STERLING 34, ELLINWOOD 6

ELLINWOOD – Once Sterling discovered Ellinwood had issues with pass defense, the Black Bears passed for two lightning-quick first-half scores en route to a 34-6 2A, District 5 football victory.

Ellinwood scored a 63-yard touchdown on the final play of the ballgame. Jacob Cole rumbled 25 yards on a fumble by teammate David Hammeke. Hammeke caught a pass from quarterback Lane Klepper and broke several tackles while racing to the Sterling 25-yard line.

Hammeke fumbled the football, but handed it to Cole, who sprinted the final 25 yards for a score. A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for celebrating the touchdown was declined by Sterling, but the touchdown counted.

Sterling quarterback Brady Myers completed a pair of touchdown passes of 47- and 78-yards to Cody Oden and added a 21-yard scoring strike to Logan Weigel.

Sterling back Alan Anderson scored on second-half runs of 27- and 47-yards.

Sterling’s defense intercepted Ellinwood quarterback Kyler Doll three times. Sterling defensive back Casey Duft shadowed Ellinwood receiver David Hammeke, holding him to two catches on six passes.

It marked the third time the Eagles were shut out after previous scoreless games against Lakin and LaCrosse.

Ellinwood (3-3, 1-2 District) travels to SW Heights (1-5, 1-2) next week for a 2A playoff spot while Sterling (2-4, 2-1) moves into playoff contention.

Ellinwood’s Maddy Ward was honored as Homecoming queen and Bryce Baker earned Homecoming king honors.

STERLING 34, ELLINWOOD 6

Ellinwood 0 0  0 0 – 6

Sterling  0 13 7 14 –34

S—Logan Weigel 21 pass from Brady Myers (kick failed)—3:17

S—Cody Oden 78 pass from Myers (Weigel kick)—1:31

S—Oden 47 pass from Myers (Weigel kick)—6:53

S--Alan Anderson 27 run (Weigel kick)—11:51

S--Anderson 47 run (Weigel kick)—1:15

E—Jacob Cole 25 fumble return