Football Game Preview: Ellis Railroaders vs. LaCrosse Leopards

The Ellis Railroaders will face off against the LaCrosse Leopards at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ellis is coming into the matchup on a five-game losing streak dating back to last season.

Last Friday, Ellis ended up a good deal behind Hoxie and lost 46-32.

Despite their defeat, Ellis saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Trenton Schartz, who threw for 286 yards and three TDs, and also rushed for 64 yards, was perhaps the best of all. Another player making a difference was Baylor Born, who picked up 91 receiving yards and one score.

Meanwhile, LaCrosse was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Saturday as they fell 24-20 to Central Plains. The loss put an end to the Leopards' undefeated start to the season.

Ellis will have to keep a close watch on Christian Rush and Connor Spreier, a pair of players who had a big impact on LaCrosse's prior game. Rush rushed for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Spreier rushed for 34 yards and one TD. Rush is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 102 every time he's taken the field this season.

Ellis' loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for LaCrosse, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.

Everything came up roses for Ellis against LaCrosse when the teams last played back in September of 2024, as the team secured a 53-8 win. Will the Railroaders repeat their success, or do the Leopards have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.