EL DORADO, KANSAS --  The Ellsworth CC football team closed out the 2023 season on Saturday with a road loss to Butler (Kans.) CC.  The Grizzlies jumped out to a 19-0 lead after one quarter and went on to defeat the Panthers, 47-8.

The lone Ellsworth touchdown came on a 1-yard run by Brycen Davis in the 2nd period.  They closed out the scoring with a 4th-quarter safety.  

The Panthers showed some life on offense after being held in check the previous 2 games.  They had 16 first downs and 127 yards passing from QB Lucas Katayama, who was 17-for-35 through the air.  The running game still had trouble getting untracked, however, with ECC held to negative yards rushing for the 3rd consecutive game.  The visitors held the edge in time of possession.  Jaali Parker led the pass-catchers with 6 grabs and 65 yards.  Dominic McCarren caught 3 balls for 29 yards.  Calvin Swinney paced ECC on the ground with 16 yards on 12 carries.  Joel Lacy ran twice for 12 yards. 

Malachi Jones led the Panthers defense with his 7 tackles.  Jahlenn Huffman, Xavian Andrews, Gabe Ricketts and Emannuel Fandeh all were in on 5 stops.  Caliel Long picked up a sack and Tate Glaspie recovered a fumble.

Playing a brutal schedule, Ellsworth ended the campaign with a 1-10 record.