Summerland grinds out 24-6 win over Elkhorn Valley

EWING - Another installment of the Summerland-Elkhorn Valley rivalry was in the spotlight on Thursday night as the regular season in Class D1 comes to a conclusion.

This game held massive playoff implications for both the Bobcats (5-2) and Falcons (4-3) entering this game.

Summerland's defense forced Elkhorn Valley into a three and out on the opening possession, then struck gold on their first drive of the game with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Cash Kester to Beau Ahlers.

With a 7-0 lead and another defensive stop, the Bobcats were set to get the ball back - that is, until Austin Mendoza lost the football on the punt return. Korbin Werner jumped on the football and the Falcons took advantage of their next possession as Jarrett Werner scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown.

After failing to convert the two-point conversion, Elkhorn Valley's defense had to attempt to slow down the running game of Ethan Kester. Right before halftime, Kester shed four tackles on his way for a 41-yard touchdown run, giving Summerland a 14-6 lead at halftime.

Aidan McAllister added to the Bobcat lead with a 38-yard field goal that snuck its way past the crossbar.

Elkhorn Valley wasn't able to capture a rhythm on offense and still trailed 17-6 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Summerland scored one final time on a 4-yard burst by Ethan Kester to extend the lead to 24-6 and win the contest to move to 6-2, wrapping up the regular season.

The Bobcats tallied 285 yards of total offense, led by 104 yards and two touchdowns from Ethan Kester. Kester was also a menace on the defensive end, shutting down Falcon's runners in the backfield.

Cash Kester threw for 108 yards and a score, while adding 54 yards on the ground.

Elkhorn Valley was led by Jarrett Werner, who threw for 43 yards and an interception in the late stages of the game. Werner also ran for 37 yards on the ground with a touchdown.

Elkhorn Valley-----  6/0/0/0 = 6

Summerland-------  7/7/3/7 = 24