lahr led ECC in receptions with 4 for 34 yards.
On the defensive side, Jaden Davis had an interception and five tackles. Bryant was credited with a sack and five tackles to go along with his interception. Michael Newman and Marvin Woods shared the tackles lead with six each and Nick Breon also recorded five stops.
The Panthers go to Des Moines on Sunday, Sept. 12, to take on the Grand View JV.
