GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS -- ECC's Josh Bauer connected on three scoring passes to Darrius Jackson but it wasn't enough to prevent the College of DuPage from defeating the Ellsworth Panthers, 44-28, on Friday night.

The game matched two teams that had opened the season against one another, with the Chaparrals beating ECC, 17-6, in early September in Iowa Falls.

This time around, COD's Brooks Blount scored the first of his three touchdowns in the opening quarter for a quick 6-0 lead.  Ellsworth tied the score later in the period when Isaiah Smith scooped up a blocked punt and rambled 32 yards for a score.  

Blount, the Chaparrals QB, found the end zone two more times for a 23-6 advantage before Bauer and Jackson hooked up for a 19-yard scoring toss.  The ECC duo teamed up again later in the period from 20 yards out to allow the Panthers to creep back to within 23-20.  

College of DuPage took over, though, in the second half, producing three rushing touchdowns to go on top, 44-20.

Bauer and Jackson weren't finished yet, however, capping a 7-play, 65-yard drive in the 4th quarter with their 3rd TD, this one from 22 yards away.  Not only did the two Panthers hook up on a trio of TD passes, but they also accounted for two 2-point conversions.

Jackson had an outstanding finish to the season, grabbing 7 scoring passes over the last 4 games.

For the second straight week, Ellsworth had trouble establishing its ground game.  The Panthers were held to minus-7 yards on 12 attempts.  The week before, against Iowa Central, ECC had zero net rushing yards.

Bauer completed 21-of-42 passes for 283 yards.  Seven of his completions went to Aghogho Eyafe for 80 yards.  Jackson pulled in 5 catches for 78 yards, Erastus Antsino caught 4 for 65 and Marice Whitlock 3 for 47.

The Panthers end the year with a 2-8 record.  College of DuPage will play in the NJCAA DIII title game Dec. 4 against an opponent still to be determined.