By Marissa VanWingen, The Times Citizen
Early in the contest against top-rated College of DuPage (Division III), Ellsworth Community was knocking on the door of a lead.
However, turnovers continued to plague the Panthers as they fell 58-17 to the visitors.
ECC (1-8) opened the season with the Chaparrals and then hosted them on Saturday. In those two games, COD (9-1) has combined to score 106 points.
The first half was close, until it wasn't. ECC moved right down the field and had opportunities to score, but left those points out there with turnovers and missed field goal tries. The Panthers threw three picks in the opening half, four in the game and lost two fumbles in the game.
The Chaparrals struck first, a short three yard run by Ernest Temple.
In the second stanza, ECC cut the deficit. After moving down the field and being unable to reach the end zone, Nolan Mickelson hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 7-3.
COD had a chance to extend their lead but missed a long field goal try and then later in the period put up 14 quick points. A nine yard pass capped a long drive with 2:47 left to go. Then deep inside their own territory, Kellen Cockrell threw an interception that was returned 19 yards for the touchdown. In just 13 seconds the difference swelled to 21-3 heading into the half. Cockrell threw two picks in the contest. The other two signal callers to take snaps, Gabriel Robinson and Steven Werking, were each intercepted once as well.
The Panthers were able to find the end zone in the second half and eat up some turf. Calvin Swinney had 22 carries for 170 yards and his first touchdown of the season. He finished the game with 170 yards on 22 carries. Signal caller Robinson also had a 63-yard sprint and a score eclipsing 110 yards on the ground.
Despite the loss, there were some positives to take from the contest. The Panthers had the most yards on offense this season (484) and best rushing attack – 362 yards. They also scored the most points they have all year. What has hurt ECC all season long continues to with two games left, finishing drives and ball security.
To finish out the regular season, the Panthers do not have an easy task hosting top ranked Iowa Western Community College (8-1).
For more photos from the game, go here: https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.timescitizen.com%2fgallery%2f11-2-24-ecc-vs-college-of-dupage-fb%2fcollection_6fdcda22-9954-11ef-9f35-7f3406100e4e.html&c=E,1,C0qpKjKfzP8f50FD2BwDe7YJgNxQgZVlAlRL5yV3gFCps942DHPty0LjMn3C3mQnCCxPD-OIPzSqwW8S_IUu9bPHf73XIu4NTabeoUAekcY,&typo=1
College of DuPage 58, Ellsworth 17
Saturday at Iowa Falls
COD: 7| 14| 13| 24 – 58
ECC: 3| 0| 7| 7 – 17
ECC Stats:
Passing: Gabriel Robinson 6-14 63 yds, INT; Kellen Cockrell 5-12 59 yds, 2INT; Steven Werking 0-1 INT.
Rushing: Calvin Swinney 22-170 yds, TD; Robinson 8-110 yds; TD; Nigel Cheeks 10-68 yds; Jamari Brown 2-9 yds; Cockrell 1-5 yds.
Receiving: Amir Nixon 4-62 yds; Swinney 3-30 yds; Jaali Parker 2-17 yds; Cheeks 1-11 yds; Shane Helmick 1-2 yds.
Tackles: Adrian Palos 13; Malachi Jones 10; Symon Stukes 5; Josh Everhart 5.