Football Game Preview: LaCrosse Leopards vs. Ellis Railroaders

For the first time this season, LaCrosse will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will venture away from home to square off against the Ellis Railroaders at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Last Saturday, LaCrosse was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 24-20 to Central Plains. The loss continues a trend for the Leopards in their meetings with the Oilers: they've now lost three in a row.

Christian Rush

Rushing Yards

09/20/25 vs Central Plains	102
09/12/25 vs Logan/Palco	106
09/05/25 @ St. John	106

Despite the defeat, LaCrosse had strong showings from Christian Rush, who rushed for 102 yards and two TDs, and Connor Spreier, who rushed for 34 yards and one score. 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.

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

LaCrosse will need to focus on slowing down Trenton Schartz, one of several Ellis players who made an impact when they last played. He threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 64 yards. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Carson Schartz, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Having lost for the first time this season, LaCrosse fell to 2-1. As for Ellis, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.

LaCrosse was dealt a bruising 53-8 defeat at the hands of Ellis when the teams last played back in September of 2024. Can the Leopards avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.