HILLSBORO: Trojans destroy Ellsworth 49-0 years ago
Hillsboro snaps three-game losing streak, mauling winless Bearcats
BY RYAN RICHTER
Sports writer
Dropping three consecutive games by a total of five points would leave an awful taste in any team's mouths.
Friday night's game between Hillsboro and the hosting Ellsworth Bearcats provided the Trojans with something even better than the freshening taste of Listerine.
A team that appeared to be on the verge of folding, the Trojans got back to playing the type of football that coach Dustin McEwen's teams have been noted for playing.
The Trojans blasted the Bearcats with a barrage of offense on their way to a 49-0 wipeout. The victory improves Hillsboro to 2-3 on the year.
"It was timed well as far as it helped us get some confidence back in some of the things we're doing," McEwen said. "Get our plays working, run for a lot of yards, and throw for a lot of yards and have success doing it."
That's to say the least. The Trojans used big plays to roll up 449 yards of total offense with 257 coming on the ground.
Alan Yoder rushed for a career-high 117 yards and two touchdowns, both coming from runs better than 50 yards.
The Hillsboro defense limited the Bearcats to a scant 91 yards, the lowest amount of offense the Trojans have allowed this season.
The Trojans came out of the gate hesistant, looking for a takeaway, allowing the Bearcats to march deep into Hillsboro territory.
Ellsworth had its only legitimate shot at scoring wiped out on a fumble that was recovered by Hillsboro.
"They came out on their opening drive and drove about 40 yards on us until we decided to play football, not be hesitant and come up and hit some people," McEwen said.
"I was pleased with how the defense responded after that first drive, and they started playing like they should have the entire game."
With 6:35 left in the first quarter, the lights began to go out on the Bearcats. By the end of the first quarter, it was pitch dark for Ellsworth, trailing 21-0.
Caleb Marsh burned the Bearcats for three scores, igniting the Hillsboro onslaught by taking off on a 77-yard touchdown run around the right end.
Shawn Hughbanks picked off a Brad Barta pass and dashed 42 yards for the second Trojan touchdown of the first quarter, 1:14 after the first touchdown.
While Marsh made a mark carrying the ball twice for 75 yards, he left an even bigger scar as a receiver, hauling in an 89-yard bomb from Dustin Jost with better than 3:00 left in the opening frame.
Hillsboro kept the steamroller moving in the second quarter with Yoder breaking free for a 53-yard touchdown scamper.
Marsh put the finishing touches on a four-catch night for a season-high 135 yards with a nine-yard reception.
The final Marsh touchdown sent the Trojans in at intermission with a commanding 35-0 lead.
Yoder struck again in the third quarter, scoring one of Hillsboro's two touchdowns on a 54-yard barrel up the middle.
After three quarters, Ellsworth's deficit had grown to 42-0 before McEwen finally called off the dogs and put in the reserves.
With the Trojans sitting comfortably in the driver's seat, sophomore Tim Funk bullied his way into the end zone from a yard out to seal the win for Hillsboro.
"I think that win gets you back on the right foot," McEwen said. "It puts a positive slant on things."
"Hopefully, we can get on roll here and win a few heading into districts on a two-game winning streak and have some confidence there and see what we can get accomplished."
The Trojans travel Friday to Sterling for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Black Bears.
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