HAYS — The TMP-Marian Monarchs shook off an early Ellsworth touchdown and cruised to a 38-12 win over the Bearcats Friday night at Lewis Field in Hays.
In the first home action since Week 1, the TMP-Marian Monarchs fell behind early as the Bearcats returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. Just 15 seconds into the game, Ellsworth led 6-0.
But the early deficit did not deter the Monarchs, as they answered with a six-play touchdown drive capped by a 33-yard touchdown run by Grant Nehls to take a 7-6 lead.
Ellsworth fumbled the ensuing kickoff, setting TMP up at the Bearcats' 13-yard line. TMP used just three plays to cross into the end zone on a 2-yard run by Nehls, putting TMP up 14-6 with just over six and a half minutes left in the first quarter.
The Monarchs' defense limited Ellsworth to two punts in the second quarter while TMP built a 28-6 lead at halftime.
Austin Liles found Jacob Seib on a fourth-down play for a 19-yard touchdown with just under 10 1/2 minutes left in the first half, giving TMP a 21-6 lead.
Jackson Gillespie broke free and scored on an 11-yard touchdown run with a little more than a minute remaining in the first half, giving TMP a 28-6 lead at halftime.
Gillespie added his second touchdown, scoring on a 15-yard run just 45 seconds into the fourth quarter to put TMP up 35-6.
Liles added a 25-yard field goal, giving TMP a 38-6 lead with just under five minutes left as the Monarchs went on to the 38-12 victory.
TMP outgained Ellsworth 393-164 in total yards. Ellsworth scored on a 54-yard touchdown as time expired.
Gillespie finished with 152 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries for TMP. Liles added 138 yards through the air on 9-of-18 passing, with one touchdown and one interception.
TMP improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1988 and just the third time since 1970.
The Monarchs will host Republic County for homecoming and a return to district play next week.