By Marissa VanWingen, The Times Citizen
For the first time this season, Ellsworth Community College had a lead.
On the road at Dodge City Community College, the Panthers were on top through the end of the quarter and that lead remained until 10 minutes into the second stanza. The Conquistadors then went on a 34-0 run to hand the visitors their sixth loss of the season, 39-15.
There were some positives for ECC (0-6) to gleam from the defeat. The defense, who on average have given up 57 points this season, allowed their season low. The offense saw production and had its highest point total this year, but they still struggled moving the ball consistently.
The game started with the Panthers backed up deep in their own territory. The Conquistador (4-3) special teams tackled punter Nolan Michelson in the end zone for the safety and the first points of the contest. On their third offensive drive, ECC missed a 43-yard field goal try but Dodge City was called for roughing the kicker and the visitors received a gifted first down.
The Panthers continued to move the ball down the field and on third and five Steven Werking hit Amir Nixon for the 10-yard touchdown, ending a 16 quarter drought without finding the end zone. The extra point try was no good and ECC ended the first quarter with the lead.
The Conquistadors moved the ball down the field and ate up over six minutes of game clock but stalled out at the Panther 10 yard line. Emanuel Aguilar made a 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to just one – 6-5.
ECC has been unable to avoid turnovers all season and Werking was intercepted giving Dodge City the ball. The Conquistadors then connected on their first big play of the game, a 44-yard pass for the touchdown and the 12-6 lead. Dodge City decided to use that momentum and attempt an onside kick. They got the ball back on they hit another long score, a 67-yard run to extend the lead.
The Panthers had another opportunity to put points on the board. Werking threw his second interception of the game but it was called back due to roughing the passer. The penalty yardage moved ECC to first and goal on the seven but they were unable to get to the end zone. A 27-yard field goal was blocked and the Conquistadors led 19-6 at the break.
Dodge City put up 20 points in the third stanza to extend their advantage. The Panthers were able to find the end zone in the fourth. With Gabriel Robinson in at quarterback, ECC moved down the field and on first and 15 from the home 17 he found Kacen Boyer for the touchdown.
Then with less than five minutes on the clock, the Conquistadors were called for intentional grounding in their own end zone which resulted in a safety – the second in the game.
For more on ECC Athletics, visit https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.timescitizen.com%2fsports%2fecc%2f&c=E,1,v91WUPg_8Y6Y78j5gjWJZJM3W1ERNvBebO1p-1FTcVMuYA_SsFn4tO-YsAtNCkVEJT7_IGwvz2t-87roZDk04eTYBw3xHWPYPLN1Wh9I9d_SJHWJZuTL5o6-1gw,&typo=1
NJCAA FOOTBALL
Saturday at Dodge City, Kan.
ECC: 6| 0| 0| 9 – 15
DCCC: 2| 17| 20| 0 – 39
Scoring Summary:
First Quarter:
DC: 13:22 Safety
ECC: 4:35 Steven Werking 10 yd pass to Amir Nixon (Nolan Michelson PAT blocked)
Second Quarter:
DC: 10:40 Emanuel Aguilar 27 yd field goal
DC: 4:47 Bryce Conover 44 yd pass to Akim Lanieux (PAT)
DC: 4:30 Kerya Powell 67 yd run (PAT)
Third Quarter:
DC: 14:02 Derick Shanks 9 yd run (2 pt failed)
DC: 12:02 Shannon Craver 18 yd run (PAT)
DC: 7:02 Chris Fitzpatrick 2 yd run (PAT)
Fourth Quarter:
ECC: 9:09 Gabe Robinson 17 yd pass to Kacen Boyer (Mickelson PAT)
ECC: 3:44 Safety
ECC Stats:
Passing: Steven Werking 11-21 47 yds, TD, INT; Gabriel Robinson 5-7 43 yds, TD; Kellen Cockrell 0-3; Shane Helmick 0-1.
Rushing: Calvin Swinney 15-27 yds; Werking 8-21 yds; Jamari Brown 6-16 yds; Kacen Boyer 2-(-18) yds; Cockrell 1-(-7) yds; Robinson 5-(-11) yds; Nolan Mickelson 1-(-23) yds.
Receiving: Amir Nixon 3-35 yds, TD; Boyer 3-18 yds, TD; Helmick 3-16 yds; Keondre Woodward-Broaddus 1-9 yds; Troy Werking 1-7 yds; Swinney 2-6 yds; Nigel Cheeks 3-(-1) yds.
The Ellsworth Community College Panthers compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Ellsworth Community College is a member of the Iowa Valley Community College District.