IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- College of DuPage scored the go-ahead touchdown early in the 4th quarter and defeated Ellsworth CC, 17-10, in the season opener for both teams Thursday night at Cadet Field.  

The Panthers put together a drive after the COD TD in the final period, but an interception, the only ECC turnover of the game, ended the possession and the Chaparrals hung on for the victory.

COD took a 2nd quarter lead of 7-0 and the Panthers tied the score later in the half on a Nigel Cheeks touchdown run.  The Chaparrals got a 27-yard field goal at the end of the 2nd period to take a 10-7 advantage to the locker room.

The only points of the 3rd quarter came from an Alex Budina 34-yard field goal for ECC that knotted the game at 10-10.

The Panthers actually outgained the two-time defending national champions 198-189.  Ellsworth gained 95 yards on the ground, led by quarterback Tristan McClary's 54 yards on 18 carries.  Calvin Swinney ran for 26 yards on 4 attempts.  McClary threw for 103 yards and his leading receiver was Dominick McCarren with 41 yards on 2 receptions.  Jaali Parker caught 2 passes for 35 yards.  Kyron Burroughs grabbed 3 passes.

Adrian Palos led the tackle chart with 6 and Xavian Andrews had 5 stops and accounted for ECC's only takeaway with an interception.

Ellsworth faces a tough task in its next game, a contest at Hutchinson CC next Saturday.