Sports

By MATT DENNING
Ellsworth County I-R

The Bearcats seem to improve with the seasons.

In 2015-16, Ellsworth ended with a 12-10 win-loss record, but had several close games, including pulling within five points at half-time with second- ranked 2A Sacred Heart in the North Central Activities Association league game in Salina.

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By MATT DENNING
Ellsworth County I-R

Head coach Ken Cravens appears to have turned around the culture of the Lady ‘Cats basketball program, as Ellsworth comes off one of its best seasons in several years.

From a 4-17 win-loss record in 2015-16 to a 16-6 record this past season, Cravens has players who have bought into the program.

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Lady Bearcats Kolby Davis and Sierra Kraatz were named to the North Central Activities Association’s all-league volleyball first team for 2017.

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By Addison Crites and Rac hel La matsch

SPEARVILLE — Last Friday, one of the biggest rivalries in 8-man division 1 took place in Spearville. The past three meetings has ultimately resulted in a state playoff berth for the winning team. Looking for the playoff win, as well as revenge for the past two years the Oilers played what could be considered the best football game of their season. Unfortunately, the Oilers lost 28-32 in a heartbreaking last second play which ended their season with a 9-2 record.

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By Jennifer McDaniel
For the Ellsworth I-R

Recently released Kansas high-school football classifications for the 2018 and 2019 seasons are changing the landscape for some prep teams after a proposal passed this summer restructuring certain classes.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released the new classification list in late-September, about three months after the organization’s member schools approved a proposal to reclassify classes 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A in football. Of the 288 member schools, 215 backed the measure. Those changes will take place in September 2018 and will last through the 2019 football season.

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By Addison Crites and Rachel Lamatsch

CLAFLIN — The first playoff game of the 2017 season for 8-man division 1 proved to be one successful night for the Central Plains Oilers. They earned a 58-12 victory over the Macksville Mustangs at home. The Oilers’ record improved to 9-1 as they move on to sectional competition where they will take on the Spearville Lancers at 7 p.m. Friday, in Spearville.

The game would kick off with a fumble recovery at 8:36 by junior Mason Doll ending up in the end zone. Junior quarterback Myles Menges earned the PAT for the O-men. Under two minutes later, junior Alex Hickel’s 53-yard dive brought in another touchdown for the Oilers. The attempt for the two extra points failed.

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By Eric Coonrod
Special to the I-R

LAWRENCE — This past Saturday, Josiah Bolton ran in the 3A Cross Country State Championship race held at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence. This was Josiah’s first trip to the state meet, and he was the lone representative of the Ellsworth High School cross country team. He competed in a field of 106 runners from across the state.

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By Addison Crites and Rachel Lamatsch

The final regular season game for the Central Plains High School Oilers proved to be successful with a 54-0 halftime victory over the Gossell Bluebirds. The win would improve the Oilers record to 8-1 going into the playoffs, as well as adding another district championship title.

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By Addison Crites and Rachel Lamatsch

Last Friday the Central Plains High School Oilers took on league rival, the St. John Tigers. The Oilers dominated all game, which ended at the half, earning a 56-0 road win. Central Plains’ record improves to 7-1.

Three minutes into the game senior Dalton Beck would put the first points on the scoreboard from a 4-yard option. Junior Alex Hickel went on to earn the two extra points for the O-Men. Under two minutes later, junior quarterback Myles Menges’ 42-yard pass to senior Alex Barton resulted in another score for Central Plains. Menges completed the PAT.

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By Taylor Holecek
Special to the I-R

Nothing could stop the Ellsworth Bearcats from flying past the Lyons Lions, 42-0, at their Senior Night game Friday.

The Cats came back from a tough 8-46 loss against the Hoisington Cardinals the previous week.

“They knew they were a better football team than they played last week, and I think they came out and showed that tonight,” head coach Josh Homolka said.

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